R270m Hotel Creates 250 Jobs in Gqeberha

When investors pour R270 million into your city, that's not just construction. That's belief in action.

The Capital Boardwalk opened its doors this week in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), transforming 14 months of hard work into 145 modern apartments and hotel rooms in the beachside neighborhood of Summerstrand. The project created 250 permanent positions and another 500 construction jobs along the way.

Marc Wachsberger, founder of The Capital Hotels, says the ripple effects reach far beyond those paychecks. Third-party service providers, suppliers, and local businesses all benefit when tourists fill hotel rooms and conference centers buzz with activity.

The timing couldn't be more meaningful. Gqeberha has battled a rough reputation among investors recently, with dam levels below 30% and power infrastructure literally collapsing twice. But Wachsberger saw something others missed: a thriving city unfairly written off by the market.

His team didn't ignore the challenges. They tackled them head-on. Every room comes equipped with full backup power for hot water and air conditioning, not just emergency lighting. Water storage tanks provide 48 hours of backup supply, with borehole access and reverse osmosis systems ready if needed.

The hotel fills a specific gap in the market too. While Gqeberha had plenty of traditional hotel rooms, it lacked apartment-style accommodations for consultants and professionals working on long-term projects in nearby Coega's industrial zone.

The Ripple Effect

Shaun van Eck from Discover Mandela Bay calls the opening "a welcome dose of good news" that gives visitors real choice. Families can self-cater in spacious apartments. Business travelers can book conference facilities. Weekend tourists can enjoy traditional hotel service.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber sees even bigger possibilities ahead. Chief Executive Denise van Huyssteen describes the investment as "a clear vote of confidence" that will attract more conferences, events, and international visitors to the region.

When local procurement kicks in and visitor spending flows through restaurants, retail shops, and service providers across the city, that R270 million investment multiplies into something much larger. It's exactly the kind of private sector boost that drives inclusive economic growth without waiting for government intervention.

For a city that's been counted out by skeptics, The Capital Boardwalk stands as proof that smart investors still see enormous potential in Gqeberha's future.