“So Happy for Them”: New Gauteng Mall Opening Brings Jobs and Joy to Ekurhuleni Locals

• A Facebook video captured employees from Etwatwa Crossing’s new mall celebrating their jobs at the grand opening on 27 August 2026
• The 17,976 m² shopping centre, developed by Exemplar REITail and McCormick Property Development, is anchored by Shoprite and Boxer
• South Africans flooded the comments with emotion, with many saying hundreds of families would eat well this December

A joyful video from a newly opened township mall in Ekurhuleni has left South Africans emotional. Facebook user Nhlanhla Cilo from Daveyton, Gauteng, posted the clip on 27 August 2026, showing staff from nearly every shop at the newly opened Etwatwa Crossing gathering together to sing and celebrate their new jobs.

The video shows workers in their branded uniforms filling the mall’s retail space with song and visible pride on opening day.

Etwatwa Crossing opens its doors

Etwatwa Crossing officially opened on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at the corner of Modder Road and Chris Street in the township of Etwatwa, within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng. Developed by Exemplar REITail and McCormick Property Development, the retail centre spans approximately 17,976 m² of space. It is anchored by two of South Africa’s biggest grocery retailers, Shoprite and Boxer, alongside other well-known brands.

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For a township that has long lacked formal retail infrastructure, the mall represents a significant development, bringing not only shopping convenience but also direct employment opportunities to local residents.

Watch the celebration that moved South Africa:

Mzansi reacts to the celebration

South Africans watching the video were deeply moved, with many expressing hope for families heading into the festive season:

@Simthembile Mgcina said:

“My eyes are full of tears.😩 You are beautiful, God.”

@Tsholofelo Huma-Gqadu wrote:

“This December, hundreds of families will have food.”

@Mammedi Elizabeth Lefifi added:

“Congratulations. This year, many families will eat well in December.”

@Thami Malinga shared:

“Congratulations 🎉, so happy to see so much joy from young South Africans. All praise to God.”

@Mxolisi Sniper Zuma noted:

“She is so proud looking at all of you in your own country celebrating.”

More celebrations featured on Briefly News

• Travel content creator Popi Sibiya attended an authentic Ndebele umgidi ceremony in Mpumalanga recently.
• A Xhosa family turned heads with their stunning traditional attire, imibhaco, as they celebrated a vibrant umgidi at their village.
• A UniZulu graduate stepped off the stage at her University of Zululand graduation and was met by her family in full traditional Zulu attire.

Source: Briefly News