The expansion takes Nonesi Mall’s gross lettable area to nearly 3,100m2, with the redevelopment focused on broadening the tenant mix, improving the shopping experience and increasing access to essential retail and financial services.
The project repurposed previously underused parking space at the front of the mall and was shaped by Vukile’s customer analytics and insights into the needs of shoppers in the surrounding community.
"By combining data with deep local insight, we create tenant mixes and retail experiences that reflect the distinct needs and aspirations of each mall's shoppers," says Itumeleng Mothibeli, managing director for South Africa at Vukile Property Fund.
Four new tenants anchor the extension: OBC Better Butchery, Dis-Chem Pharmacy, Standard Bank and Absa Bank.
They join established national retailers including Game, Checkers, Boxer Superstores, Woolworths and Jet. The redevelopment has also brought the relocation and refurbishment of Clicks, the arrival of Edgars and an expansion of Sidestep.
The additions expand Nonesi Mall’s retail and services offering, positioning the centre as a more comprehensive one-stop destination for shoppers in Komani.
Vukile expects the project to deliver a 9.5% net operating income yield, reinforcing its strategy of investing in asset management initiatives that enhance the performance and resilience of its retail portfolio.
The redevelopment has also generated economic opportunities in the Eastern Cape, creating 356 employment opportunities, including 174 for local people.
Of approximately R39.7m spent on subcontractors and materials, R12.5m went to businesses in the local community and a further R26.6m elsewhere in the Eastern Cape, meaning 98.5% of project expenditure remained within the province.
"Nonesi Mall shows what targeted, community-conscious investment can achieve," says Mothibeli. "It was already one of our best-performing assets and this redevelopment builds on that foundation in a considered and purposeful way."
The extension was officially launched on 13 August 2026 under the banner 'Sikhulile', meaning 'We've grown', with tenants, project partners and other stakeholders attending the opening.
