Harrismith is set for a major economic boost following the handover and sod-turning of a R3 billion mixed-use development by Calvin and Family Group in Wilgepark, with the project expected to create up to 2 000 jobs during construction and hundreds of permanent employment opportunities once operational.

The development was officially handed over on Friday by Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Tumelo Thebe, and Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Mayor, Councillor Conny Msibi, marking a milestone for the project and its potential contribution to the Free State economy.

“This investment is particularly meaningful. We want to contribute to the long-term development of the Maluti-a-Phofung region by creating opportunities for employment, business growth and investment. The vision is to build a destination that serves the community while positioning Harrismith for greater economic activity,” says Cllr Tumelo Thebe, Executive Mayor, Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality

Cllr Conny Msibi, Mayor, Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality adds: “This development represents an opportunity to stimulate economic activity within our municipality and create employment opportunities for our residents. We welcome investments that have the potential to support local businesses, develop skills and contribute to the growth of our communities. We look forward to seeing the project progress and deliver tangible benefits for the people of Maluti-a-Phofung”

The development will comprise five components: Waterfront Mall, Waterfall Precinct, The Levels Hotel, The Kraal Estate and The Kraal Apartments. Together, they are planned to combine retail, hospitality, residential and commercial facilities in one destination serving Harrismith, surrounding rural communities and travellers.

The project is expected to create between 1,500 and 2,000 employment opportunities during construction, with an estimated 500 to 800 permanent jobs once the development is fully operational.

Employment opportunities are anticipated across construction, retail, hospitality, security, property management, maintenance and related services. The project is also expected to create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and small businesses, while supporting skills development and further economic activity.

Harrismith’s strategic location at the junction of the N3 and N5 routes places it along important transport corridors connecting Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the wider Free State. The town also serves surrounding agricultural communities and provides access to regional tourism attractions.

Waterfront Mall will offer shopping, restaurants, and everyday services, including dining facilities overlooking the dam. Waterfall Precinct will feature double-storey showrooms intended for businesses in the automotive, furniture, home interiors, building finishes, and related sectors.

The Levels Hotel is planned to provide accommodation, dining, wellness, wedding, and conferencing facilities, while The Kraal Estate and The Kraal Apartments will offer residential options complemented by landscaped spaces and lifestyle amenities.

For Calvin and Family Group chairman Calvin Mathibeli, who was born and raised in Qwaqwa, the investment represents a commitment to the region where he grew up and an opportunity to contribute to its long-term economic development.

The project is expected to strengthen Harrismith’s position as a destination for investment, commerce, tourism and residential growth, with the anticipated employment opportunities offering potential benefits for local households and businesses.

The handover and sod-turning ceremony marks a step towards bringing the development to fruition. Further details regarding construction phases, progress, leasing and residential opportunities are expected to be communicated as the project advances.

“The scale of this investment presents an important opportunity for the district to strengthen its economic base and attract further development. Beyond the infrastructure, we are encouraged by the potential for job creation, opportunities for local suppliers and the growth of businesses that can support the project. Partnerships between investors, municipalities and communities will be important in realising these benefits,” Calvin Mathibeli, Calvin and Family Group.

“Our ambition is to develop more than a mixed-use destination. We want to create an integrated space where people can shop, work, live and access hospitality services, while opening opportunities for businesses and local communities. As the project advances, our focus will be on delivering the development in phases and building a destination that contributes to Harrismith’s future.”

Calvin and Family Group acknowledged the two mayors, the municipalities, stakeholders and community members who contributed to reaching the milestone.

The R3 billion investment adds to the development ambitions for the Maluti-a-Phofung region, with the project’s longer-term impact expected to depend on its implementation, job creation and the extent to which local businesses and communities participate in the opportunities it generates.