Retail Africa

Our History

Retail Africa was founded in 1999, with a focus on developing regional as well as neighbourhood convenience shopping centres. The distinctive design of our shopping centres and our efficient and out-of-the-box approach to development, quickly put us on the retail development map.

In 2015, Retail Africa underwent a substantial restructuring of the business's shareholding, resulting in Richard O'Sullivan and Hilton Dukes owning 100% of the company. This led to a re-evaluation of our business strategy, returning us to our original roots of identifying and transacting with key, like-minded venture partners, specializing in lifestyle convenience shopping centres including Norkem Corner, Ballito Steps, Appletons and Magalies Hills.

Retail Africa’s renewed focus on this category within the retail sector positioned us perfectly to respond to the extraordinary impact that COVID-19 had on the industry. During this period, the company engaged with a number of key South African national retailers to establish their appetite for expansion. Having acquired that knowledge, we embarked on an aggressive acquisition spree, acquiring dated, well-located existing centres that were largely vacant and/or in a state of substantial disrepair.

Chartwell Corner and Jukskei Meander opened in 2021, followed by Olivedale Corner, Ballito Steps and Brackenfell Corner in 2022. Ridgeview and Madelief were completed in 2023, with Parkdene Boulevard and Mushroom Farm opening in 2024.

In 2024, Retail Africa celebrates its 25-year anniversary - a significant milestone marking a quarter-century of excellence in the retail property industry. Over the past 25 years, Retail Africa has established itself as a leading partner in the South African retail market, known for its innovative developments and strategic collaborations. The company's portfolio showcases a diverse range of high-quality retail properties that have transformed the shopping experience in various communities across South Africa.

Retail Africa's journey is a testament to its commitment to excellence, adaptability and forward-thinking approach. From the successful completion of numerous flagship projects to forging strong partnerships with third-party developers, Retail Africa has continually demonstrated its ability to anticipate and respond to market trends and consumer needs. Celebrating 25 years of success, Retail Africa looks forward to continuing its legacy of growth and innovation in the South African retail property sector.

Our philosophy

Our brand philosophy, "A World Beyond," represents a world that transcends convention and outdated trends, with its roots firmly grounded in a deep understanding of the South African retail market. We believe that innovation and creativity are key to staying ahead in the retail sector, and we aim to create unique shopping experiences that go beyond traditional retail norms.

At Retail Africa, we are committed to transforming the retail landscape across South Africa by developing distinctive lifestyle convenience shopping centres that meet the evolving needs of modern consumers. We believe in building strong partnerships and working collaboratively to achieve our goals, and we are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to deliver value to our clients and stakeholders. We are living in extraordinary times, which bring extraordinary opportunities. The passion and the story continues.

The Team

Richard O'Sullivan

Richard has been part of the South African Real Estate Industry since 1991. He joined Anglo American Property Services and went on to become their youngest Leasing Director responsible for their Retail, Commercial and Industrial portfolios.

Subsequent to Broll Property Group acquiring Anglo American Property Services, he was appointed Managing Director of Broll Retail. In 2006 Richard left Corporate to join Retail Africa as Partner responsible for leasing of their new Projects and existing Portfolio.

Currently he is dividing his time between securing New Development opportunities and leasing Retail Africa’s substantial Development Pipeline. He has a love for all things Retail, the fast pace of Johannesburg, a passion for exotic cars and pursuing the next deal.

Hilton Dukes

Hilton completed his Bcom (Hons) at the University of Natal. He first became involved in retail developments whilst at Colliers RMS and was involved in a variety of different types of developments including Monte Casino, Lakeside Mall and Riverside Mall.

After six years he joined Broll Property Group where he was involved in existing retail centers and new developments. Some of these were in Tanzania, Namibia, Ghana, Nigeria and Mauritius. He joined Retail Africa in 2010 and has been involved in the leasing of all the new and redeveloped centers undertaken by the group. Hilton is a keen sportsman and enjoys golf, cycling and the outdoors.

Katherine Westcott

Katherine grew up in Johannesburg and completed her BA(Hons) at the University of Pretoria. Having her mother work in Property for 15 years, Katherine grew a passion for the industry at the age of 10. She started her career in Property working in property management at Broll Property Group and joined Retail Africa in 2022. She is a provincial indoor netball player and is passionate about all things sports.

Emma Power

Emma was born and raised on a small holding in Bryanston, Johannesburg, with a father involved in property it was in her blood from the beginning. With a foundation in commercial & residential management and comprehensive experience as a commercial property broker and consultant, she completed her Certificate for the Commercial Property Practitioner through Pretoria University/ SAPOA whilst working under the guidance of the late Alastair Barclay.

She is a competitive show jumper, avid powerlifter and attempted gardener.

Strategic Partners

About

Our History

Over the years Retail Africa has formed a number of strategic joint ventures with both local and international investors. Notable partners include: