BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MALKERNS – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says the ongoing development of Malkerns Square is aligning with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of transforming Eswatini into a first-world country, describing the project as an example of Emaswati investing in the country’s development.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a tour of Malkerns Square on Friday, where he visited several establishments, including Parkview, the recently opened shopping destination developed by African Alliance.
The Prime Minister said he was encouraged that the project was still growing, adding that its continued expansion demonstrated the potential of locally driven investment to contribute to national development.
He expressed happiness that the development was being undertaken by Emaswati, noting that the project was introducing modern facilities and services that could improve the shopping and recreational experience of the community.
The Prime Minister said he had observed high-end retail establishments, including KFC and Pick n Pay, which he said offered quality products to consumers.
He particularly welcomed the fact that KFC used locally grown chickens, revealing that he was beginning to enjoy eating at the fast-food restaurant.
The Prime Minister also commended the quality and freshness of products available at Pick n Pay, noting that a significant portion of the goods sold at the establishment were sourced locally.
He said developments of this nature were contributing towards the country’s ambition of achieving first-world status, as envisioned by His Majesty King Mswati III.
The Prime Minister further noted that the availability of sporting facilities at Malkerns Square demonstrated the importance of creating communities where people could access not only shopping facilities but also recreational amenities.
Malkerns Square combines residential accommodation, retail facilities and sporting amenities, including football, basketball, volleyball and tennis facilities, as well as a swimming pool.
The visit comes as African Alliance continues to expand its investment in the Malkerns area through new commercial and residential developments.
Malkerns Parkview was officially opened on September 3, 2026, adding modern retail space to the growing commercial precinct.
The expansion includes a larger Pick n Pay store, with additional retail offerings intended to serve the increasing demand from residents and shoppers in the area.
Earlier this year African Alliance Group Partner and Chairman S’thofeni Ginindza said the company’s investment approach was centred on creating infrastructure and opportunities that could stimulate demand rather than waiting for demand to emerge before investing.
The group has also been expanding its residential portfolio, with plans to add approximately 150 apartments as part of the next phase of development.
During the Prime Minister’s visit, Ginindza disclosed plans to construct a 120-room boutique hotel at Malkerns Square, which he said would be built above a clubhouse.
The proposed hotel is expected to add to the area’s hospitality offering as the development continues to grow.
The tour also featured an exchange between the Prime Minister and Ginindza about the possibility of establishing a church at Malkerns Square.
The Prime Minister suggested that African Alliance should consider bringing a church to the development, arguing that churches played an important role beyond financial considerations.
“Church is not about money, look at the goal. So you want peace, you want character, you want civilisation here, then you need a church to do that,” the Prime Minister said.
Ginindza had stated that he observed that people continued to find money for gambling and alcohol despite their financial circumstances, but said he was not sufficiently exposed to church offerings to compare the amounts spent on alcohol with those contributed to churches.
The exchange highlighted the discussion around the place of religious institutions in a modern, developing community.
For the Prime Minister, Malkerns Square’s growing combination of retail, residential and recreational facilities represents progress towards a modern lifestyle, while his suggestion of a church points to the importance he attaches to social values alongside physical development.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala who was also part of the tour suggested that a community hall must also be added to the place. He further suggested that as the project develops the Malkerns Town Council must not be left out.
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