South Africa’s urban landscape just gained a game-changer. On March 27, 2025, Westown Square—the beating heart of a new city in South Africa—opens its doors near Durban, marking the first phase of a R15 billion development. This isn’t just another mall. It’s a blueprint for economic inclusion, sustainability, and community-driven growth, sprawling across 2,000 hectares in Shongweni, west of the eThekwini metro.
Fundamentum Property Group, the visionaries behind this project, aim to redefine how towns emerge in a nation hungry for progress. With a hospital, school, retirement village, and homes planned over the next decade, Westown promises more than concrete—it’s a catalyst for change.
A High-Street Haven Rises
Westown Square flips the script on traditional retail. Designed around a high-street concept, it blends open spaces with vibrant murals by local artists and greenery that nods to the region’s natural beauty. Construction kicked off in September 2022, paired with a R730 million infrastructure overhaul—think widened roads like Kassier Road, linking to the N3 and M13, plus upgraded water and sanitation systems. The result? A mall that’s ready to welcome over 120 tenants, from Checkers Hyper to Dis-Chem, alongside smaller traders in The Barn, a market-style zone for local entrepreneurs. Robson’s Real Beer Brewery adds a crafty twist. Phase two, the Fashion Walk, rolls out soon, keeping the buzz alive.
This isn’t about slapping up a shopping center and calling it a day. The developers—brothers Sean and Donovan Bergsma, alongside CEO Carolos Correira—set out to build an “economically inclusive” hub. Sean Bergsma, speaking at the launch, framed it as a seven-year journey rooted in community. Picture this: 1,500 construction workers and 500 shopfitters buzzing on-site in recent weeks, turning vision into reality. It’s gritty, tangible progress.
Why Westown Matters
South Africa faces a housing shortage of 3.7 million units, per 2023 government estimates, and urban centers are straining under population growth. Westown steps into this gap with a mixed-use model—retail, residential, and services woven together. It’s not just about meeting demand; it’s about sparking investment. The development aims to create 8,500 jobs over its lifespan, a number confirmed by Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson during a January 2025 site visit. That’s not a vague promise—it’s a lifeline for a region where unemployment hovers above 30%.
Sustainability is baked in too. Solar power will light up parts of the site, and walking and biking trails encourage a car-light lifestyle. Compare this to Umhlanga Ridge, another Tongaat Hulett land transformation. Westown’s smaller commercial scale—most of its 2,000 hectares stays green—offers a quieter, community-focused vibe. It’s a bold bet that people want connection, not just convenience.
The People Behind the Bricks
Fundamentum Property Group isn’t new to this. The Bergsma brothers started small—two decades ago, they launched a business from their parents’ Hillcrest home. Fast forward, and they’ve built a 3,500-employee call center empire with Ignition Group, snapped up Gumtree South Africa, and dotted KwaZulu-Natal with projects like Midway Crossing and 12 on Palm Boulevard. Westown, though, feels personal. Sean, a Summerveld resident, emphasized preserving the area’s equestrian roots and natural charm. Donovan and Correira share that ethos, steering the project with a mix of grit and idealism.
Their partnership with Absa Bank, the KZN government, and local traditional leaders smoothed the path. Bergsma praised this public-private synergy at the launch: proof that collaboration can deliver quality without waste. It’s a model other developers might scribble down.
New City in South Africa: A Blueprint for Growth
Westown isn’t an island—it’s a template. The new city in South Africa tackles big questions: How do you balance growth with inclusion? How do you turn raw land into a thriving economy? Start with infrastructure. That R730 million upgrade wasn’t optional—it’s the spine of the project. Businesses eyeing similar ventures should note: roads, water, and power aren’t sexy, but they’re non-negotiable. Secure them early.
Next, prioritize community. The Westown Foundation, launched alongside the mall, trained unskilled locals—some now run their own firms. One standout? A former public servant turned paver, pulling in R1 million annually with his sons. Another: women driving trucks on-site, breaking into male-dominated trades. These aren’t feel-good stories—they’re proof that skills programs pay off. Companies can replicate this. Partner with contractors like Stefanutti Stocks, set up camps, and watch talent emerge.
