JOHANNESBURG – The Masingita Group of Companies, led by property mogul Dr. Mike Nkuna, has officially broken ground on its latest major retail development: the Fleurhof Mall.
Situated on Fleurhof Drive, a strategic artery connecting Soweto to Roodepoort, the new retail hub is scheduled to open its doors in September 2026. The project is a joint venture between Nkuna’s Masingita Group and Abcon Developments, designed to serve one of Johannesburg’s largest integrated residential nodes.
Unlocking the “Economic Corridor”
The 22,500m² development marks a significant consolidation of Nkuna’s portfolio in the Gauteng township economy. Unlike standalone centers, Fleurhof Mall is positioned as an “economic corridor” linking the historically segregated areas of Soweto and the West Rand.
“This is more than just a development project; it’s about empowering communities and creating opportunities,” Dr. Nkuna stated regarding the launch.
Key project specifications include:
- Anchor Tenants: Confirmed leases with retail giants Shoprite and Pick n Pay.
- Job Creation: The construction phase is currently generating hundreds of jobs, with long-term employment across retail and security expected upon completion in late 2026.
- Infrastructure: The site utilizes the upgraded Fleurhof Drive commuter link to access a primary catchment area of over 20,000 households.
The Masingita Empire
Dr. Nkuna, who also holds a 37% stake in Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, continues to dominate the township and rural retail space. The Fleurhof project adds to an extensive asset base that includes:
- Soweto: Jabulani Mall, Bara Mall, and Protea Glen Mall.
- Limpopo: Masingita Mall (Giyani), Makhado Crossing, and the Masingita Towers in Sandton.
- Fuel & Franchise: A network of high-volume Sasol, BP, and Shell forecourts across Gauteng and Limpopo.
Future Vision: The Smart City
While construction proceeds in Soweto, the group is simultaneously advancing its flagship “Nkuna Smart City” project in rural Limpopo.
Currently in the planning and infrastructure phase, the R1.5 billion to R5 billion development aims to create a tech-driven urban hub featuring industrial parks, healthcare facilities, and residential zones in the Collins Chabane municipality. The initiative is projected to create up to 8,000 jobs during its lifecycle, further cementing Nkuna’s status as a key driver of decentralized economic development in South Africa.
