Mall of Africa in Waterfall City, Midrand, operates from 09:00 to 20:00 on most standard South African public holidays.While the majority of retail outlets follow these standard holiday hours, trading times may vary on major religious and festive holidays such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In addition, anchor supermarkets, banking institutions, and Town Square restaurants frequently adjust their operating schedules independently of general mall trading.
Overview of Mall of Africa Trading Hours
Mall of Africa is one of the largest single-phase retail developments in Africa, situated in the heart of Waterfall City, Midrand. The shopping centre provides a consistent seven-day-a-week trading schedule to accommodate shoppers across Gauteng.
| Day of the Week | Standard Opening Time | Standard Closing Time |
| Monday – Saturday | 09:00 | 20:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 | 20:00 |
| Public Holidays | 09:00 | 20:00 |
| Christmas Day (25 Dec) | Voluntary / Select Venues Only | Voluntary / Select Venues Only |
| New Year’s Day (1 Jan) | 09:00 / 10:00 (Reduced) | 14:00 / Voluntary Trade |
Standard Public Holiday Operating Schedule
On the vast majority of official South African statutory public holidays, Mall of Africa remains fully open from 09:00 to 20:00. Shoppers can access standard fashion, beauty, electronics, homeware, and department stores during these hours.
Standard 09:00 to 20:00 trading applies to the following public holidays:
- Human Rights Day: 21 March
- Family Day / Easter Monday: Variable date (March/April)
- Freedom Day: 27 April
- Workers’ Day: 1 May
- Youth Day: 16 June
- National Women’s Day: 9 August
- Heritage Day: 24 September
- Day of Reconciliation: 16 December
- Day of Goodwill / Boxing Day: 26 December
Major Holiday Exceptions and Festive Hours
Certain national holidays and seasonal periods feature modified trading hours across the centre.
Christmas Day (25 December)
Trading on Christmas Day is strictly voluntary for all tenants. Most general retail stores, fashion boutiques, and grocery stores remain closed to allow staff time with family. However, selected restaurants located along the Town Square and upper entertainment levels, as well as the Ster-Kinekor cinema complex, may open for lunch, dinner, or scheduled movie screenings.
New Year’s Day (1 January)
On New Year’s Day, the mall operates under a reduced trading schedule (typically 09:00 or 10:00 until 14:00/18:00) with voluntary tenant trade. While general fashion and specialty shops may remain closed, select food and beverage outlets, entertainment facilities, and grocery anchors usually open for convenience shopping.
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (24 & 31 December)
To facilitate early closing for staff and shoppers ahead of evening celebrations, general trading hours on 24 December and 31 December are usually trimmed to 09:00 – 18:00.
Festive Season Extended Trading
During the peak December shopping window (typically mid-December leading up to 23 December), Mall of Africa implements extended trading hours. Retailers trade until 21:00 or 22:00, providing extended convenience for holiday gift shopping and festive dining.
Store and Category Variations
Not all tenants follow general mall retail hours. Several categories operate on distinct schedules:
Supermarkets and Grocery Anchors
Major grocery retailers such as Checkers Hyper, Woolworths Food, and Game often open earlier than the standard 09:00 mall opening time, welcoming shoppers from 08:00 on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays.
Restaurants and Town Square Piazza
Restaurants located in the open-air Town Square and upper dining precinct operate independently of retail hours. Most sit-down restaurants remain open until 22:00 or 23:00, allowing visitors to enjoy late-night dinners and drinks on public holidays and weekends.
Entertainment and Cinema
The Ster-Kinekor cinema complex operates based on daily screening schedules, with late shows frequently concluding after 23:00. Family entertainment venues such as Bounce and the Fun Park maintain dedicated weekend and holiday operating schedules.
Banks and Post Office Services
Standard bank branches (including FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and Capitec) located inside the mall typically follow specialized banking hours. On public holidays, bank branches are either closed or operate on limited morning schedules (such as 09:00 to 13:00). Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and digital self-service banking areas remain accessible 24/7.
Visitor Facilities on Public Holidays
- Backup Power and Energy Supply: Mall of Africa is equipped with massive rooftop solar panel installations and full generator backup systems, ensuring complete operation without disruption during load shedding or municipal power outages.
- Parking Infrastructure: Over 6,500 secure parking bays are available, featuring ticketless automated parking systems, license plate recognition, and tap-and-go payment machines.
- Customer Services & Security: Dedicated information desks, lost-and-found support, family/baby-care rooms, wheelchair access, and full-time on-site security operate continuously during all holiday trading periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Mall of Africa open and close on public holidays?
On most public holidays, Mall of Africa is open from 09:00 to 20:00. Select grocery stores (such as Checkers Hyper and Woolworths) may open earlier at 08:00, while sit-down restaurants in the Town Square trade later into the evening.
Is Mall of Africa open on Christmas Day?
General retail shopping is closed on Christmas Day (25 December) due to voluntary trading policies. However, selected restaurants in the Town Square and the Ster-Kinekor cinema complex may remain open for lunch, dinner, and movie screenings.
What are Mall of Africa’s operating hours on New Year’s Day?
On New Year’s Day (1 January), the mall typically operates on a reduced schedule from 09:00 or 10:00 until 14:00, with voluntary trade applying to retail tenants. It is recommended to contact specific stores or restaurants directly before visiting.
Are restaurants in the Town Square open later than retail stores on holidays?
Yes, restaurants situated on the Town Square outdoor dining piazza operate past general mall closing hours. Many eateries remain open until 22:00 or 23:00 on public holidays and weekends, depending on kitchen and seating times.
Do bank branches at Mall of Africa open on public holidays?
Physical banking halls inside the mall are generally closed or operate on shortened morning schedules (such as 09:00 to 13:00) on official public holidays. However, ATM lobbies and digital self-service banking kiosks remain fully accessible throughout mall operational hours.
Does load shedding or power cuts affect Mall of Africa during holidays?
No, Mall of Africa is fully equipped with comprehensive backup generators and one of the largest rooftop solar PV installations in South Africa, ensuring all lighting, air conditioning, lifts, and store POS systems remain fully functional.