Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has praised the investment of R108 million by Mthatha businessman Mava Mkukwana, of Fuel Mart Capital, who is behind the development of the Ibika Commercial Centre which has entered its second phase of development.
Mabuyane attended the sod-turning ceremony which signalled the beginning of the second phase of the centre’s development in Ibika, Butterworth on July 26.
The first phase of Ibika Commercial Centre started in 2020 and boasts a Shell garage, Spar Express, Steers and Debonairs Pizza. The centre started operating in February 2021 and 110 permanent jobs were created during this first phase.
“Today, we were turning the sod for the commencement of phase two of this project, which will see the creation of 250 additional jobs for young people in this community. The second phase will comprise a pharmacy, China Mall, as well as KFC and Wimpy drive-thrus.
“As the provincial government, we are very proud of entrepreneurs such as Mr Mkukwana, who have a vision to empower and develop rural communities.
“We wish them well and look forward to supporting their business, because we understand that it has a positive impact on our people’s livelihoods,” Mabuyane said during the sod-turning ceremony.
Situated along the N2, near the Walter Sisulu University, the centre’s second phase development will boast retail clothing shops, pharmacies, grocery stores, bank ATMs, drive-thru restaurants, a China Mall and smaller boutique shops, when it opens in March in 2023.
Mnquma Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa, said the latest development would help to decongest vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the Butterworth CBD, by providing more shopping destinations for both visitors and residents of the local townships and rural areas.
“This development is one of major investments that will attract more local investors and help to grow the economy.
“It is also testimony to the political and administrative stability that everybody can see in this municipality.
“As a municipality, we are open to providing parcels of land in key strategic areas to attract more investment because part of our mandate is to create a conducive environment so that the people of Mnquma have access opportunities that will improve their lives,” said Manxila-Nkamisa.
Mkukwana said the development is the result of the overwhelming support he has received from Mnquma Local Municipality.
“Fuel Mart Capital has received overwhelming support from both political and administrative leadership of Mnquma Local Municipality which really helps in keeping the costs of development within the range we budgeted,” Mkukwana said.
Approximately 60 temporary jobs will also be created during the nine month period of the construction phase of the development.
