Flanagan & Gerard and GrandWest have broken ground on the R650 million GrandWest Mall, a 22,000m² convenience shopping centre within Cape Town’s GrandWest precinct. With over 70% of space already let, the mall will include Checkers FreshX, SuperSpar, Dis-Chem, Clicks and leading fashion retailers. Designed with Western Cape inspiration, the development prioritises local procurement, community employment and integration with GrandWest’s entertainment, dining and leisure offering.

Mall of Thembisa made history by hosting South Africa’s first township retail FIFA World Cup fan park, bringing the excitement of the tournament directly to the local community. More than 2,000 supporters gathered to enjoy live entertainment, giveaways and the opening match experience. The initiative reflects Exemplar’s commitment to community upliftment, youth engagement and experiential retail, while demonstrating how township shopping centres can become vibrant hubs for entertainment, connection and shared celebration.

Hyprop Investments has expanded its Eastern European retail portfolio through the acquisition of Galleria Burgas in Bulgaria for EUR122.2 million. The transaction increases Eastern Europe’s contribution to 37% of Hyprop’s gross asset value and reinforces the REIT’s strategy of investing in dominant retail centres within high-growth markets. Located in Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city, the modern shopping centre offers strong tenant demand, redevelopment potential and opportunities for further earnings-enhancing asset management initiatives.

Construction of the Golden Acre’s retail component marks a key phase in transforming the precinct into an 18-hour mixed-use hub in Cape Town’s CBD. The upgrade will enhance tenant mix, safety, and pedestrian flow while supporting affordable housing above. Anchored by public-private collaboration, the redevelopment aims to revitalise a critical commuter node and create a more integrated, secure, and vibrant urban environment.

Resilient REIT has recycled capital through the partial sale of its Lighthouse Properties stake, raising approximately R332 million while maintaining a 27.6% holding. The move supports its development pipeline and demonstrates a disciplined approach to capital allocation. By balancing value realisation with ongoing offshore exposure, the transaction underscores a broader shift among REITs towards active portfolio management and positioning for long-term growth in a improving property market.

Jumbo Mall in Emalahleni will officially open on 19 March 2026, introducing a 37,000m² regional retail centre anchored by more than 100 stores including Shoprite, Boxer, Clicks and Dis-Chem. The four-day launch celebration, themed “Indawo Yethu – Our Place,” will feature entertainment, promotions and community participation. Developed by New Africa Developments, the mall is set to become a major retail, social and economic hub for the region.

Flanagan & Gerard Property Group has taken full ownership of Morningside Shopping Centre in Sandton, acquiring its partner’s stake in the R640 million community retail asset. The fully let 11,600m² centre, anchored by Woolworths Food, Pick n Pay and Clicks, delivers stable footfall and resilient income. Sole ownership enables faster decision-making as the group advances zoning optimisation and further value-enhancement initiatives.

Growthpoint Properties has begun a R270 million redevelopment of its high-performing Paarl Mall, expanding the centre to 44,474m² and enhancing its retail mix, layout and shopper experience. The upgrade targets sustained rental growth, strong trading performance and long-term relevance, introducing new fashion, food and lifestyle offerings alongside energy-efficient infrastructure to support the mall’s continued market leadership in the Boland region.

Accelerate Property Fund has agreed to sell Bosveld Mall in Bela Bela for R88 million, excluding VAT, as part of its ongoing portfolio repositioning strategy. The disposal supports debt reduction and reflects the group’s continued focus on Fourways Mall. The transaction, concluded at an implied yield of 8.6%, includes a short-term rental guarantee and follows earlier asset sales in the Fourways node.

The proposed US$100 million Mall of Zimbabwe marks a decisive vote of confidence in the country’s urban consumer economy. At 90,000m² GLA, it will be Zimbabwe’s largest single-phase mall in decades, signalling that patient, data-driven capital is returning. Led by McCormick Property Development with local partners, the project positions modern retail as lifestyle infrastructure and a catalyst for jobs, investment, and urban renewal that supports growth and long-term market resilience.