explains Laurence Rapp, CEO of Vukile Property Fund.“ For Vukile, investment in a mall is an investment in its community. We see not only what’ s on the surface, but the deeper potential. We are committed to unlocking potential by creating places that bring enjoyment, convenience, pride and economic momentum to people’ s daily lives.”
This approach has brought brands to Mthatha that were previously unavailable anywhere in the region. Since acquisition, Mall of Mthatha has welcomed Pick n Pay Clothing, Dis-Chem, Burger King, Queenspark, Newscafé, Volpes and Home Choice. Together with the existing Woolworths and Checkers, these are all firsts for Mthatha. Numerous other retailers have also joined, while popular existing stores have expanded or been upgraded. The focus on essential goods and fashion favourites reflects an understanding of the regional market and local shopping patterns.
The retail performance demonstrates the success of this approach. Since the change in ownership, as the mall’ s redevelopment progressed, vacancies have dropped from 20 % to just 1.72 %. Annual turnover between September 2024 and August 2025 increased by 25 % yearon-year, with annual foot traffic growing to more than 6 million visitors.
“ We envisage a new town square evolving at the Mall of Mthatha precinct to bring together the various aspects of this development,” Lahaye concludes.“ With extensive upgrades, Mall of Mthatha unlocks the mall’ s potential, creating a more engaging, appealing, and convenient experience for everyone in a province with immense potential.”
The project is an example of how thoughtful architectural intervention can transform existing retail infrastructure into something greater than the sum of its parts. By addressing everything from parking circulation to public gathering spaces, from natural lighting to restaurant precincts, MDS Architecture has created a blueprint for regional retail renewal worth referencing.
A Catalyst for Urban Development Mthatha presents an interesting context for this development. While much of the Eastern Cape remains rural, the city supports an established university, a golf course and high-rise office development. The Mall of Mthatha refurbishment, combined with broader infrastructure spending and support from local government, positions the precinct as a potential catalyst for continued urban development.
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