Manzini – The ministers responsible for commerce and housing met on Monday to review progress on the Manzini Mall Development and finalise plans for the temporary relocation of the main bus rank, with operations at the new temporary facility set to begin on 20 June 2026.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala held the meeting as the project moves into its next phase, with the official handover of the temporary bus rank site scheduled for 19 June 2026.
The Manzini Mall Development project began on 25 July 2025, led by contractor Stefanutti Stocks, with an 18-month contract period and an estimated cost of E124 million. The next mall construction tender has been awarded to WBHO and J&E. 
“As a ministry, we support private sector investment and we are happy the elapsing phase is coming to an end. We now move forward with the next mall construction tender award to WBHO and J&E. Manzini will not be the same after this project,” Khumalo said.
He expressed gratitude to the Manzini City Council, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Transport Department for their cooperation throughout the process.
Numerous engagements have been held with Manzini Public Transport Associations, the National Road Transport Association Council, Road Transportation Departments, informal traders and the broader Manzini business community ahead of the relocation.
Under the transport relocation plan, cross-border transport will move to Riverstone, while transport passing the Nazarene robot will be redirected to the Old Trade Fair Bus Rank. Of the vendors affected, 422 will move to the Old Trade Fair, 50 to the Satellite Bus Rank and 277 to the Trade Hub.
