MALKERNS is betting on its new and growing infrastructure boom to capture tourists and visitors’ money that ends up flowing beyond its borders.
Malkerns Town Council Mayor Sipho Shongwe said the town’s expanding infrastructure base is increasingly important to ensure that visitors attracted by its agricultural, cultural and entertainment offerings contribute more directly to the local economy.
Shongwe was one of the speakers at the grand opening of Malkerns Parkview Retail Complex yesterday, where a larger Pick n Pay supermarket also officially opened its doors to the public. The expansion adds to the growing commercial footprint of Malkerns Square, which is positioning the area as a lifestyle, residential and commercial hub.
The mayor said Malkerns’ transformation should not be viewed as a choice between agriculture and modern infrastructure development, arguing that the two can support each other as the town grows.
“The two sides can coexist. Progress and development cannot be stopped,” Shongwe said.
He said the town’s identity had historically been strongly associated with agriculture because of its fertile soils, but its emergence as an agri-tourism destination required a broader economic outlook.
According to Shongwe, Malkerns’ growing profile as a destination for major events, including the MTN Bushfire Festival, has created an opportunity for the town to develop a stronger tourism economy. The town has increasingly attracted visitors through entertainment festivals and other events, supporting demand for accommodation, retail and services.
He said the absence of sufficient accommodation meant some of the economic benefits generated by visitors were being realised outside Malkerns town.
The development of modern hotels and other visitor facilities could therefore help the town retain more of this expenditure while creating opportunities for businesses operating in hospitality, retail, transport, food and entertainment.
Shongwe acknowledged that the rapid infrastructure expansion could be difficult for some members of local communities to embrace, particularly those accustomed to Malkerns’ traditional agricultural character.
“Other people in the local communities will take it hard as it may not be easy for them to adapt,” he said.
However, he maintained that development around Malkerns ParkView was controlled, noting that the complex was located within an urbanised section of the town rather than being developed as farmland, although the land had historically been used for agricultural activities.
Importantly, the mayor said agriculture would remain part of Malkerns’ economic future. The establishment of the Malkerns Fresh Produce Market is intended to ensure that the town’s agricultural base benefits from its expanding commercial ecosystem.
The approach, he said, is ultimately about creating a balance between agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development.
The bigger Pick n Pay and other businesses at Malkerns Parkview will add further weight to that transition, giving residents greater access to retail services while potentially creating new channels for local producers and businesses.
Pick n Pay’s own website currently lists Malkerns Parkview opening promotions running from September 3 to 6, 2026.
