The embattled Matjhabeng Local Municipality is positioning itself for a major economic revival, with more than R40 billion in investments secured since 2022 and fresh multi-billion-rand projects expected to reshape the region’s economy and infrastructure.

Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha said the municipality is intensifying efforts to attract investors, create jobs, and rebuild confidence in Matjhabeng as a competitive destination for business and development.

“As part of these efforts, the municipality will host an Investment Summit in July 2026, bringing together government, business leaders, investors, development agencies, and strategic partners to explore economic opportunities within Matjhabeng,” said Khalipha when briefing the media on Sunday.

The summit is expected to showcase opportunities in mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, tourism, and industrial expansion, while also promoting investment-ready projects across the municipality.

According to Khalipha, the initiative aims to stimulate economic growth, support small businesses, create employment, and restore investor confidence in the municipality.

He stressed that partnerships between government, business, and communities remain critical to unlocking inclusive growth and improving living conditions for residents.

Among the municipality’s key priorities is the revival of the Liberty Centre, a once-popular shopping complex whose decline left many residents frustrated.

Khalipha revealed that investors have already expressed interest in redeveloping the site, with a proposed investment of R250 million expected to transform the area.

“They have already informed us that they want to invest an amount of R250 million, and if everything goes well, construction will start between September and October,” he said.

The mayor added that developers have already presented plans that could significantly change the economic landscape of Matjhabeng.

“In the next two weeks, we will be interacting with organisations dealing with hotels and urging them to come and build hotels here in Matjhabeng,” Khalipha said.

Another major development being considered is a R1.2 billion mixed-use investment near the former Vista University site, focused on student accommodation and retail infrastructure.

“It’s not only student accommodation, but also a mall and several other developments that they are going to build on that piece of land,” the mayor said.

Khalipha appealed to investors to continue backing the municipality’s recovery plans and called for stability within local government structures.

“We are aware that there are people who want to destabilise this municipality,” he said.

He accused certain individuals of attempting to disrupt the administration for personal gain.

“What they want to do in this municipality is loot, which is what they have been doing in the past. So we are people who are disturbing them,” Khalipha added.

Despite ongoing political and financial challenges, the municipality believes the planned investments could mark the beginning of a major turnaround for Matjhabeng’s economy and infrastructure.