MINISTER of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has officially handed over the construction site for the highly anticipated Manzini Arch Project to J&E Construction Company, marking a major milestone in the country’s economic transformation agenda.
The site, located at the former Manzini Golf Course in Moneni, was handed over yesterday. The multi-billion-Emalangeni development, valued between E4 billion and E6 billion, is expected to generate 800 to 1 000 jobs during its implementation.
The project, initiated by African Alliance and overseen by its property development division PJ, is projected to be completed within five to six years.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Khumalo described the occasion as a decisive shift from vision to execution.
“This demonstrates that we are moving firmly from planning to implementation, reaffirming government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth through strategic public-private partnerships,” he said.
Set on 28 hectares of prime land, the Manzini Arch Project is poised to redefine the city’s urban landscape, introducing world-class infrastructure, modern amenities, and vibrant commercial spaces aimed at positioning Manzini as a competitive regional economic hub.
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At the centre of the development will be ‘The Jewel,’ a state-of-the-art facility designed to centralise key government services and improve service delivery. The broader development will also feature a modern hotel, a residential park, and a KFC drive-thru, among other lifestyle and commercial offerings.
“With a projected investment of over E4 billion, this development signals strong investor confidence in our economy and its future,” Khumalo said.
The project will be implemented in phases, with the first phase valued between E1.4 billion and E1.6 billion and expected to create approximately 1 000 jobs during construction, stimulating multiple sectors.
Khumalo noted that the inclusion of modern retail conveniences, such as the city’s first KFC drive-thru, reflected evolving consumer lifestyles in the country.
He recalled that the Manzini Arch vision was first launched in May 2023, when King Mswati III cut the sod to commence the development.
“As government, we recognise that infrastructure development is a key driver of economic growth. Projects of this magnitude not only attract investment but also improve the quality of life for Emaswati,” Khumalo said.
