Clearwater Mall Secures South Africa’s First Walmart Store

Clearwater Mall, owned and managed by Hyprop Investments, will become home to South Africa’s first Walmart store, marking the American retail giant’s debut entry into the local market.

The announcement transforms Clearwater Mall’s retail offering and introduces Walmart’s distinctive “Every Day Low Prices” model to South African consumers. Unlike traditional sale-driven retail, shoppers will benefit from stable pricing across thousands of products year-round, eliminating the need to wait for promotional periods.

“Being selected as the location for South Africa’s first Walmart store demonstrates the strength of our retail offering and our commitment to the West Rand community,” said Kelly Belman, General Manager of Clearwater Mall. “The creation of more than 80 new jobs adds real economic value to our region, which makes this announcement even more meaningful.”

The store will occupy the mall’s upper level, featuring wide aisles, clear signage and bright lighting. Product categories span fresh and frozen foods, groceries, health and beauty products, clothing, baby essentials, homeware, electronics, toys and seasonal items.

Walmart’s product strategy emphasises local partnerships, with the majority of merchandise sourced from South African suppliers. Select international offerings will include the Beautiful range by actress Drew Barrymore – a collection of stylish kitchen appliances designed to bring premium quality to everyday cooking.

Public excitement has been building steadily since the announcement, with the store set to create more than 80 positions ranging from shop floor roles to management.

“The addition of Walmart is expected to increase foot traffic and create positive ripple effects for neighbouring businesses within the centre,” concluded Belman.

The Walmart Clearwater store will be located at Clearwater Mall upper level, Hendrik Potgieter Road and Christiaan de Wet Road, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort. The official opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Growthpoint Properties (JSE:GRT) excelled at this year’s South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Property Development Awards for Innovative Excellence, taking home three prestigious wins, including top honours. The recognition highlights Growthpoint’s leadership in shaping South Africa’s built environment through transformative, high-impact developments.

Two of Growthpoint’s recent projects were celebrated. Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, situated in its distinctive Longkloof mixed-use development, won the Overall Best Development Award along with Best Mixed-Use Project. Thrive @ Crescent Studios in Johannesburg, won Best Student Accommodation Project.

Excellence in property development

The SAPOA Awards for Innovative Excellence recognise projects that redefine South Africa’s property landscape through design, sustainability, functionality, and positive social impact. Developments are judged across a range of categories, with winners representing the very best of the sector.

Growthpoint’s success at this year’s awards demonstrated the company’s ability to deliver projects that balance commercial value with broader contributions to their communities.

Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof: a landmark in mixed-use urban renewal

In Cape Town, Growthpoint’s Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof is a gem in the mixed-use historic Longkloof precinct on the edge of the CBD. Covering 16,500m², the project involved refurbishing five heritage buildings, selective demolitions and the addition of a new 154-key five-star hotel.

Working with dhk Architects, the development has transformed the once landlocked Longkloof site into a vibrant, mixed-use destination that integrates office, retail and hospitality. Public spaces, pedestrian walkways, retail outlets, cafés and Longkloof Square now enliven the Longkloof precinct’s street life and enhance connectivity to the city.

Growthpoint replaced surface parking with three levels of underground parking, freeing up space for urban activity and seamlessly linking the different uses in Longkloof. The project is a model of how heritage preservation and modern development can work in harmony to deliver urban renewal at scale.

The SAPOA judges recognised its complexity, design quality and catalytic impact on Cape Town’s city centre.

Thrive @ Crescent Studios: redefining student living

Located just a minute’s walk from the University of the Witwatersrand, Thrive @ Crescent Studios represents a new benchmark in student accommodation. The twelve-storey, purpose-built residence offers 871 beds across 351 well-designed apartments, providing studio, two- and three-bedroom options. Each unit features private kitchens and bathrooms, giving students apartment-style living with the comforts of independence.

Beyond its scale, the project is distinguished by the comprehensive lifestyle it offers. Students benefit from dedicated study zones on every floor, a fully equipped computer lab, and collaboration rooms to support academic focus and peer connection. Social and wellness amenities include a rooftop entertainment area, gym, laundry facilities, games room, braai areas and a multi-sport court.

The building’s thoughtfully designed interiors create a warm, modern environment where students can live, learn and grow. By integrating academic, social and lifestyle facilities, Thrive @ Crescent Studios delivers a holistic campus experience that is supportive and empowering.

A proud moment for Growthpoint

Estienne de Klerk, SA CEO of Growthpoint Properties, expressed his pride in the recognition. “Winning three awards at this year’s SAPOA Awards is a tremendous honour for Growthpoint. Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof and Thrive @ Crescent Studios both demonstrate our commitment to creating developments that add real value – not just for investors and tenants, but for the people and communities who use them every day.”

Reflecting on the Longkloof project’s dual awards, he added “The recognition of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof as Overall Best Development is especially meaningful. The Longkloof mixed-use precinct was a complex undertaking that required balancing heritage preservation with bold urban renewal. The result is a development that invests in the heart of Cape Town, celebrates its history and creates a vibrant destination for the future.”

As South Africa’s leading real estate investment trust (REIT), Growthpoint has built a reputation for innovation, quality and sustainability. The company’s strong showing at the SAPOA Awards reaffirms its position as a leader in shaping the country’s-built environment.

De Klerk concluded “These awards inspire us to keep raising the bar in everything we do. We are committed to developing properties that respond to South Africa’s evolving needs and meet our strategic priorities, while contributing to more liveable, sustainable and inclusive cities.”

