Johannesburg, 2 March 2026: Excitement is mounting in northern KwaZulu-Natal as the highly-anticipated Prince Buthelezi Mall nears completion in Empangeni. Set to open at the end of April 2026, the plush new multi-million rand shopping destination promises to bring everyday convenience, a vibrant range of stores and inviting shared spaces to the Empangeni and Richards Bay community.
Shaped by 4 years of planning and 15 months of development, Prince Buthelezi Mall has been thoughtfully designed to make daily life easier and more enjoyable. From grocery shopping and fashion finds to relaxed dining and entertainment, the centre will house everything the people need in a beautiful, comfortable centre that is safe, secure and fully air-conditioned, right next to the R34 and R102 crossing.
“Prince Buthelezi Mall has been designed to be a truly distinctive destination, shaped by its surroundings and the needs of the local community. We believe it will play a meaningful role in enhancing everyday convenience and contributing positively to the quality of life for people living and working in the area,” shared Hermann Stassen, Head of Developments at Moolman Group.
A Place Built with the Community in Mind
Spanning approximately 37,000 square metres, the mall will showcase around 90 stores, including major chains, supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants and a variety of speciality shops, many of which will be a first for Empangeni.
Accessibility has been a key focus from the start. The development includes plenty of parking and significant upgrades to surrounding roads and the nearby bridge. The developers have also worked closely with local taxi associations to make travelling between the CBD and the mall simple and convenient for shoppers, with a dedicated taxi rank on site as well. During construction, more than 2,000 people have already been employed, with many more jobs expected for local people once stores open their doors.
“We’re incredibly excited to be so close to opening Prince Buthelezi Mall. This development brings a sense of newness to Empangeni, introducing fresh retail brands and experiences that haven’t previously been available in the area, while creating a modern, welcoming space that reflects how people want to shop, dine and connect today,” shared Sonke Moolman Pautz, Retail Director at Moolman Group.
Designed For Comfort, Connection and Ease
Inspired by the lush green hills of the area, Prince Buthelezi Mall blends modern design with a soothing upmarket aesthetic. Inside, shoppers can look forward to comfortable communal seating areas, plenty of greenery, a large entertainment space featuring a big-screen viewing area, free Wi-Fi, ample bathrooms and a creative kids area where little shoppers can enjoy hours of play.
Clear layouts, well-planned free parking and strong security have been prioritised to ensure a relaxed shopping experience, whether visitors are popping in for a quick errand or spending time browsing, meeting friends or enjoying a meal.
As opening day approaches, the mall team has already begun connecting with the local community. School tours are underway, and behind the scenes, teams are working hard to prepare the centre and its stores for launch, creating a sense of anticipation and pride ahead of opening.
Prince Buthelezi Mall is set to become a cherished new presence in everyday life, a place where people can shop, dine and unwind with ease. For Empangeni, it represents greater choice, improved quality of life and a lush new destination designed to bring people together.