The rollout of the Thavhani City precinct development masterplan by Flanagan & Gerard Group and Thavhani Property Investments is rapidly gaining critical mass, and the new modern CBD will continue to expand this year. Thavhani City is being developed organically in response to demand as more and more businesses recognise and capitalise on the advantages of this exceptional location.

In a pioneering move, an agreement has been struck with industry-leading NTT Motor Group for a flagship 2,700sqm Toyota dealership and service centre, which will open at the end of 2021 and anchor the new Thavhani City Motor City.

Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard, says, “Many are surprised to learn that there is a complete scarcity of motor dealerships and service centres for the people of Thohoyandou and its surrounding towns and villages. The new Thavhani City Toyota dealership will change this. We already know that the local community will welcome it because it meets a genuine need and significant demand in this important regional centre. We can also confirm that we are in discussions with several other major brands to join the Motor City, which will be a 20,000sqm hub of dedicated motor dealerships, service centres and parts retailer.”

The NHC Hospital in Thavhani City is in the final phases of construction and due to be completed in the first half of this year. The 3,500sqm day clinic will employ 30 medical professionals and 30 general staff in an environmentally innovative building that includes solar energy and backup power generation. The NHC Hospital will provide valuable medical services to the community. A nursery school, radiology, pathology, dialysis, baby clinic, general practitioner, psychologies, physiotherapy, biokinetics, occupational therapist, audiologist, among others, will be available to the community at the hospital. Gerard also confirms that discussions with a private healthcare group are well advanced for a 300-bed hospital at Thavhani City.

Developed and co-owned by the Thavhani City partners and JSE-listed retail REIT Vukile Property Fund, the award winning Thavhani Mall, which opened in 2017, is designed to be the catalyst for the Thavhani City development. It is fully let and continues to attract an enviable line-up of retail brands.

Dis-Chem opened in Thavhani Mall on 26 November 2020, introducing the JSE-listed pharmacy brand’s first store in Thohoyandou. A local partner is operating the 700sqm store.

Indicating confident retailer sentiment, TFG has also introduced another brand to Thavhani Mall. It opened a new Fabiani store, over and above its original line-up of Exact, Foschini, Markham, Sportscene, Sterns, ASJ and Total Sports. Locally crafted Drip footwear has taken the township dream to Thohoyandou, choosing Thavhani Mall for its sixth South African store’s landmark opening. These additions and others, including a new Le Coq Sportif and Groom, build on an already strong branded fashion component at Thavhani Mall, with stylish brands including Bogart Man, Bathu Shoes, Kurt Geiger, Polo, Pringle, Spitz and more. 

Leading the way in retail outside the mall, Builders Express has already established a successful two-year trading track-record in Thavhani City.

The mixed-uses of the precinct are enhanced by the community amenities already in Thavhani City, including transport terminals, an outdoor gym that is open to the public, and the state-of-the-art, all-weather, floodlit, synthetic grass fields of Fives Futbol. It is also the home-base of the Vehmbe District community radio station launched by comedian and presenter Ashifashabba Muleya, Choice FM. Future development elements planned also include hotels, offices, and more value retail

Local businessman Khosi Ramovha, of Thavhani Property Investments, says, “The Thohoyandou community has a very bright future as the home of an innovative property development that contributes to enhancing the region. Thavhani City has established a pivotal role in its community and, by developing out the precinct, we are further strengthening its value and appeal. It has big benefits for community employment, retail services and the local economy, but also gives businesses a prime position on the doorstep of a very attractive market indeed.”