the mall . Pops of colour are introduced via the tiling , column cladding and hanging pendants with colour changing lighting on the columns creating further interest in the various courts .
A continuous signage bulkhead above the shop fronts and feature lighting bring unity to the interiors and add a sense of intimate proportion to an otherwise grand space .
“ Timber elements and finishes are used in the toilet areas and the main court to further provide warmth and texture . The design and selection of finishes ensure intimate proportions in a grand space are achieved at Mall of Thembisa ,” says Pretorius . site . An off-take agreement that was facilitated with Imbizo ( the largest restaurant anchor ) determined the first seedlings that would be planted . The seeds were selected in order to cater to the needs of the Imbizo kitchen who purchased their first crops from the co-op in August 2020 .
A Place of Promise Thembisa is derived from a Nguni word meaning ‘ promise ’ or ‘ hope ’. A visit to Mall of Thembisa evokes the vibrancy and potential of the people of Thembisa and points to a promise of even greater things to come .
Innovative Local Community Involvement Initiatives The Kasi CoLAB is a township designer ’ s emporium that provides local designers with a prime location within Mall of Thembisa from which to trade , free of charge . Eleven local entrepreneurs were selected to trade rent-free for a year with a view to growing their businesses during this time .
The open-plan space located close to a prominent entrance includes a seating area and vibrant graffiti painted by local artists . The CoLAB has already seen the local designers growing from strength to strength with a number of them breaking their own turnover records on opening day .
One of the most exciting initiatives is the creation of a farming co-op on site . “ I have been wanting to start a farmers ’ market for fifteen years and we have finally brought this to life at the Mall of Thembisa ,” says McCormick .
The site is adjacent to a flood plain of the Kaalspruit where local farmers have been farming the land for years . A cooperative was formed with these farmers , Reahola , which grows spinach , cabbage , beetroot , assorted herbs and more on
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