Vukile Property Announces New Retail Tenants at Nonesi Mall

KOMANI – Nonesi Mall Confirms New Tenants, But Residents Wanted Something Different

KOMANI – The construction taking place at the front parking area of Nonesi Shopping Centre (Nonesi Mall) has officially been confirmed as part of a 3,100sqm retail expansion scheduled for completion in June 2026. According to the mall’s public relations team, the new development will introduce three confirmed tenants: OBC Better Butchery, Dis-Chem Pharmacy, and ABSA Bank.

The expansion forms part of the centre’s ongoing upgrade strategy to strengthen its position as Komani’s largest retail hub. Heavy machinery, earthworks and the removal of a section of the front parking have already changed the look of the mall, drawing daily public attention as the structure begins to take shape.

New Tenants Confirmed for 2026 Opening

OBC Better Butchery – A rapidly expanding national butchery franchise known for affordable, quality meat and grocery products aimed at the low- to mid-market sector.

Dis-Chem Pharmacy – A well-known health and wellness retailer which already serves Komani residents through its existing branch at PnP Brewery Lane. It will become Nonesi Mall’s second major pharmacy alongside Clicks.

ABSA Bank – A full-service branch offering banking, financial services, and customer support within the mall.

These are the first official confirmations provided for the construction site, after weeks of speculation from residents who had been eager to know what the mall was adding.

Mixed Community Reaction: “Why More of the Same?”

While the development brings clear economic and convenience benefits, many residents have expressed disappointment that the new stores largely duplicate what already exists in Komani.

A strong theme across social media comments and feedback to Komani News has been the wish for more diverse and lifestyle-focused tenants, rather than another pharmacy, another bank, or another butchery-type retailer.

Comments shared included:

• Calls for something new for families and children, such as entertainment areas or activities.

• Concerns that another pharmacy offers little value since Komani already has several, including a Dis-Chem branch and the mall’s existing Clicks.

• Frustration that retailers like gyms, cinemas, speciality food outlets or casual dining options were not part of the expansion.

• Suggestions for alternatives such as fitness clubs, a cinema, family restaurants, fresh produce markets, and other national brands not yet represented in town.

• Complaints about the short-term impact on parking and festive-season congestion due to the ongoing construction.

Many residents had hoped Nonesi Mall would use the new space to diversify Komani’s retail landscape rather than expand categories that are already well-covered in the area.

Project Timeline and Economic Impact

According to Anne Lovell, Public Relations and Media Manager at Data Management Integration eXchange (DMIX), the project is progressing as scheduled, with all three tenants expected to open by mid-2026. She confirmed that more updates will be shared as the construction moves through its next phases.

Although the new stores may not match the wishlist of many residents, the expansion is still expected to bring economic benefits, including:

• New job opportunities during and after construction

• Increased foot traffic for existing mall tenants

• Enhanced convenience for shoppers who prefer accessing services under one roof

• Long-term strengthening of the mall as a regional shopping destination

However, the conversation among locals highlights a growing expectation for greater variety, especially as Komani continues to grow and the community seeks more recreational, lifestyle, and entertainment-driven spaces.

Looking Ahead

As the new buildings rise on what was once the busiest section of the mall’s front parking, Komani residents will be watching closely to see how the development unfolds. The confirmed tenants signal continued investment into the town’s economy, but they also underline a crucial message from the community: future expansions should consider more diverse retail offerings that bring fresh experiences to Komani.

The Nonesi Mall upgrade remains a significant development for the region, but residents hope the next phase brings something truly new.