Khama Billiat’s Boss Steps In to Rescue Stalled US$60 Million Project
Better Brands Construction, a company owned by Scottland FC owner Scott Sakupwanya, has been tapped to help revive Bulawayo’s long-delayed Egodini Mall project. This follows nearly a decade of missed deadlines and stalled progress by the original developer, South Africa-based Terracotta Trading.
A Promising Vision Gone Cold
The Egodini Mall redevelopment was launched in 2015 with high hopes of transforming the city’s old taxi rank into a modern transport hub and shopping complex — a project valued at US$60 million. But nine years on, only the taxi rank portion (Phase 1A) has been completed. That section only became operational in January 2024.
Progress stalled again in February 2024, and according to a Bulawayo City Council report dated 10 April 2025, the project remains just 11% complete. Crucial elements like a bus rank, fuel station, taxi bays, and anchor shops — all part of Phase 1B — are still missing.
Khama Billiat’s Boss Steps In to Rescue Stalled Project
After multiple warnings from the council, Terracotta faced the risk of contract termination. The city had already issued a Notice of Cancellation of Lease in December 2024, accusing the developer of abandoning the site and failing to meet previous conditions.
In response, Terracotta informed the council in February 2025 that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Better Brands Construction in a bid to salvage the project. They asked the city to withdraw the cancellation notice.
However, city officials say they are still waiting for critical documents — including updated work plans, cost breakdowns, designs, and a performance guarantee from a reputable bank — before making any decisions.
Councillors Slam Delays and Raise Red Flags
Councillors expressed frustration over the lack of progress and questioned Terracotta’s reliability.
Councillor Dumisani Netha urged immediate action to move the project forward, while Councillor Donaldson Mabuto criticised Terracotta for ignoring its contractual obligations. “Terracotta was expected to respond and adhere to the contract, but they have not,” he said.
Councillor Mmeli Moyo warned that the delays were harming Bulawayo’s reputation and discouraging potential investors. He called for stronger action, saying the stalled project was “sending the wrong signals.”
Some councillors, like Roy Sekete and Aleck Ndlovu, took it further, demanding the immediate termination of Terracotta’s contract. They also questioned whether the council had played its part fully, especially regarding issues like vendor space allocation and rent collection.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube assured councillors that the matter was handled carefully. He said he had contacted the project manager, who promised to submit a formal response by 15 April 2025.
“The Egodini redevelopment is a critical project for the city,” Dube said. “We are working to ensure that whatever steps we take are in the best interests of the public.”
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