Actionable Steps for Businesses
Want in on this kind of boom? Here’s how:
- Scout Early: Westown’s land came from Tongaat Hulett’s 2,000-hectare sale. Track distressed assets or government land releases—South Africa’s got plenty. Move fast when they hit the market.
- Partner Up: Fundamentum leaned on Absa and the KZN government. Find your allies—banks for cash, local leaders for buy-in. It’s not solo work.
- Think Mixed-Use: Retail alone won’t cut it. Blend homes, shops, and services. Westown’s hospital and school plans seal its longevity.
- Hire Local: The 1,500 workers weren’t shipped in—they’re from Shongweni. Tap the nearby workforce; it builds goodwill and cuts costs.
- Go Green: Solar and trails aren’t fluff—they attract tenants and residents. Invest in renewables upfront—payback’s worth it.
The Economic Ripple Effect
Westown’s 8,500 jobs don’t stop at construction. Retail hires, small business owners in The Barn, and future hospital staff will keep the wheel spinning. EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba called it a “catalytic development” in March 2025—a fancy term, sure, but he’s right. It’s pulling services closer to Hillcrest and Shongweni, easing pressure on Durban’s core. Investors take note: property values near these hubs tend to climb. A 2024 Moneyweb report pegged Umhlanga Ridge’s growth at 15% annually post-launch. Westown could follow suit.
Small businesses get a shot too. The Barn’s market-style setup—once limited to Shongweni Market weekends—now runs daily. That’s steady income for traders. Entrepreneurs should jump in: secure a stall, test products, and scale from there.
Challenges Ahead
It’s not all smooth sailing. South Africa’s red tape can choke projects—permits, zoning, and labor disputes eat time. Fundamentum dodged major hiccups, thanks to government backing, but others might not. Power cuts, a national headache, loom too. Westown’s solar edge helps, but broader grid fixes lag. Businesses entering this space need contingency plans—generators, phased rollouts, patience.
Community pushback’s another risk. Shongweni’s equestrian crowd might bristle at change. Fundamentum’s nod to local culture (sporting ties, green spaces) softened that blow. Future developers should listen hard—ignore residents, and you’ve got a PR mess.
Beyond Westown: South Africa’s Urban Shift
Westown’s not alone. South Africa’s urban appetite is growing—Stats SA projects 70% of its population will live in cities by 2030, up from 65% in 2020. Gauteng’s Waterfall City, another mixed-use giant, shows the trend’s legs. Smaller nodes like Balwin’s R133.7 million KZN land deal (tied to Westown’s orbit) hint at more to come. These aren’t just buildings—they’re bets on a denser, service-rich future.
What sets Westown apart? Scale and intent. At 2,000 hectares, it dwarfs most peers, yet its green focus and inclusion angle—training locals, uplifting traders—give it soul. It’s not Umhlanga’s glitz or Waterfall’s sprawl. It’s Shongweni’s own.
How to Leverage Westown Now
Businesses can act today. Retailers: negotiate leases in this new city in South Africa before Phase Two fills up—Fashion Walk’s coming fast. Developers: study Fundamentum’s playbook—land grabs, partnerships, mixed-use magic. Investors: eye adjacent plots; growth spills over. Job seekers: construction’s winding down, but retail and services are hiring—check Westown’s site or local boards.
Timing’s key. Cara Reilly, Westown’s marketing exec, confirmed the March 27, 2025, opening. Over 120 stores are prepping now. Get ahead of the crowd—opportunities thin out post-launch.
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The Long Game
Westown’s full build-out stretches 10-15 years. That’s a hospital in five, homes in eight, a retirement village by 2035. Patience pays here. Fundamentum’s not rushing—each phase builds on the last, ensuring stability. Businesses should think similarly: plant roots now, grow with it. A Checkers Hyper lease today could anchor a logistics firm tomorrow.
South Africa’s new city in South Africa isn’t just Westown—it’s a signal. Urban centers can thrive with purpose, not just profit. Shongweni’s transformation, brick by brick, proves it. Step in, or watch it unfold from the sidelines.
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