From left to right, Investec Property Chief Executive Officer David Rosmarin, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, Takealot Executive Chairperson Mamongae Mahlare, eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni, and Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli at the new Takealot Distribution Centre.

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda launched the new state-of-theart Distribution Centre for Takealot in KwaZulu-Natal on 22 February. 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.” The Brickworks, situated on one of the last remaining infill portions of land in the rapidly expanding northern corridor of eThekwini, will be one of South Africa’s strongholds of logistics and an area of exponential future growth for the country. It is anticipated that more than 20 000 jobs will be created through phase I, II and III of The Brickworks, according to independent development researcher, analyst, and facilitator Dr Jeffery McCarthy.

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 first phase of the Takealot Distribution Centre development will encompass approximately 43 000 square metres, with an additional 20 000 square metres reserved for future expansion. 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.

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

sohana.singh@durban.gov.za