HlombeMagwaca.

Leading the professional teams

I oversaw and coordinated the professional teams responsible for delivering Forest Hill Mall, managed their contractual appointments and negotiated and signed off professional agreements. My role included keeping the teams focused on timely deliverables throughout the development.

Construction and quality oversight

I adjudicated the construction tender and oversaw the appointment of Group Five Construction as main contractor. I managed the main contractor relationship, finalised the JBCC construction contract and oversaw quality management during construction.

Leasing and commercial delivery

I led leasing to major and national retail tenants, refined the tenant mix and finalised lease agreements, achieving 91% leasing. I also assisted with structuring the project’s finances.

Approvals and completion

I liaised with the City of Tshwane on crucial building rights and managed wayleave applications for the required development approvals. The mall was completed on schedule and opened on 29 May 2014.

Portfolio redevelopment and leasing

Through Mandlonke, I provided redevelopment management and leasing services for the existing Rebosis portfolio. The long-term engagement began in October 2016, when the portfolio was valued at R14 billion, with a R400 million construction budget planned over five years.

Office reinstatement · Bryanston

Our work included demolition of the old Rebosis office interior at The Campus and reinstatement to white-box specification. The 300 m² assignment was completed in April 2020, with a value of R300,000.

New head offices · Forest Hill City

We delivered the construction of Rebosis’s new 1,400 m² head offices at Forest Hill City Mall in Centurion. The R8 million assignment was completed in July 2020.

Flexible shared offices

We also constructed 800 m² of shared offices at Forest Hill City for a pay-as-you-use workspace model. This R4 million assignment was completed in July 2020.

Board-appointed mandate

Mandlonke was appointed by the Bardale Village board for a three-month assignment from April 2025. I provided strategic support and forward planning to strengthen the affordable housing developer’s short- and long-term prospects.

Financial and operational review

The completed report included a financial overview and construction cost analysis, linking the business’s financial position with its development delivery requirements.

Strategy and implementation

Deliverables covered vision alignment, strategic plan development, a mission plan with milestones, a board reporting format and recommendations for the organisational structure.

Acquisition and redevelopment

Through Mandlonke, we acquired an existing block of flats and redeveloped it into ten two-bedroom apartments, increasing the residential accommodation within the property.

End-to-end construction oversight

I oversaw the entire construction process through to completion in January 2020. The development value was R4 million.

Ownership and ongoing management

Mandlonke retained ownership and management of the property after completion. As at August 2026, the development was fully let, reflecting the progression from acquisition and construction to an operating residential asset.

Chief Operating Officer

I was appointed COO of the proposed unlisted property fund formed through Mandlonke’s partnership with Spire Capital Partners in 2023–2024.

Investment and acquisition criteria

The strategy targeted dominant shopping centres in strong urban locations, with established catchment areas and national retailers occupying at least 75% of gross lettable area. Offers were submitted on six centres with a combined value of R2.5 billion, and negotiations reached an advanced stage.

Outcome

The board discontinued the initiative because high borrowing costs, anticipated institutional decision delays around the elections and weak consumer spending undermined the investment outlook. These were proposed acquisitions, not a completed portfolio.

Industrial brokerage · Greater Cape Town

I joined Baker Street Properties in 2005, leasing and selling industrial properties across greater Cape Town. This work established the commercial property transaction foundations of my career.

Investment and portfolio disposals

My responsibilities expanded into the disposal of investment properties to property funds and private purchasers, including transactions involving entire property portfolios.

Progression to shareholder

My results and contribution to the team led to me becoming a shareholder. This significant chapter ran until 2010, before I joined Billion Group in development and acquisitions.