Latest news with #Takealot
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
How UK investment is powering South Africa's jobs revolution
UK investment and partnerships are turbocharging South African jobs, housing and digital markets — with real on-the-ground impact. On Monday, 28 July, the United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Employment Alison McGovern visited Cape Town ahead of the G20 Employment Ministerial in George this week, engaging with two flagship initiatives supported by the British High Commission that are driving job creation and economic opportunity in South Africa. According to Jenna Kretzmann, communications officer of the British Consulate General, UK firms now employ more than 100,000 South Africans, fuelling vital job creation and strengthening economic resilience in a country grappling with a 32.9% overall unemployment rate and a youth unemployment rate that reached 62.4% nationally for those aged 15 to 24 in the first quarter of this year alone. UK-backed initiatives are also seeking to address deep-rooted structural challenges—in particular, the legacy of spatial segregation that continues to shape South African cities. One such initiative, Divercity, was founded in 2018, with UK-backed British International Investment playing a key role since 2021 in funding urban renewal projects that deliver affordable housing and employment. At Divercity's Salt River housing development, the Herringbone development, supported by British International Investment (BII), is powering an urban renewal engine aimed at breaking the cycle of spatial segregation that has long plagued South African cities. This project includes funding for more than 2,500 residential units, with more than 5,500 people benefiting from it. The initiative is also expected to create up to 4,000 construction and permanent jobs, offering both roofs and opportunities. 'Almost all new affordable housing delivery since 1994 has taken place at the urban periphery, entrenching spatial segregation,' noted Carel Kleynhans, CEO of Divercity, highlighting how their partnership with BII enabled commercially viable affordable housing in prime locations. E-commerce empowerment In a separate initiative, Takealot, South Africa's largest e-commerce platform, is unleashing the digital economy through its Township Digital Market Access Programme, supported by the UK-SA Tech Hub. The top 50 SMMEs in the programme have already generated about R5.7-million in sales and 39 jobs in one year. More broadly, Takealot has created 21,000 jobs and helped more than 7,500 township Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) reach new markets, illustrating how public-private innovation can fuel growth. 'We are opening up the e-commerce ecosystem, particularly to township-based entrepreneurs and small businesses…'We believe that this approach will meaningfully increase household incomes as we help create more opportunities for entrepreneurship, SMME growth and job creation,' said Fred Zietsman, CEO of Takealot. What this means for you Job seekers: UK investments mean more openings in construction, digital commerce and urban development — especially promising for youth and women. Entrepreneurs and SMMEs: More inclusion in e-commerce platforms can dramatically boost business opportunities. Urban dwellers: Projects like Divercity reduce commute costs and improve living conditions with safer, affordable housing in well-connected locations. Policy buffs: The UK-South Africa alliance models how international partnerships can go beyond aid, driving real economic transformation through sustainable jobs and innovation. DM
TimesLIVE
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Springboks' Eben Etzebeth to publish book about his life journey
Springbok star Eben Etzebeth says he will publish his debut book, Unlocked, which tells the story of his life. Etzebeth shared the book cover on Instagram. 'I'm proud to announce that I wrote a book. My story, from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, challenges I faced and what it took to wear the green and gold,' he said. 'Thank you to everyone who has supported me, this one is for you.' The 34-year-old lock joins a long list of Springbok stars who have written books, including captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus. The book will be available online and in major bookshops, said Etzebeth. 'You can pre-order it online from Takealot, Exclusive Books, Wordsworth, Readers Warehouse, Loot and major bookshops. It is also available in the UK — feel free to look at Amazon UK, Waterstones and more.'
