It was a full circle moment as iTonka Square opened its doors on Thursday 24 September 2026.
Exemplar REITail acquired 50% of the then Tonk Meter Crossing in September 2025. The remaining 50% is owned by Landmark Property Investment, the original developers of the centre which first opened in November 2019.
The refreshed, re-branded and re-tenanted mall opened for the communities of Itonka, Springs, KwaThema and surrounds on Heritage Day, with customers requested to dress in their traditional attire in celebration of the day.
The original 7 475sqm strip-centre was converted into a fully enclosed 21 500sqm double anchored mall. Additions to the tenant mix include Boxer, Boxer Liquor, Sportscene, Studio 88, the Foschini Group, Steers, Debonairs and Clicks.
Full-service banking from Capitec, FNB, Standard Bank and the soon-to-be opened ABSA add to the convenience of the centre for community members.
A first in the area, an amphitheatre was created in the food court surrounded by Pedros, Hungry Lion and Romans. Creating a play area within the space adds to the overall goal of creating a shared area for community members to gather, enjoy local performances, have a family meal together and be entertained.
The R395 million redevelopment (including existing retail space) took just over eight months and created an estimated 550 employment opportunities during construction. Of those employed 67% (369 positions) were awarded to local candidates with multiple additional tenant positions now available for the community.
17 local SMME’s including security, plant hire, brickwork, plastering, scaffolding, painting, landscaping and paving contributed to the redevelopment programme in alignment with our mission of local first skills development and upliftment.
“The opening of iTonka Square is the second of four centres opening before year end”, says CEO of Exemplar, Jason McCormick. “By the end of October 2026, our teams will have opened more than 80 000sqm of retail … and we are already ramping up for the opening of Ntuzuma Mall and KwaMashu in Q1 2027.”
Leratong City in Kagiso, Gauteng, will open on 29 October with Moletsi Mall in Limpopo opening on 30 October.
“These are centres that will create extensive retail variety and employment opportunities for our communities and as we head into half year results season, we are excited to see the positive impact for shareholders, investors and community members alike,” ends Jason.
Exemplar will release their half-year results on Monday 2 November.
