Left to right: Mboneni Sibiya- GameOn.Afica; Pearl Mashaba- PeaPrido Elegance Events; Itumeleng Mothibeli- MD SA Vukile Property Fund; Tshepo Wanyane and Lindiwe Chauke – Seven Heartbeats; Wandile Zondo – Thesis Lifestyle and Nelisiwe Cossa – Cossen

Vukile Property Fund has launched a multi-tenant emporium at Daveyton Mall, as part of the next phase of its Vukile Retail Academy, to bring fresh community-driven retail experiences to shoppers while helping small businesses grow into sustainable enterprises.

Now in its third year, the Vukile Retail Academy continues to deliver on its founding aim: to provide access to formal retail for promising entrepreneurs. Participants receive rent-free premises, fit-out support and hands-on mentorship.

Vukile’s popular, high-performing shopping centres – 33 in South Africa and 20 in Spain and Portugal – serve as platforms for local growth in each location by supporting entrepreneurs, integrating cultural identity, and fostering loyalty through authentic engagement.

“We’re invested in more than shopping centres. We’re invested in the communities they serve. The success of our centres is grounded in understanding local needs, and meeting and exceeding them,” says Laurence Rapp, CEO of Vukile Property Fund. “With a customer-first approach, we co-create retail spaces and experiences that genuinely reflect and serve their unique communities while celebrating local talent, culture, community and innovation. The Vukile Retail Academy is a tangible expression of that philosophy.”

Launched in 2022, the Vukile Retail Academy has already made measurable impact. The first intake of eight entrepreneurs received 1 035m² of retail space to trade from across four shopping centres, along with tailored business and operational support. Mentorship focused on developing a resilient business mindset, enhancing store operations and building customer engagement strategies.

From the 2023 Dobsonville cohort, Fakizinto Concepts and Zanwabo Cakes became full-time tenants. In 2024, four businesses from Randburg Square – Lonja Beauty Studio, Edenvinne, Vero’s Cake and Jeleni & Phindi Art Studio – have also joined the formal tenant mix, underlining the Vukile Retail Academy’s role in long-term tenant development.

“We’re seeing dreams become sustainable businesses,” says Itumeleng Mothibeli, MD SA at Vukile. “At the heart of the Vukile Retail Academy is a belief in people and potential. This programme is about removing barriers, nurturing talent and actioning our deep commitment to building the next generation of retailers, who will shape the future of South African retail.”

For 2025, the Vukile Retail Academy introduces an emporium-style space at Daveyton Mall, bringing five small businesses under one roof. The shared space allows entrepreneurs to share costs, test products and grow visibility in an animated, high-footfall retail setting.

The not-to-be-missed up-and-coming brands in the new emporium, are Seven Heartbeats – a cultural lifestyle brand blending contemporary fashion with traditional African design; Cossen – African-inspired fashion and footwear with live shoemaking experiences; Thesis Lifestyle -a Soweto-born streetwear brand celebrating township pride; GameOn.Africa – a tech-driven edutainment hub promoting digital learning and innovation and PeaPrido Elegance Events – Daveyton-based events company delivering personalised, high-quality experiences.

Some of these businesses are expanding from existing markets or online platforms.

Daveyton Mall, first opened in 1993, is one of South Africa’s first township malls. It was recently upgraded and extended by Vukile and stands as a modern reflection of the colourful heritage of its community. The new design celebrates local culture through architectural features, murals and art installations. This culturally rich environment creates a powerful platform for a retail experience that truly belongs to its people.

“This flagship initiative is rooted in our commitment to building a retail ecosystem where local talent thrives and communities feel seen, supported and proud. It’s about creating lasting partnerships for a better South Africa,” concludes Rapp.