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 Vukile Property Fund (JSE: VKE) has successfully concluded the issuance of R500 million in senior unsecured corporate bonds across three- and seven-year maturities, achieving market-leading pricing. The offering was met with overwhelming demand, attracting more than R3 billion in bids — over six times the target issue size.

The three-year tranche of R214 million priced at 102 basis points (bps) and the seven-year tranche of R286 million priced at 135bps — both tighter than initial price guidance. The weighted average margin of 121bps represents a substantial improvement over existing debt maturing in Vukile’s 2026 financial year, which will be re-paid, lowering Vukile’s cost of capital.

Laurence Rapp, Chief Executive Officer of Vukile, comments, “We are pleased with the strong demand and favourable pricing received. The substantial support for the auction demonstrates the market’s endorsement of Vukile’s disciplined approach to capital allocation, our high-quality assets and our long-term investment strategy.”

 Absa Bank Limited, through its Corporate and Investment Banking division, acted as sole lead arranger.

Marcus Veller, Principal, Debt Capital Markets of Absa notes, “The keen investor interest, with over 21 institutions participating in the auction, demonstrates Vukile’s strong position as a meaningful and regular DCM issuer. Vukile’s track record of financial performance and a supportive market culminated in an excellent auction and issuance outcome.”

Maurice Shapiro, Group Head of Treasury at Vukile, adds, “The record low pricing of this bond issuance marks a significant milestone in our debt capital markets strategy. The favourable outcome reduces Vukile average cost of debt and extends our maturity profile, reinforcing balance sheet strength and flexibility.”

In July 2025, GCR Ratings upgraded Vukile’s national scale long-term issuer credit rating to AA+(ZA) from AA(ZA) and affirmed its short-term rating at A1+(ZA), with a stable outlook. GCR highlighted that “Vukile’s property performance remains a key rating strength,” citing its resilient portfolio as a consistent outperformer in the broader property sector.

Vukile is a specialist retail REIT with a high-quality, blue-chip-tenanted portfolio valued at approximately R50 billion, operating across South Africa, as well as Spain and Portugal through its 99.6% owned Spanish subsidiary, Castellana Properties. Vukile’s consumer-centric focus on defensive, everyday retail in both South Africa and Iberia has proven resilient and strategically accretive, driving value creation for stakeholders.

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Initiative Aims to Celebrate Nicole’s Legacy through Community Action and Compassion for Animals.

The Hyprop Foundation’s Warm Woodrock charity drive is currently underway, calling on the public to support animal welfare in loving memory of Nicole Greenstone. Nicole, a cherished colleague and friend, passed away in August 2024. She is remembered not only for her professionalism and warmth but for her profound compassion for animals, which has shaped her life.

This initiative, established by the Hyprop Foundation, was created to keep Nicole’s legacy alive by supporting animal shelters that reflect her values. With this in mind the foundation’s Warm Woodrock project will support Woodrock Animal Rescue, a Gauteng-based shelter known for its hands-on approach to animal care, rehabilitation, and rehoming.

Running until the end of August, the drive invites the public to donate blankets, pet food and essential supplies for dogs, and cats. Branded collection bins are located at five Hyprop shopping centres: Hyde Park Corner, Clearwater Mall, Woodlands Shopping Centre, The Glen Shopping Centre, and Rosebank Mall.

“Our goal is simple,” says Leonie Prinsloo from the Hyprop Foundation. “We honour Nicole by championing a cause she held close to her heart, giving vulnerable animals a second chance at life. Nicole’s compassion was a beacon of hope for both people and pets. By participating in this initiative, you can turn her legacy of kindness into real, life-saving action.”

Each centre is also hosting a live caricature artist on select weekends. Visitors who drop off donations receive a free, personalised sketch of themselves and their pet, a small thank you for helping make a difference. Upcoming caricature artist appearances include 16 August at Clearwater Mall and 23 August at The Glen Shopping Centre.

“Nicole poured her heart into helping those who needed it most, especially animals with no voice of their own, adds Prinsloo. “By supporting Warm Woodrock, you honour Nicole’s legacy and give hope and a future to animals in desperate need. Help us give animals the love and care Nicole gave so freely. Your support truly makes a difference.”

Woodrock Animal Rescue, established in 1992, is one of South Africa’s oldest independent pro-life animal shelters. It is home to hundreds of rescued animals and relies entirely on public support to operate. The partnership with the Hyprop Foundation brings much-needed supplies, awareness, and funding to its mission.

Donation guidelines and a QR code linking directly to Woodrock’s website are available at each collection point, offering digital options for those unable to donate items in person.

The Hyprop Foundation, Hyprop Investments’ Corporate Social Investment arm, is committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities surrounding its shopping centres. The Hyprop Foundation focuses on education and skills development, community upliftment, and enterprise development, and strongly believes in building a better future by investing in people, places, and the planet. Warm Woodrock is a testament to the Hyprop Foundation’s commitment to making a real difference. Partnering with Woodrock Animal Rescue brings its value of compassion and community to life.

Join us in honouring Nicole’s legacy and making a real difference for animals in need. Visit any participating Hyprop retail centre or scan the QR code at donation bins to find out how you can support Warm Woodrock.

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VUKILE PROPERTY FUND LIMITED (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 2002/027194/06)

JSE share code: VKE   NSX share code: VKN

ISIN: ZAE000180865 Debt company code: VKEI (Granted REIT status with the JSE) (“Vukile”)

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