The Ekhaya Mall opened today to bring long-awaited shopping convenience to the community of Embalenhle, Secunda, in the coalfields of Mpumalanga.
The Ekhaya Mall is a development by S-Identity Holdings and co-owned by S-Identity Holdings, Cashbuild South Africa and Nomatiki Trading Enterprise. It is a significant investment distinguished by excellent retail property fundamentals, from its unmissable visibility to its effortless access for its shoppers, whether using public or private transport.
The mall opened amid much excitement. Its first two phases of some 10,700sqm were officially launched by dignitaries and co-owners on 28 April 2021, a day before the mall’s public opening on 29 April 2021. Its sixteen-month development process started in October 2019. Based on shopper and retailer demand, the mall’s third phase of 1,800sqm is already on the cards.
The Ekhaya Mall comprises 45 shops, including anchors Cashbuild, Shoprite and Roots Butchery, which all offer their very latest concepts to customers. A Sasol filling station is integrated with the development, as is a new 17 taxi bay facility. Both are ideal matches for a mall located at a busy crossroad intersection. Linked to Sasol filling station, the mall features a 24-hour trading area where select tenants can trade around the clock.
Besides an excellent line-up of anchors, the Ekhaya Mall has a great range of shopping, with leading names including Ackermans, Pep and Pep Cell, Shoprite Liquor, The Local Choice, general dealer Nizams, King Pie and the financial services of Absa, Capitec, and FNB, with Nedbank ATM to open shortly. Celebrating the warm local climate, there’s also outdoor dining from KFC, Romans Pizza, Roots Grill and Roots Grill Sports.
David Lieberman, Director of S-Identity Holdings, says, “We are thrilled to open the Ekhaya Mall. It has been an exciting and rewarding development process, although at times somewhat challenging, especially in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we believe we have stayed true to our vision to create a mall that is all about its local community. The Ekhaya Mall is at a natural gathering point right on the doorstep of its community, with a tenant mix that provides quality goods, services, experiences and great customer service. The mall’s fresh, modern design beautifully reflects its place and people. It is a great asset for the social and economic prosperity of this community.”
The development meaningfully enhanced the local economy by creating numerous jobs and prioritising contracting employment and services from the local community wherever possible. During peak times, more than 560 people were working on site on an average day, some of which included the project’s brickwork and formwork subcontractors, electricians, plumbers and steel fixers. The mall’s retail [and operational] function have also generated around 260 permanent jobs at the mall and more than 100 off-site jobs and several temporary employment opportunities.
The Ekhaya Mall enjoys a prime position at the bustling intersection of the R580 and the R546, right at the entrance to the Embalenhle township. It is located ideally to serve the community of Embalenhle and consumers from nearby Evander, Secunda and Trichardspruit. Positioned for superb visibility and easy access from both busy crossroads, the mall’s development has also brought substantial improvements to the surrounding roads for everyone who uses them.
The Ekhaya Mall’s entrances, defined by bright splashes of colour, are stand-out architectural features that make it easy to navigate. Inside, shoppers will enjoy natural light beaming through high-level windows. Plants and greenery are integrated into the retail experience, with a promotional court that is a focal point for activities within the mall.
The mall’s thoughtful design also considers the environment in many ways, specifically using renewable energy from the sun. It will soon be installing a 650kVA solar power solution. Indigenous low-maintenance trees, bushes and shrubbery have been planted as part of the mall’s landscaping to conserve water resources.
Another highlight is the greening of the mall’s site, with 180 trees planted to commemorate lost loved ones. The first tree was planted in memory of Lieberman’s late partner, Vusi Tshabalala.
Lieberman says, “The Ekhaya Mall brings to fruition the vision and hard work of many wonderful people. We are thrilled to open the Ekhaya Mall finally and excited to welcome the people of Embalenhle and its surrounds. The mall will make it easier to fulfil daily retail, banking, medical and social needs in an enjoyable, quality environment. We are incredibly proud of this quality shopping and meeting place that genuinely serves the retail needs of the entire family and community, all under one roof.”