MIDWAY Crossing, the R980 million township development project is deemed to be the biggest investment made into the
township economy in South Africa. With a 40 percent shareholding by the local community, it is expected that the retail centre will
be fully supported by the Lindelani, Newlands, and Ntuzuma communities. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda formally launched the centre on 22 September. It is now open for trade, bringing shopping amenities and services closer to the community. Mayor Kaunda said the Midway Crossing development builds infrastructure that brings services and creates economic opportunities where people live.

The Midway Crossing development created approximately 1 100 jobs during the construction phase and is expected to create employment for thousands more in the retail sector. Youth and vulnerable groups accounted for 63 percent of the jobs created in the construction ofthe mall, while the main contractor sub-contracted 38 percent of the work to the community. Robert Ndelela, a beneficiary of Midway
Crossing, said the development has impacted their lives in a positive way. “As a trustee, I am grateful for this opportunity as I am also a tenant in the centre.

This centre is truly owned by the community and when people shop here, they will be able to see themselves as part of the centre as we have shares in it.” This catalytic project, together with the adjacent C3 Go-Durban rapid transport route, are set to kickstart further investment in the area. This transportoriented development is the fi rst of many investment projects in the area. The City is expecting to see the development of manufacturing hubs, entertainment, and tourist hot spots.


sohana.singh@durban.gov.za