Property company, Akani Properties has renamed the Nicolway Shopping Centre the Winifred Mandela Precinct.
Akani Properties, a black-owned and managed property group with R4-billion worth of assets under its management, announced on Friday it had renamed the Nicolway Shopping Centre in Bryanston north of Johannesburg, to Winifred Mandela Precinct in honour of the later struggle stalwart, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
In an event attended by various political party leaders such as ANC chairperson and Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and ActionSA’s Funzi Ngobeni and the Mandela family, the unveiling of the project was seen as a milestone, hailed by all as a right step towards strengthening the country’s economy.
Nicolway was acquired by Akani Properties two years ago in a R1-billion transaction on behalf of their client, the Municipal Employees Pension Fund (MEPF), marking a major milestone in the investment strategy of the fund.
Some of the MEPF’s flagship properties include the R900-million Radisson OR Tambo Hotel and Convention Centre in Kempton Park, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020.
Akani Properties recently completed and launched the Autumn Leaf Shopping Mall in Zeerust, North West.
The company will later this year launch the R600-million Radisson Hotel and ICC in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, to further grow its property portfolio.
Madikizela-Mandela, often referred to as the “Mother of the Nation, is regarded as “an embodied of unwavering commitment to the struggle against apartheid, resilience in the face of adversity, and dedication to the uplifting of communities”.
Akani said by naming the shopping centre after her, the company’s aim was to celebrate her rich and multifaceted legacy, acknowledging both her achievements and the challenges she faced.
Akani managing director Jack Malebane said: “We choose to focus on the broader spectrum of Winnie Mandela’s contributions. The renaming is an
evolution that aligns Nicolway with the broader narrative of community and family values.
“The renaming draws a parallel with other iconic places such as Nelson Mandela Square, emphasising the familial and community-oriented aspects of both figures. By having Nicolway renamed after Winnie Mandela, Akani aims to create a network of spaces reflecting diverse aspects of the Mandela legacy, including family, community, and leadership.”
Akani Group chairman, Zamani Letjane said: “Nicolway Shopping Centre has always strived to be a family-friendly and community-centric space. Naming the shopping centre after Winnie Mandela is a recognition of her softer side – her dedication to family, community, and the well-being of the nation.”
