Better Brands Construction, owned by politician and businessman Scott Sakupwanya, has been roped in to revive the long-stalled Egodini Mall redevelopment project, according to a Bulawayo City Council report.
The Egodini project, which was originally awarded to South African developer Terracotta Trading (Pvt) Ltd in 2015, was meant to transform the historic taxi rank into a modern transport hub and shopping mall at a cost of US$60 million. But nine years later, the project remains largely unfinished, with only the taxi rank portion (Phase 1A) completed and operational since January 2024.
Despite this, construction ground to a halt again in February 2024, and council issued multiple warnings to Terracotta over non-performance. Acting Director of Works, in a report dated 10 April 2025, revealed that the site remains at only 11% completion, with no progress on the promised bus rank, fuel station, additional taxi bays, and anchor shops under Phase 1B.
Faced with the prospect of contract termination, Terracotta informed the council in February 2025 that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Better Brands Construction to bring the stalled development back to life.
The Developer had been issued with a 6-month Notice of Cancellation of the Lease for failing to comply with the Conditions of withdrawing the Notice of Cancellation of the Lease issued in September 2023 and also for abandoning the site. The Notice of Cancellation dated 12 December 2024 was issued by the Town Clerk,” the report read.
“The developer responded to the cancellation notice in a letter dated 25 February 2025, advising that they had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Better Brands Construction and requesting that the Council withdraw the cancellation notice.”
However, the council is still waiting for critical documents from the developer, including a detailed programme of works, cost estimates, design drawings, and a performance bond from a reputable bank.
Councillors voiced strong concerns over the delays. Councillor Dumisani Netha stressed the need for urgent action, while Councillor Donaldson Mabuto criticised Terracotta’s failure to meet its contractual obligations. “Terracotta was expected to respond and adhere to the contract, but they have not,” Cllr Mabuto said.
Councillor Mmeli Moyo warned that the protracted delays were tarnishing Bulawayo’s image as an investment destination. “The Egodini issue is sending the wrong signals to investors and damaging the council’s reputation,” Cllr Moyo noted, urging the city to take tougher measures.
Several councillors, including Roy Sekete and Aleck Ndlovu, called for the immediate termination of Terracotta’s contract, questioning whether council had adequately fulfilled its own obligations regarding rentals and vendor space management.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube told councillors that the matter was being handled diligently and confirmed that he had spoken to the project manager, who had promised a formal response by 15 April 2025.
“The Egodini redevelopment is a critical project for the city, and we are working to ensure that whatever steps we take are in the best interests of the public,” Dube said.