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Unlocked': Rugby star Eben Etzebeth launches first book
The book promises an intimate look into Etzebeth's life. Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has announced the release of his debut book, Unlocked. The book tells the story of Etzebeth's life, from growing up in Goodwood in the Western Cape to his rise in rugby. In a recent Instagram post, Etzebeth shared that the book will be available in October this year. 'Over the past few months, I've taken time to reflect on my journey — the highs, the lows, the lessons, the people, and the moments that have shaped me on and off the field,' he wrote. The book also explores Etzebeth's challenges, aspirations, and what it truly took to wear the green and gold jersey. He described the book as a tribute to those who have supported him throughout his career. 'Unlocked tells my story — from growing up in Goodwood to my aspirations, the challenges I've faced, and what it really took to wear the green and gold. Thank you to everyone who's supported me — this one is for you,' he added. ALSO READ: Six decades of Porsche at Kyalami celebrated with new book The book is available for pre-order While not yet on shelves, Etzebeth said the book is available for pre-order through Takealot, Exclusive Books, Wordsworth, Loot, Readers Warehouse, and other major South African retailers. 'It is also available internationally through Amazon UK, Waterstones, and other outlets.' NOW READ: 'End of an era': Shalate Sekhabi exits House of Zwide
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tech upgrades give South Africa logistics a digital edge
South Africa's transport and logistics sector is under growing pressure to meet the rising demands of e-commerce and online retail. With shopping behaviours permanently altered by the Covid-19 pandemic, local consumers increasingly expect faster, more reliable delivery, placing strain on outdated systems. According to the Zebra Technologies 2023 Warehousing Vision Study, 73% of decision-makers in the warehousing industry have already begun, or plan to accelerate, modernisation projects. Nearly 70% of them are also adopting workflow automation technologies to meet new demands. Among warehouse workers, 86% believe technologies like robotics and smart devices would boost productivity and improve retention, despite public concerns over job losses. This wave of innovation comes as government seeks to overhaul South Africa's freight logistics system. The 2023 Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System, presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa, outlines plans to reform logistics infrastructure and enable faster, more affordable movement of goods — a shift that could significantly benefit consumers and the broader economy. E-commerce fuels demand The rapid growth in online shopping — driven by platforms such as Takealot, Loot, Amazon (locally warehoused), Shein, AliExpress and Temu — has expanded the burden on delivery networks. Consumers now expect more from logistics providers, not only in terms of speed but also accuracy, cybersecurity, and reliability. This demand surge offers an opportunity for systemic change, not just patchwork upgrades. Industry players are increasingly being encouraged to adopt new communication and delivery systems capable of real-time tracking, efficient routing, and integrated inventory control. Tech-enabled logistics Smart technologies are playing an increasingly central role in enabling this shift. Tools such as mobile computers, RFID scanners, label printers, and AI-powered software are helping logistics companies manage everything from warehouse operations to last-mile delivery. Through analytics and automation, operators are able to process large volumes of orders with greater accuracy and reduced handling. Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity is also helping to link public infrastructure with private logistics systems, building more responsive and flexible transport networks. Enabling smarter operations Fatima Khota, business unit manager for the Point-of-Sale Division at Rectron South Africa, says smart transaction systems and real-time visibility tools are key to future-proofing the industry. Partnering with Zebra Technologies, Rectron works with local logistics providers to improve operational efficiency and asset tracking across the supply chain. 'By streamlining workflows across warehouses, terminals, and fleets, we help maximise productivity and improve customer outcomes,' she says. Enterprise asset intelligence systems — used in warehousing, yard, and fleet operations — support real-time decision-making by connecting inventory, personnel, and processes across the supply chain. These tools are helping logistics networks become more agile and resilient in response to rising consumer demand. Rectron has also adopted these technologies internally and is investing in skills development within its workforce and broader distribution network to support adoption across the sector. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Takealot and Pick n Pay increase pickup points across South Africa
Takealot and Pick n Pay are rolling out more convenient pickup points in Pick n Pay supermarkets as a growing number of South Africans collect their Takealot orders while doing their grocery shopping. What began with just two pilot locations in 2023 has expanded to 30 Takealot pickup points in Pick n Pays across the country. Plans are already underway to increase this number to 36 by the end of 2025, covering the length and breadth of South Africa's cities and towns. Shoppers from Greenstone Mall to Gonubie are embracing the simplicity of collecting their online orders while running their errands. Between February and May this year, collections at Pick n Pay-based Takealot pickup points doubled. The service now processes over 14,000 collections per month, with more than 45,000 unique customers having used it to date. Karla Levick, chief marketing officer at Takealot, says the appeal lies in how seamlessly it fits into people's everyday routines. 'You don't have to wait at home for a delivery or go out of your way. Simply collect your order when it suits you. That's the kind of practical convenience South Africans want,' she said. Takealot pickup points are located inside select Pick n Pay stores, near the customer service kiosks. Shoppers simply select a participating Pick n Pay store during checkout, wait for a collection notification, and then pop in during regular trading hours to collect. Most orders qualify for collection, with the exception of bulkier items. Interestingly, a pattern is emerging in the types of products being collected. Health and wellness items are among the most popular, especially vitamins, skincare, and women's health products. This trend reflects the customer profile of Pick n Pay stores and shows how the pickup point model is catering to real everyday needs. For Pick n Pay, it's another way to make shopping more convenient, while adding value to the communities they serve. 'We're seeing our stores evolve into hubs where customers can do more than just shop for fresh foods, groceries, and general merchandise,' says Katherine Madley, chief marketing officer at Pick n Pay. 'Whether it's buying airtime from Pick n Pay Mobile, settling a bill or collecting an online order, we're helping customers tick more things off their to-do lists in one stop.' This collaboration between two proudly South African brands is built on listening to what customers need and acting on it. As demand grows and habits shift, Takealot and Pick n Pay are offering a retail experience that is simple, local, and designed for real life. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
