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    Webinar: Retail Built for the Future – Tshepo Mohlala in Conversation

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    Fetola, in partnership with IAM Property (Liberty Two Degrees), part of the Standard Bank Group, invites entrepreneurs and retail innovators to a dynamic virtual conversation titled “Retail Built for the Future” on 4 February 2026 from 12:00 to 13:00. This session features Tshepo Mohlala, founder of the globally acclaimed Tshepo Jeans, in dialogue with leading retail property executives Charis Claassen (Asset Manager, Nelson Mandela Square) and Dimitri Kokinos (Asset & General Manager, Sandton City). Together, they’ll explore how purpose-driven brands can thrive in Africa’s next-generation retail ecosystems.

    This is not a tender or grant—it’s a high-value knowledge exchange for founders navigating the intersection of physical presence, digital strategy, and sustainable growth.

    Why This Conversation Matters for African Founders

    As consumer behaviour shifts toward integrated digital-physical experiences, Africa’s super-regional retail destinations are transforming into community hubs, cultural platforms, and launchpads for homegrown brands. IAM Property is at the forefront of this evolution—reimagining malls as sustainable, experience-led environments that support inclusive economic participation. This session offers rare access to the strategic thinking behind these spaces—and how entrepreneurs can align with them.

    What You’ll Gain: Practical Insights from the Frontlines

    Participants will leave with actionable intelligence on:

    • Building a brand with cultural authenticity and commercial scalability
    • Navigating the realities of omnichannel retail—from DTC e-commerce to flagship store presence
    • Understanding tenant selection criteria for premium retail environments like Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square
    • Leveraging sustainability and community impact as competitive advantages
    • Making capital-efficient decisions that balance growth with resilience

    Tshepo Mohlala will share his journey from township roots to global recognition—offering candid lessons on funding, manufacturing, storytelling, and staying true to brand values under pressure.

    Meet the Speakers: Visionaries Shaping Africa’s Retail Landscape

    • Tshepo Mohlala – Founder of Tshepo Jeans, a luxury denim brand rooted in African identity, craftsmanship, and narrative. His work has been featured internationally and worn by global icons.
    • Charis Claassen – Newly appointed Asset Manager for Nelson Mandela Square, with 12 years in retail property and a focus on tenant mix, income growth, and long-term asset relevance.
    • Dimitri Kokinos – Asset & General Manager of Sandton City, with over 20 years in international property fund management and leadership roles across Africa and the UK.

    Moderated by Fetola, the discussion will bridge creative entrepreneurship and institutional real estate strategy.

    Who Should Attend?

    This session is designed for:

    • Founders of DTC and retail brands scaling beyond online into physical retail
    • Sustainability-focused entrepreneurs seeking partnerships with ESG-aligned property owners
    • Creative businesses building immersive, culturally resonant customer experiences
    • Growth-stage SMEs exploring placement in high-traffic, premium retail environments

    Whether you’re launching your first brick-and-mortar pop-up or planning a national rollout, this conversation will help you navigate the future of African retail.

    Related opportunity: Join SEDFA Entrepreneurship & Pop-Up Market Day in Ekurhuleni

    How to Register: Free, Virtual, and Time-Sensitive

    The event is free and will be held via Zoom. Secure your spot now:

    Spaces are limited. All registrants will receive a post-event resource pack with key takeaways and contact pathways to IAM Property’s incubation and leasing teams.

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    Want to stay informed about more funding opportunities,grants, business support programmes, tenders, incubators, training, and SMME resources in South Africa? Follow our updates on the StepApp Network:

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