Harrismith is set for a major property and economic development following the launch of Calvin and Family Group’s R3 billion mixed-use project in Wilgepark, which is 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 Cllr Tumelo Thebe and Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Mayor Cllr Conny Msibi.
The project will bring together retail, hospitality, commercial and residential facilities in one destination, with the potential to create opportunities for local businesses, contractors and suppliers.
The development comprises five components: Waterfront Mall, Waterfall Precinct, The Levels Hotel, The Kraal Estate and The Kraal Apartments.
Waterfront Mall is planned to offer shopping, restaurants and everyday services, including dining facilities overlooking the dam. Waterfall Precinct will feature 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 spaces and lifestyle amenities.
According to the project’s developers, employment opportunities are expected across construction, retail, hospitality, security, property management, maintenance and related services. The development is also intended to support skills development and provide opportunities for small businesses in the surrounding communities.
“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,” Thebe said.
“The vision is to build a destination that serves the community while positioning Harrismith for greater economic activity,” he added.
Msibi said the development could stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities for residents.
“We welcome investments that have the potential to support local businesses, develop skills and contribute to the growth of our communities,” she said.
The project comes as Harrismith continues to occupy a strategic position along the N3 and N5 transport routes, connecting Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the wider Free State. The town also serves surrounding agricultural communities and provides access to regional tourism attractions.
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.
“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,” Mathibeli said.
He said collaboration between investors, municipalities and communities would be important in ensuring the development delivers tangible benefits.
The group said its ambition was to create an integrated destination where people could shop, work, live and access hospitality services, with construction expected to progress in phases.
Further details on construction timelines, project progress, leasing and residential opportunities are expected to be communicated as the development advances.
The R3 billion investment adds to development plans for the Maluti-a-Phofung region. However, the project’s longer-term economic impact will depend on its implementation, the jobs ultimately created and the extent to which local businesses and residents benefit from the opportunities it generates.
