BREAKING: NEW SHOPPING MALL FOR GA-RANKUWA!

While the process to develop and complete the Ga-Rankuwa City project has stalled without any explanation, business people are moving forward with a plan to construct a new shopping centre, which might nullify any hopes of the existing mall whose reconstruction seems abandoned.

After months of uncertainty and a stalled development process that left plans for the area’s commercial centre in limbo at Ga-Rankuwa City, local developers and authorities are finalising their fresh proposal to build a new shopping mall in Zone 15, next to taxi changing spot, to be named Ga-Rankuwa Gardens Shopping Mall.

The project is being presented as a renewed opportunity to boost local economic activity, create jobs and provide much-needed retail and service options for nearby communities.

Ga-Rankuwa Mail understands that the aspirant mall managers, led by Ouda Masemola, are mainly from Ga-Rankuwa and they’ve already started advertising for suppliers.

Oda Group, a privately owned Ga-Rankuwa based company owns a property registered in the name of the director got funds to develop a Ga-Rankuwa Gardens shopping mall next to Venture Changing Spot.

Masemola said he is happy that his long-term plan is finally coming together and is looking forward to bringing a solution to the people of Ga-Rankuwa.

“This is one of the many projects that we would like to develop around Ga-Rankuwa,” he said.

“The land belongs to me, and I will just transfer it to the company and the work will start. We’re close to hitting the shovel and brick and mortar process will resume after we’ve concluded paperwork with our funders. Look, this is not competition but business.”

The new proposal arrives after the previous development effort of Ga-Rankuwa City faltered.

Oda and his company say lessons learned have shaped a leaner, community-focused plan that prioritises local suppliers, small business space, and quicker phased delivery.

What the proposal promises

• A mixed-use retail centre with anchor stores, smaller retail units for SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises), food court and community meeting spaces.
• Local procurement targets meant to channel construction and operational work to Ga-Rankuwa contractors, informal traders and entrepreneurs.
• Improved public transport links and upgrades to nearby roads and pedestrian access to make the mall more accessible to surrounding townships.
• Basic public amenities such as safe, well-lit walkways, green spaces and a small civic plaza intended for markets and community events.

It is unclear how community leaders will welcome the announcement – optimistic or dismayed.

Sceptics will point to the Ga-Rankuwa City project collapse as a reminder that intentions must be backed by realistic financing and strong project governance, coupled with honesty – sticking to promised timelines and delivering clear community.

More details will follow as we get supporting documents and picture evidence on how the mall will look like.