Prince Buthelezi Mall unveiled in Empangeni

New 37 000m² retail development sets the foundation for future growth in Northern KwaZulu-Natal

The Moolman Group and partners have officially opened Prince Buthelezi Mall in Empangeni, marking one of the company’s most impactful developments to date. The retail centre has introduced a new retail node to northern KwaZulu-Natal and is expected to catalyse future investment into the area.

Developed in partnership with Twin City and Melta Capital, the centre spans 37 000m² of gross lettable area and launched with more than 100 stores trading. Representing a significant development investment, alongside over R100 million allocated to municipal infrastructure upgrades, the project reflects a long-term commitment to both the retail development and surrounding regional upliftment.

The official opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by various dignitaries and regional leadership, including Premier Of KwaZulu Natal, Honourable A.T Ntuli; iNkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi, MP, Buthelezi Clan; Chairperson of the Prince Buthelezi Foundation, President V.D Hlabisa; His Worship the Mayor of uMhlathuze Municipality, Cllr X. Ngwezi; Honourable Councillor SS Dlamini, District Mayor – King Cetshwayo District Municipality; and Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC Cogta, highlighting the magnitude of the development within the broader provincial context. The opening was also warmly received by the community with over 100 000 people visiting the mall over its opening weekend.

A milestone development for the collaborating partners

“Prince Buthelezi Mall is proof of what the right collaboration can achieve. As co-owners alongside Melta Capital and the Moolman Group, we are immensely proud of the partnership that made this possible, the Moolman Group’s outstanding leadership on the development, RMB’s financial backing, and the invaluable support of the City of uMhlathuze Local Municipality. Together, these partnerships have produced a benchmark for retail development and a genuine catalyst for long-term economic growth in this community” shared Ryno De Leeuw, CEO of Twin City.

“What stands here is far more than a retail development of steel and glass. It is a legacy project, carrying the name of a leader who dedicated his life to the service, dignity and advancement of our nation. To be associated with that legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility that we hold in the highest regard. While investment decisions are often guided by data and planning, our first visit to this site revealed something more meaningful. We saw a community that had long been underserved and a region ready to embrace a world-class retail experience. We are delighted to see this vision come to life,” said Sihle Ndlovu, Executive Chairman of Melta Capital.

For the Moolman Group, as the lead developers, the delivery of Prince Buthelezi Mall represents a key milestone within its property portfolio that currently includes 92 properties with over 1 287 000m² GLA. This significant project showcases both scale and complexity, from initial planning through to execution. Steph Beyers, Director of Developments at the Moolman Group reflects on the magnitude of the project: “What makes this opening really special is that it speaks to what can be achieved when a team is aligned around a clear vision and committed to delivering on it. There is a strong sense of pride in what has been created here,” he shared.

Catalysing long-term regional impact

Looking ahead, the development is expected to act as a catalyst for further investment and activity within the Empangeni node. As the first major retail development of this scale in the area in several years, it introduces both critical retail infrastructure and a platform for broader economic participation.

Lombaard notes that the impact extends beyond retail to improving quality of life. “A development of this scale creates tangible opportunity, from direct employment within the centre, where over 1 200 jobs have already been created, to wider economic activity linked to logistics, manufacturing and services. It also brings a level of convenience and accessibility that was not previously available to the community.”

With a strong tenant mix, significant infrastructure investment and a clearly defined role within the province, Prince Buthelezi Mall showcases what is possible with the right expertise in delivering impactful, large-scale developments that respond to both market demand and long-term growth potential.