In terms of size and dimension in square meters, Fourways Mall is not only the top contender as the biggest mall in South Africa, but it also doubles as the largest mall in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
There is a strong debate on whether Fourways Mall is bigger than Menlyn Mall; Please understand that Fourways Mall is bigger than the latter; It has an area size of 178,202 sqm while Menlyn Park has an area size of 177,000 sqm; in essence, close margin of 1,000 square meter size serves as the differential size, favoring the former i.e. Fourways Mall.
This guideline lays bare a deep chronicle and analysis of the top 10 biggest malls in South Africa. covering the entire length and breadth of the country.
We combed and dissected the ample examination of the retail environment in South Africa, unveiling the complex network of vast shopping complexes, all striving for prominence in a constantly evolving and competitive market.
Top 10 Biggest Mall in South Africa
Our findings and conclusions at Mamzanzi are not based on anecdotal assumptions but rather on facts and figures in arriving at the hierarchical listings below.
10. Westgate Shopping Centre
Westgate Shopping Centre sits comfortably as the 10th largest mall in South Africa. Launched and opened in 1985 and which over the years has undergone renovations and expansive layout, it currently features 184 stores and six entrances.
This giant colossal shopping complex, deeply entrenched strategically along bus rapid transit (BRT) routes and main thoroughfares in the West Rand, Johannesburg currently has an estimated area size of 109,418m².
In what was initially conceived and built as an integral part of the local community in servicing the needs of the populace, its proximity to western suburbs helped metamorphose it into a regional hub encompassing and facilitating a round inclusive communal area where families can partake in shared excursions.
This attribute and its overall size help us conclude that the Westgate Shopping Mall fits perfectly as the 10th largest shopping center in South Africa on our index.
9. Sandton City
Sandton City, owned by the Liberty Group and crafted by Rapp and Maister is a powerful hyper-regional shopping center situated in the heart of Sandton.
With its current 147,941 square meters size, it is the 9th biggest shopping mall in South Africa; famously called and tagged ‘Africa’s most iconic shopping center‘ is a testimony to this magnificent architectural masterpiece.
Sandton City Mall debuted over a decade ago ( in 1973) and has metamorphosed into three versions based on its area size dimensions; first from its initial 50,000 m² structure to 128,000 m² to its present 147,941 square meters!!
This great increase in its dimensions and size is proof of ongoing, non-stop investment aimed to make it become the cynosure of all eyes, both to the citizens and also to tourists alike.
With redevelopment, inclusion, and expansion of the Sandton City Office Tower, the Atrium Tower, the Protea Court, Diamond Walk, the Fun District, The Food District, and The Checkers Court, etc.; culminated in settling this mall as the 9th largest and biggest mall in South Africa.
8. Mall of Africa
Mall of Africa is the 8th top 10 biggest mall in South Africa and this is the reason for the classification:
With 131, 038 square meters in size, MOA ( as fondly called), currently boasts more than 300 premier international and domestic stores catering to vast arrays of people.
Ostensibly regarded as a 2 in 1 most popular shopping mall in South Africa and the preeminent single-phase mall on the African continent, Mall of Africa stands tall due to its fusion and blending of unparalleled traditional purchasing experience through the harmonious integration of retail, culture, and aesthetics.
Positioned and strategically located in Waterfall City, Gauteng, the Mall of Africa exhumes confidence, a visually captivating spectacle, an aura of a prominent cultural and retail destination helping it cement its status as the 8th largest mall in South Africa.
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7. Centurion Mall
The Centurion Mall is more than a shopping complex, this mall, with an expansive footprint of 133,333 square meters houses academic institutions ( the Richfield Graduate Institute) and more than 220 local and international stores ( any brand you can think of).
In a mix of having an unrivaled shopping experience, the Centurion Mall, the 7th of the top 10 biggest malls in South Africa is one of the rare malls to have more than 1 entertainment venue.
This big shopping behemoth has the following entertainment venues; Extreme Karting, Funtubbles, Ster-Kinekor, and the Centurion Boeremark; not just this, it also accommodates work-friendly facilities like Regus and the Centurion Mall Offices
Located in the deep Centurion Central Business District, its world-class open-air spine area design and rare architectural masterpiece is a marvel to behold.
6. The Pavilion
The Pavilion, colloquially referred to as The Pav, occupies the 6th spot among the biggest malls in South Africa. Established as a first-generation facility in KwaZulu-Natal, it features a vibrant assemblage of various retailers and consumers spanning an expansive 135,000m² area.
Since its inauguration in October 1993, it has been the oldest first-generation retail mall in KwaZulu-Natal, In Durban; its architectural masterpiece fuses class, modernity, and tradition into a single entity of recognition. It distinguishes itself amongst the vast array of malls in the country with the presence of approximately 255 international and domestic retail establishments.
The Pavilion, the undisputed biggest mall in Durban is rated high to international standard and it features 11 Nu Metro theatres, comprising state-of-the-art 4DX theatres, the Fun Company for family entertainment, a food Court, and a brand-new Virgin Active gym.
