The Tlhabane Square is an exciting new mixed-use precinct situated in Rustenburg in the North West of South Africa. Developed by the Public Investment Corporation – with Mowana Properties overseeing property management, including leasing and marketing services – the precinct features a regional mall with 31,000sqm of GLA. This includes two levels of retail covering fashion, food, homeware and entertainment.
The precinct also features offices (incorporating Home Affairs, a Labour Department office and a hotel with conference facilities), a police station, magistrate court, taxi drop-off, tyre fitment centre and traders market.
As a whole, Thlabane Square is a significant investment in a part of Rustenburg that needs uplifting. Not only is it serving both the shopping and service needs of customers, but the building of the precinct also supported local job creation and skills transfer, maximising community impact.
Tlhabane Square’s construction relied on a significant percentage of local labour and locally sourced building materials. In the tender requirements, the client set out preferential procurement criteria requiring 30% of the work to be done by local and 51% black-owned companies.
In terms of building materials, all sand, cement, bricks, concrete, mortar, reinforcing steel, equipment and stationery were sourced from local suppliers. And in terms of labour, both unskilled and semi-skilled workers were recruited into the construction team, where on-site and formal skills transfer took place. Specialist subcontractors helped to train workers in areas including crane operation and concrete placement, and in administrative tasks, time management, first aid and fire prevention.
The surrounding community is excited about and proud of this development. While it has supported skills development from the start, the precinct’s excellent location, visibility and access will continue attracting activity, opportunity and job creation for years to come.
Tlhabane Square will be completed and launched end of August, despite setbacks caused by the various COVID-19 lockdowns.
