About us
The SOKO District platform provides tenants with all the tools they need to manage their entire physical retail space.
SOKO District wants to be the go-to platform where authentic brands connect and engage with landlords to bring their products and services to a technology enabled, fully serviced physical retail space on a flexible space-as-a-service basis.
Become part of the SOKO District story.
Our story
SOKO District started with a small group of visionaries, dreaming about changing the retail industry for the better. From the start, we've believed that some of the best brands out there simply don't get the space they deserve to grow and we wanted to help make that happen.
Despite everything moving online, people have a need for authentic and meaningful personal interactions and relationships in the context and sense of local community and belonging.
In 2020, the dream finally started to come to life. We had a big job to do with a small but highly dedicated team that worked tirelessly to make the dream a reality. Hyprop became a major investor in the SOKO District initiative and we couldn't have asked for better partners!
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Our first district launched on 30 July 2021 at Rosebank Mall. It’s the first of many to come, and what a good place to start – in the bustling heart of Jozi. This location resonates with one of the SOKO District pillar principles of creating a regenerative space, a space that encourages constant movement towards fresh ideas.
What others say about us
Chris from
Eco-Punk Kids
"As a new partner in the SOKO District, Eco Punk has been welcomed with open arms by the friendly and professional team.
The modular shopfitting and technology provided makes setup easy and allows us to focus on our products."
The Citizen
"Rosebank’s SOKO District stakes its claim as ‘the future of mall shopping’
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It may just be the future of mall shopping with a collective of smaller retailers in a curated space."
IOL
Anneke from Annapatat
"Having a store at SOKO District and the face to face interaction with clients has been so valuable for my brand.
I’m loving the energy and input I get from my space that I get to utilise on my online platform as well.my brand."
"It’s a platform that enables purpose-driven local brands to create meaningful connections with their customers under one roof."
Our team
We're a group of visionaries, dreaming about changing the retail industry for the better.
Niel Vermaas
Chief Executive Officer
Willem Visser
Technology Manager
Andrew Khanye
Business Development Manager
Itumeleng Phiri
Help Desk Coordinator
Hanré Truter
Chief Operating Officer
Danielle Hattingh
Marketing Manager
Kelly Fahn
Software Developer
Brandon Clack
Rosebank District:
Operational Manager
Hugo de Vos
Business Improvement Manager
Lelanie Snyman
Finance Manager
Hannah van Zyl
Brand Curator
Nompi Ngwenyama