HARRISMITH – Wilgepark Gateway has been presented as another potential investment opportunity for Harrismith, with its developers projecting between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs during construction.
Unveiled at a launch event on 23 October, the proposed R2.8 billion development is expected to move into its next phase in January 2027, although its promises will ultimately be measured by implementation and the jobs created.
Calvin Mathibeli, owner of the Calvin Family Group of Companies, outlined plans for a mixed-use development comprising a mall, hotel, residential apartments and commercial showrooms aimed at expanding business opportunities in Harrismith, within Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality.
Mathibeli, who hails from QwaQwa, said he had been approaching the municipality for almost ten years in pursuit of an opportunity to realise his investment plans.
Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Tumelo Thebe welcomed the prospect of the investment progressing during his tenure.
“I’m happy that you’re here to testify that you have been knocking on the municipality’s doors for almost ten years. Only now, during my tenure, is your investment dream being made possible because I said, ‘Why not?’” Thebe said.
The proposed development is expected to accommodate businesses across various sectors, including vehicle dealerships, furniture retailers and sanitaryware suppliers.
Mathibeli said the intention was to bring products and services closer to local consumers rather than forcing them to travel to other cities or countries.
“Why do you have to travel to Dubai? Why do you have to travel to Durban? Let’s bring it here,” he said.
The residential component is intended to accommodate professionals and executives working in the area who require suitable accommodation.
Mathibeli said the construction phase was expected to create between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs across fields such as engineering, civil construction, mechanical work and other specialised services.
However, no estimate was provided for the number of permanent jobs that could be available once the development becomes operational.
He argued that sustainable job creation required stronger partnerships between government and the private sector, saying government could not address unemployment on its own.
“The reality is that the government does not have the capacity to create jobs on its own. It is through partnerships with the private sector that government can enable job creation,” Mathibeli said.
He also cautioned that government-funded employment programmes often offer temporary relief, with participants facing renewed unemployment when six- or 12-month contracts end.
The launch brought together representatives from local and district government, business and the education sector.
Those present included Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Executive Mayor Conny Msibi, Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Tumelo Thebe, Maluti TVET College principal Motlalepula Tsotetsi and University of the Free State QwaQwa campus principal Professor Prince Ngobeni.
The event concluded with a site visit to the location earmarked for the proposed development.
With a projected investment of R2.8 billion and January 2027 identified as the anticipated timeframe for the next stage, residents of Maluti-a-Phofung will be watching closely to see whether Wilgepark Gateway progresses beyond its launch promises.
For a community in need of sustainable employment and economic opportunities, the real measure of the project will be whether construction begins, businesses establish themselves and jobs materialise.
