By Mayibongwe Sikhondze
The Southern Country Club and Nhlangano Golf Course, two of Nhlangano’s most cherished recreational landmarks, are on the brink of a remarkable revival.
This long-anticipated transformation is spearheaded by Style Form Construction (Pty) Ltd, who has been awarded a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract by the Nhlangano Town Council to restore and upgrade these iconic facilities.
The project, identified as Tender No. NHLANGANO/WKS/006/2020-2021, is set to bring transformative changes to two of Nhlangano’s key recreational facilities.
The Nhlangano Town Council, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, carefully evaluated multiple proposals before selecting Style Form Construction (Pty) Ltd. The company’s proposal was particularly commended for its detailed and innovative approach to modernizing these essential community sites.
“We are pleased to inform you that your proposal has been carefully reviewed and your bid for this project has been accepted,” stated Babsy Mavuso, Town Clerk and Chief Executive Officer of the Nhlangano Town Council, in the official award letter. The PPP contract is currently in its final stages of preparation, with the signing ceremony anticipated to take place soon.
Style Form Construction (Pty) Ltd has engaged the TSD Group Director and former Minister of Commerce, Industry & Trade Lutfo Dlamini, as Project Coordinator for this development.
Dlamini brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously established a majority of the factories in the Nhlangano area that currently employ more than 5,000 people. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in ensuring the success of this project.
The project involves extensive upgrades to the Southern Country Club and the Nhlangano Golf Course. The Southern Country Club, a venue steeped in history, will see comprehensive renovations designed to restore its prestige and enhance its appeal as a top destination for events and social gatherings.
Meanwhile, the Nhlangano Golf Course will undergo a series of improvements aimed at bringing it up to international standards, making it more competitive and attractive to golfers from around the region.
Dlamini shared their ambitious plans to transform Nhlangano into the country’s entertainment mecca.
“We need to give a good excuse to open Mahamba border 24 hours as we turn Nhlangano to be the country’s entertainment Mecca with the largest car spinning arena in the country and hot air balloons and air glider facilities in the kingdom,” he said.
The upgrades to the Southern Country Club and the Nhlangano Golf Course are expected to yield substantial economic benefits for the Nhlangano community. The Town Council anticipates that the improved facilities will attract a broader range of visitors, including tourists and event organizers, which in turn will drive local business growth, create jobs, and enhance the overall quality of life in the town.
During the construction phase, the project will create 150 new jobs, providing a significant boost to the local labor market. Once completed, it will offer 120 new permanent jobs, contributing to sustained employment and economic growth in Nhlangano.
This PPP initiative is a prime example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can lead to significant community development. The Nhlangano Town Council’s decision to invest in these upgrades aligns with its broader strategy to modernize the town and foster a thriving local economy.