HARRISMITH, FREE STATE: Harrismith is set for a major economic boost following the launch of a R3 billion mixed-use development in Wilgepark by Calvin and Family Group, with the project expected to create up to 2,000 construction jobs and between 500 and 800 permanent positions once fully operational.

The development was marked by a handover and sod-turning ceremony on Friday, attended by Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Tumelo Thebe and Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Mayor Conny Msibi.

The project is expected to bring together retail, hospitality, commercial and residential facilities, positioning Harrismith as a potential investment and tourism destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.

The development will comprise five key components: Waterfront Mall, Waterfall Precinct, The Levels Hotel, The Kraal Estate and The Kraal Apartments.

According to Calvin and Family Group, construction is expected to generate between 1,500 and 2,000 employment opportunities, while the completed development could sustain between 500 and 800 permanent jobs across retail, hospitality, security, property management, maintenance and related sectors.

The project is also expected to create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and small businesses, with skills development and economic participation identified as important potential benefits.

Mayor Thebe welcomed the investment, saying it could contribute to the long-term development of the Maluti-a-Phofung region by stimulating employment, business growth and further investment.

Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Mayor Conny Msibi also welcomed the project, highlighting its potential to support local businesses, develop skills and expand employment opportunities for residents.

The development is planned to offer a range of services and facilities. Waterfront Mall will feature shops, restaurants and everyday services, including dining facilities overlooking the dam. Waterfall Precinct will accommodate double-storey showrooms targeting businesses in the automotive, furniture, home interiors and building finishes sectors.

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

Calvin and Family Group chairman Calvin Mathibeli, who was born and raised in Qwaqwa, said the investment reflected his commitment to the region where he grew up and his ambition to contribute to its economic development.

Mathibeli said the project was intended to go beyond establishing a mixed-use development by creating an integrated destination where people could shop, work, live and access hospitality services.

He added that the scale of the investment presented an opportunity to strengthen the district’s economic base, attract further investment and create opportunities for local suppliers and businesses.

Harrismith’s strategic position at the intersection of the N3 and N5 routes makes it an important transport link connecting Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the wider Free State. The town also serves surrounding agricultural communities and provides access to regional tourism attractions.

The development’s location is expected to support commercial activity by attracting shoppers, travellers, businesses and residents from Harrismith and neighbouring communities.

However, the project’s longer-term economic impact will depend on its implementation, the number of jobs ultimately created and the extent to which local businesses and residents benefit from the opportunities generated.

Further details regarding construction phases, project progress, leasing and residential opportunities are expected to be communicated as the development advances.

The R3 billion investment marks a significant development ambition for the Maluti-a-Phofung region, with the potential to contribute to employment creation, business expansion and economic growth in Harrismith and surrounding areas.

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