ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY - ECONOMY BOLSTERED BY CONSTRUCTION OF TAKEALOT DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

On 22 February, eThekwini Mayor Cllr. Mxolisi Kaunda launched the new stateof-the art Distribution Centre for Takealot in KwaZulu-Natal. The centre is located within The Brickworks - a 157-hectare business and logistics park being developed by Investec Property at the region’s old Corobrik factory site.

As South Africa’s largest eCommerce provider, Takealot Group’s investment for its Distribution Centre at The Brickworks is poised to create thousands of jobs. As a catalytic project, The Brickworks development has received enthusiastic support from eThekwini as it is geared to transform the region into a leading logistics hub for Africa and will play a key role in optimising the supply chain potential of the province.

The site has been strategically designed to unlock greater efficiencies, fuelling a more connected economy for the country, and driving direct growth for KZN. Mayor Kaunda emphasised the project’s national impact saying: “The Brickworks is one of our most pivotal logistics and distribution hubs for South Africa. This is a story of value creation and commitment to future value creation from two of our country’s top companies.”

“Seeing proudly South African brands choosing to create and operate from this connected space gives us cause to celebrate. It confirms that the business and logistics park will be an economic enabler, not only for our region but for the broader South African market,” he added.

Investec Property’s joint-CEO David Rosmarin said a collaborative partnership through the City’s innovative ‘One Stop’ Catalytic Project Unit has helped them unlock this strategic site. “The Brickworks’ prime location will enable it to boost the flow of Southern African trade through the region,” he added.

The Distribution Centre is being constructed with environmental and energy-saving technologies to ensure sustainability. Commenting on the Takealot Group’s commitment to

KZN, Executive Chairperson Mamongae Mahlare said: “As a proudly South African business, our investment into KZN reflects our vision of enabling the economy, by enabling South Africans through job creation and market access for SMEs.

We believe the socio-economic impact will be significant in boosting the potential of the province and its people.” Mayor Kaunda concluded saying that the Brickworks and the proposed Caneridge residential development, along with Northfields being developed by JT Ross, forms part of a 350-hectare Avoca Nodal Development, a catalytic project within eThekwini.

The new facility will also bolster same-day and next day delivery and collect capabilities for Takealot shoppers living in and around KZN.

“In partnership with the Municipality, these three precincts will receive funding for portions of the bulk infrastructure for the development of this node. The R10.1 billion investment by the private sector in Ward 110 is expected to provide 51 500 construction job opportunities and 19 000 opportunities in operations over the next 15 years,” he said.

The construction of the KZN Takealot Distribution Centre is planned for completion in July 2024, with operations commencing by October 2024.