Ematsheni redevelopment in Pietermaritzburg city centre: R18 million project to boost informal economy
The crime-infested site Ematsheni in Pietermaritzburg’s CBD is set to be redeveloped with the intention of revitalising the area for informal economic activity, at an estimated total cost of R18 million. About R4m has been made available for the first phase of the project, which could start as early as September. The contractor for the project is expected to be appointed by next month.
Officials from the Msunduzi Municipality, who are leading the project, provided details on it when they appeared before the Economic Development Committee in the provincial legislature this week. This meeting followed an oversight visit by committee members to the area. The first phase of the development is funded by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The Ematsheni Beerhall structures were demolished around 2017 after the property was overrun by criminal activity. The vacant land at the site has continued to be a subject of concern due to ongoing criminal activities.
Phindile Zondi, manager of Economic Planning & Infrastructure under Development Services (LED) in the municipality, briefed the committee on the work underway and the expectations for the project. She said technical work on the project, in terms of consulting, costing and planning, is nearing completion.
“The municipality has sought funding to rebuild the area and ensure that the people who were operating there legally have a new area where they can operate,” she said, adding that as a result the municipality applied to the provincial government to rebuild the site and received about R3m in funding. The approval came with the condition that the municipality also had to contribute R1m of its own funds.
The scope of the project includes various elements, including a taxi rank, after they had been approached by the South African National Taxi Council. The project will have three phases. Phase one involves the construction of 90 training stalls, storage facilities, ablution facilities, and other trading facilities. The subsequent phases will include the building of a taxi rank and other assets.
“Once completed, the area will feature a ground floor and a first floor, with the first floor designated as a taxi rank and the ground floor used for commercial space,” Zondi explained. “We are looking for an anchor tenant. We believe that having a stronger anchor tenant will help manage and secure the facility, making it safer for those using it.”
Zondi mentioned that much more is required to complete the overall project, which is estimated to cost around R18m. She added that they had been able to source additional funding from the National Treasury for the other phases of the project.
Speaking on when the construction work will get underway, she said they will be appointing a contractor soon from the municipal panel of building contractors. This should be concluded by August for phase one, with work commencing on-site by September. Phase one is expected to take nine months and should be completed by 2026.
Economic Development Committee member Super Zuma expressed scepticism about the project, stating, “From what I am seeing, the scope of what had been promised has drastically reduced from what was presented before, and I am sceptical. What guarantees do we have that what you are promising now will be delivered?”
Chairperson of the committee, Mafika Mndebele, stated that the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convened the engagement with representatives from Msunduzi to assess progress on key community-based economic projects.
“We are encouraged by the reports presented and the commitments made by all stakeholders. The committee is satisfied that these projects are on track and continuing as planned. “They are already demonstrating tangible benefits for the local economy, particularly in creating opportunities for SMMEs, advancing township and rural enterprise development, and supporting inclusive local economic growth.
“These are not just infrastructure projects — they are instruments of economic justice and empowerment. They bring services closer to the people, stimulate job creation, and activate local supply chains that help small businesses to thrive. “We will continue to exercise robust oversight to ensure that the impact of these projects reaches all intended beneficiaries and that any delays or implementation challenges are swiftly resolved.”