eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda launched the new state-of-the-art distribution centre for Takealot in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Thursday, February 22.
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.
eThekwini Municipality communications spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said as South Africa’s largest eCommerce provider, the 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,” said Ms Sisilana.
“The site has been strategically designed to unlock greater efficiencies, fuelling a more connected economy for the country, and driving direct growth for KZN.”
Mr Kaunda emphasised the project’s national impact; he said the Brickworks is one of the 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,” said Mr Kaunda.
He added that 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,” Mr Rosmarin 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.”
Executive chairperson of the Takealot Group, Mamongae Mahlare said Takealot being a proudly South African business, shows that their investment into KZN reflects their 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,” said Ms Mahlare.
Mr Kaunda said 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,” the mayor said.
