BUILT to last

Derbigum delivers with proven waterproofing products and expertise on a large regional retail redevelopment, ensuring durability, resilience and reliable performance.

Situated slightly north of Pretoria, the Soshanguve Mall redevelopment represents far more than a large-scale retail project. It is a transformative investment supporting economic growth, community upliftment and a long-term commitment to the future of the region. With over 60 000m² of retail space and a phased rollout designed to maximise impact, the project stands as a benchmark for modern retail development in South Africa.

Located within a community of more than 900 000 residents, the development plays a pivotal role in unlocking local economic potential. Beyond its scale, the project is significant for its direct social impact, creating thousands of jobs during construction and establishing long-term employment opportunities upon completion. The introduction of a diverse tenant mix and high-quality retail environment positions the mall as a central hub for both commerce and community interaction.

Architecturally, the development reflects a thoughtful response to its context. The design draws inspiration from the nearby Tshwane Meteorite Crater, incorporating open spaces and elements that connect the built environment to the area’s cultural and natural heritage. This integration of place-making with commercial functionality elevates the project beyond a conventional retail centre, reinforcing its role as a landmark destination within the region.

For the professional teams at KMH Architects and construction company GVK-Siya Zama, tasked with the sympathetic redesign of the mall, and for the asset owner, ensuring durability and long-term performance across such a complex structure was critical. Large-scale retail developments of this nature present inherent technical challenges, particularly in areas such as expansive terraces, parking decks, roof slabs incorporating solar and large plant equipment, and interfacing structural elements where waterproofing and specification integrity is essential.

Technical excellence

From the early design stages, Derbigum’s role extended beyond product supply. Close collaboration with the professional team and applicator enabled the development of waterproofing specifications tailored to the project’s unique demands. Technical input during the design phase, combined with ongoing site support, assisted in resolving complex detailing and mitigated potential risks before they could impact construction progress. This proactive involvement contributed to smoother project delivery and provided an added layer of assurance to the broader project team.

The specification of flagship torch-on waterproofing membranes, Derbigum SP and Derbigum CG, was informed by their established performance on comparable large-scale developments. Their durability, and less frequent maintenance cycles, coupled with the consistency associated with local manufacturing, supported confident decision-making from a long-term asset management perspective. Complementary systems supplied through The Waterproofing Centre, including the Tilesafe self-adhesive range, Delta – Terraxx Light drainage and protection membrane as well as other waterproofing solutions, were integrated to address specialised applications such as terraces and wet areas, ensuring continuity across all waterproofed zones.

As a South African manufacturer and supplier, Derbigum is uniquely positioned to provide proactive technical support, reliable supply chains and materials specifically engineered for local environmental conditions. In a project of this scale, where delays or failures can have far-reaching financial implications, this level of accessibility and accountability becomes invaluable. It allows consulting professionals, contractors and developers to move forward with certainty, backed by a partner with a long-standing reputation in the industry. Beyond product performance, the asset owner also benefits from locally held warranties and a reduced maintenance cycle requirement due to the higher quality membranes.

Soshanguve Mall ultimately stands as a compelling example of how thoughtful design, strong professional collaboration, and appropriate material specification can come together to deliver both immediate impact and long-term value. While its scale and ambition are evident, it is the integration of technical excellence with community-focused development that defines its lasting significance. The project reflects a broader building philosophy: true value lies not only in achieving the initial completion, but in the lifecycle performance of the asset. Waterproofing is a critical yet often overlooked component of building integrity. Failures can lead to costly repairs, operational disruptions and reputational damage.

By investing in proven systems and experienced technical support from the outset, asset owners significantly reduce these risks, protecting both their investment and long-term returns. www.derbigum.co.za; assist@derbigum.co.za; www.waterproofingcentre.co.za