GQEBERHA | ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR NELSON MANDELA BAY WITH SHOPRITE R1.5 BILLION LOCAL INVESTMENT

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Retief Odendaal attended the sod-turning ceremony for a R1.5 billion distribution logistics facility for the Shoprite retail group in Wells Estate on Tuesday, 8 March 2023. 

The facility, that will be under construction from April this year, will create about 800 temporary jobs during construction. 

It will create 1 300 full-time jobs when it is fully operational, with the total value of investment standing at R1,5 billion. The expected completion period is the 4th quarter of 2024.

Executive Mayor Odendaal could not contain his excitement about the prospects of this project.  

"This is a clear indication that Nelson Mandela Bay is open for business. Investments of this magnitude give confidence that we are moving in the right direction as a city. The systems we have put in place to speed up business development, support and close oversight of those systems have already yielded positive results," said Mayor Odendaal. 

The Executive Mayor thanked Shoprite for the confidence it has shown in Nelson Mandela Bay. 

"Thank you for trusting us with your investment. We will walk this road with you and will give you all the support. The jobs that will be created during construction and once the facility is up and running will change the quality of life of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay," the Executive Mayor added.

This investment is a partnership between Shoprite and Equites Property Fund, the only specialist logistics property fund listed on the JSE.

Equites Property Fund CEO, Andrea Taverna-Turisa said as a company they are excited about launching their next venture in the Eastern Cape. 

"The support from the Municipality has been amazing. Usually developments of this magnitude are delayed by long processes of approval. The support and systems that the Municipality has put in place have enabled us to make this project a reality. With this kind of support, we are confident that the process of construction and getting the facility operational will meet all the envisaged deadlines," said Taverna-Turisa. 

Equites Property Fund is the developers of the project in partnership with Shoprite.

Shoprite Chief Supply Chain Officer, Andrew Havinga said this project was not just an investment, 'it is about uplifting lives, creating opportunities'.

"This project ticks all the boxes of what Shoprite stands for. The facility will ensure we get better and quality service from our suppliers so that we can cut costs for our customers. This is a massive economic activity that will employ 800 during construction and 1300 when the facility is operational," he said.

He said through this project there is a clear programme of SMME beneficiation, through construction and when the facility is operational. 

"The facility will also open an opportunity for more SMME suppliers from the local market to benefit. We also understand the challenges that the country is facing like the drought, electricity and emissions," added Havinga. 

The construction of this facility will take a green development approach. This means the 90-thousand square metres building will have a 30 percent saving in energy, water and emissions. 

Thembinkosi Mafana, the councillor for Ward 60,, where the facility will be located, was equally excited about the investment.

"Thank you to Shoprite for this investment. This will go a long way in changing the lives of our people. I call on all other companies to invest more in our city," said Councillor Mafana.