Its opulence display of a classy international touch embedded with being a cultural icon with integrated elements of nostalgia and modernity has helped provide an all-encompassing and enthralling encounter for both patrons and guests.
5. Canal Walk
I was in awe the very first time I visited the Canal Walk in Cape Town; this mall sits comfortably as the fifth biggest mall in South Africa and the largest shopping center in Cape Town.
It spans an expansive 141,000m² square meter size and is strategically situated in the Century City Precinct. Its position helps it benefit from N1 access and it provides a pivotal node that effortlessly links the CBD and adjacent suburbs.
With a total of 8000 parking spaces ( 4500 undercovers), 2 floors, encompassing both rooftop and underground levels, and 12 entrances strategically positioned, the Canal Walk retail experience prioritizes accessibility.
With a majority shareholder of 80% held by Hyprop Investment Limited, the Canal Walk is located at 490 Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town.
With more than 400 brand stores, the Canal Walk is an enigmatic architectural masterpiece that reminds one of the great powers of Roman engineering prowess and design ingenuity!!
For individuals seeking the pinnacle of cinematic excitement, Nu Metro Canal Walk emerges as the preeminent destination. Featuring the most expansive three-story screen in Cape Town, 4K ultra-high-definition projection, and 360-degree sound, the Scene Xtreme cinema provides an immersive moviegoing experience.
Scene VIP cinemas at Nu Metro offer an exclusive VIP lounge and bar, completely reclinable luxurious seating, capacious seating, and personalized service, all of which contribute to the mall’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most opulent.
For any tourists visiting Cape Town in South Africa, your journey will never be complete without you visiting the Canal Walk!!
4. Eastgate Shopping Centre
Eastgate Shopping Centre, with an expansive area of 145,240m², ranks fourth among the largest malls in the country. Established in 1979, the mall offers 1,781 covered parking spaces and 2,000 complimentary spaces.
Eastgate’s historical transcendence of municipal boundaries is noteworthy, as it was formerly situated within the jurisdiction of both the City of Johannesburg and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
Acknowledged as a retail frontrunner, Eastgate Shopping Centre has become an institution for fashion trends, carrying a vast selection of merchandise including footwear, accessories, jewelry, technology, home appliances, fragrances, and home decor.
Eastgate boasts an equally remarkable culinary topography, showcasing renowned establishments such as Simply Asia, Mantovani’s, Piatto, Nando’s, Plaka etc.
3. Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Located on 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge, uMhlanga, Gateway theatre of shopping mall is classified as the single biggest mall in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
The mall has an approximate area coverage of 176,398m²; this giant shopping mall edifice is a great architectural piece, thanks in part to Stan Hayman, Umesh Ramnath and Impendulo Design ( the three architects who conceptualized the design). Credit must also be given to Torbell Stretch, the structural engineer engaged in the project from start to finish.
The Gateway Theatre Mall is a pride of the inhabitants of Kwazulu-Natal , ostensibly due to its location in uMhlanga, deep inside KZN. Owned by old mutual properties with inspiration from Mall of America’s intuitive design interface and engineering ideas, this mall is a beacon sitting on high.
With a staggering visitor stat exceeding 24 million, the mall, whose construction started over 25 years ago in 1998 boasts of more than 380 stores and a great accommodating space of 12, 000 spaces.
2. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, which occupies a significant area of 177,000m², ranks second among the biggest malls in South Africa.
It should no longer be debated whether Menlyn Park mall is bigger than Mall of Africa. Yes, it is bigger than Mall of Africa whose area size is just 131, 038 square meters compared to Menlyn’s Park 177,000 square meters!!
Located on Atterbury Road And, Lois Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria, Menlyn park Mall has undergone substantial renovation three times, the first in 1998, 2000 and in 2016. This master edifice and magnificent shopping complex has 3 floor counts and more than 500 stores in it.
Owned by Pareto, Menlyn Park has a total of 5,000 parking spaces across six storeys and it stands tall as one of the great pride of Pretoria.
1. Fourways Mall
The Fourway Mall is the undisputed biggest mall in South Africa!! This status was conferred on Fourways Mall in 2019 after a thorough renovation that expanded its area size to 178,202 square meters.
However, being the biggest mall does not always equate to being the most profitable mall; this analogy is true for Fourways mall, whose director recently had to sell their controlling shares to Investec, a move that catapulted Investec in having 8% of Accelerate, whose main asset is a 50% stake in Fourways Mall.
Located on 11 Ruby Cl, Witkoppen, Sandton, inside suburban Johannesburg, Fourways Mall is bigger than Mall of Africa and Menlyn and its status as the biggest and largest mall in South Africa remains undisputed.
This colossal complex also holds the record as the biggest on the African continent; and it contains an impressive array of 450 stores, offering a compelling alternative to other teeming retail centers in Johannesburg.
