The final bricks have been laid at Westown Square, the flagship mall of South Africa’s newest R15 billion mixed-use city in Shongweni, west of Durban, ahead of its grand opening this week.
Developed by Fundamentum Property Group, the R1.3 billion mall is the first phase of the ambitious 2,000-hectare Westown development, which will eventually include a hospital, school, retirement village, apartments, and residential homes over the next 10 to 15 years.
A Vision for Economic Inclusion
Speaking at the launch, Fundamentum director Sean Bergsma said the project—spearheaded alongside his brother Donovan Bergsma and CEO Carlos Correira—aims to create an “economically inclusive” hub that blends urban convenience with the natural beauty of the Shongweni region.
“It’s not just about buildings—it’s about opportunity, empowerment, and localisation,” Bergsma said, reflecting on the seven-year journey to bring Westown to life.
A Green, Community-Focused Design
Designed around a high-street concept, the mall features open spaces adorned with **murals by local artists**, landscaped greenery, and sustainable elements like solar power and walking trails.
Key retail tenants include:
– Checkers Hyper, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Edgars, Mr Price, Incredible Connection
– The Barn, a market-style zone for small businesses previously limited to weekend trading at Shongweni Market
– Robson’s Real Beer Brewery, adding a local craft beer destination
Infrastructure and Job Creation
Construction, which began in September 2022, included a R730 million upgrade of water, sanitation, and road networks, including the widening of Kassier Road for better access to the N3 and M13.
The project has already created 2,000 jobs, with 1,500 construction workers and 500 shopfitters recently on site. Through the Westown Foundation, unskilled workers—including women in traditionally male-dominated roles—were trained in construction, paving, and machinery operation.
“We’ve seen people who had no income become skilled workers, even starting their own businesses,” Bergsma said, citing a former public servant who now runs a R1 million-a-year paving company with his sons.
Public-Private Collaboration
The development was made possible through partnerships with Absa Bank, the KZN provincial government, and local traditional leaders. The land was acquired from Tongaat Hulett, comparable in scale to Umhlanga Ridge’s development.
“This proves that public and private sectors can deliver world-class projects efficiently” Bergsma said.
What’s Next?
Cara Reilly, Westown’s marketing executive, confirmed the mall will open on 27 March, with 120+ tenants ready for business. A Fashion Walk expansion will follow in the coming months.
The Bergsma brothers, who started their first business from their Hillcrest home 20 years ago, have since built a portfolio including Ignition Group’s 3,500-employee call centres, Gumtree South Africa, and major KZN property developments like Midway Crossing and Centenary Office Park.
Westown represents not just a new shopping destination, but a long-term economic catalyst for the region—blending commerce, community, and sustainability in one of KZN’s most ambitious urban projects yet.
