EZULWINI - Up to 3 000 jobs will be created at the peak of construction during the second phase of the E2 billion Manzini Mall development.
This was revealed by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, during a press conference announcing that South African construction giant WBHO, in joint venture with local construction firm J&E Construction, had officially been awarded the tender to proceed with the next phase of the highly anticipated mall construction.
The joint venture, which will operate under the name Manzini JV, now takes over from Stefanutti Stocks, which had been engaged during the first phase of the project that mainly focused on groundwork preparations and the construction of the temporary Manzini bus rank.
The first phase has now been completed, paving the way for the commencement of the main construction works of the massive commercial development being spearheaded by Shenge Property Group.
Speaking during the announcement, Khumalo said government was excited by the continued progress of the project, noting that beyond being a commercial development, the Manzini Mall represented a key national infrastructure investment aligned with the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
“This project is very important to us as government because it is not only about infrastructure development, but also about job creation and economic stimulation. At the peak of construction, we are expecting around 3 000 jobs to be created, which is significant for emaSwati,” said Khumalo.
He said the project also aligned with the vision of His Majesty King Mswati III, to see Eswatini transition towards first-world status through modern infrastructure development and increased investment activity.
“The development of this mall is part of the broader vision of His Majesty King Mswati III to see the country modernise and develop infrastructure that matches international standards. Such projects improve our infrastructure landscape while also boosting investor confidence in the country,” he said.
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WBHO prioritises skills transfer
EZULWINI – Representing WBHO, Building Africa Director Deon Robinson said the partnership between the South African construction giant and local company J&E Construction was not solely focused on delivering the infrastructure project.
Robinson said the joint venture was equally committed to ensuring meaningful skills transfer to emaSwati through the sharing of technical expertise, industry knowledge and construction best practices during the implementation of the project.
Robinson stressed that one of the key pillars of the joint venture was capacity building for local professionals, technicians and workers who would be involved in the construction process.
“For us, this is not simply about coming in and sharing the cake with local companies. Skills transfer is a major component of this partnership. We want to leave behind expertise and capabilities that will continue benefitting emaSwati even after the project has been completed,” said Robinson.
“We believe that partnerships like these should create long-term value. Beyond the infrastructure itself, there must also be investment in people and the strengthening of local construction capabilities,” he said.
Robinson added that local workers and professionals involved in the project would gain exposure to advanced construction systems, project management practices and international standards used in major developments.
J&E Construction General Manager Jose Lopes welcomed the partnership and described the skills transfer component as one of the most significant advantages for local firms participating in the development.
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