Market expected to contribute R875 billion by 2025market is expected to boost the economy by $21.53 billion in 2023, while online retail sales will more than double that contribution to $46 billion within two years¹.says development in the outlying areas, coupled with exponential growth in e-commerce, are significant factors for the country’s booming“This growth is evident not only in the frequency of truck deliveries, but in warehousing investments required to accommodate the demand.
The April 2022 floods across KwaZulu-Natal meant the province experienced the greatest growth as companies normalised their operations. Cross border truck loads also rose with Namibia, Lesotho and Botswana showing a 10% increase and Eswatini recording 18%. Gaines says the company has served nearly 1,000 new stores in South Africa during 2023 as existing retailers opened new facilities. Consequently,has invested in warehouse facilities in Bloemfontein, Harrismith, Klerksdorp and Polokwane.
He adds that the industry can anticipate further amalgamations as South Africa prepares to service global giants like Amazon and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers expand their e-commerce platforms and offer more door-to-door deliveries. In 2022, in partnership with private equity company Clearwater Capital, purchased the Fastway Couriers franchise in South Africa. The company had acquired the Fastway Cape Town and Durban businesses the previous year.