Since 2002, Namlog has become synonymous with providing reliable, innovative and customer-centred logistical solutions across Southern Africa.

Establishing themselves in Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, their brand grew along with its reach.

In 2024, its operations expanded under the SMSA Africa Logistics Group, remaining deeply rooted in the values that built Namlog, strengthened by the global reach of SMSA.

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June 23 marked a significant milestone for the company and the Brentwood Park community as the logistics giant broke ground on its expansion project on Road 5.

Situated on an 80 000m² property, the investment is aimed at significantly expanding the organisation’s operational capabilities, increasing capacity, improving efficiencies, and creating opportunities for growth through a new 10 000m² third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse.

Taking the podium during the official groundbreaking ceremony, Louis Ungerer, SMSA managing director, said that the vision for the development goes beyond business expansion, representing a belief in the future.

“The development is about more than brick and mortar; it is about more than investment. This is a commitment to connecting business and communities across borders,” said Ungerer.

“The project also reflects our ongoing commitment to transformation and sustainable growth, while we remain dedicated to creating opportunities, developing skills, and supporting enterprise development to drive meaningful economic participation.”

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Through its partnership with Ninathi Holdings, which holds a 26% equity ownership by black-owned enterprises, the company’s Level 2 B-BBEE status further cements its investment in bursaries, learnership programmes, training, and enterprise development initiatives, a contribution to building a more inclusive and prosperous future.

About choosing Benoni as the location for its operational headquarters, which currently employs 870 and manages a fleet of 470 vehicles, Ungerer said the underdeveloped spaces in Brentwood Park, despite its accessibility and proximity to major arterial routes, highways and the O R Tambo International Airport, perfectly lends itself to the ambitious undertaking.

“As part of our commitment to contributing to the upliftment of communities, as a local business, we have done extensive upgrades to Road 5, which benefits more than just our business,” he said.

“We further hope that due to its location, we will be able to create employment opportunities for residents of Benoni, thus having a positive impact on the city’s economy.”

Ungerer further dispelled fears that SMSA’s operations will have a negative impact on the already strained roads and that its vehicles may contribute to congestion along Great North Road.

“Our logistical operations are managed under stringent protocols, and the management team strives to offer reliable service to our customers while taking into account the wider community.”

Leading the development project, SAMS’ Dirk Uys said that the development should be completed by the end of 2027 and features eco-friendly initiatives that will not put unnecessary strain on the area’s infrastructure.

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“Architectural innovations such as thermal insulation as well as cavity walling will assist with natural temperature regulation throughout the buildings. Water recycling and catchment systems will play a vital role in preserving natural resources,” he said.

Chairman of the SMSA Group, who also serves as the chairman of the Saudi Arabia South Africa Business Council (SASABC), Naif Al-Athel, said that continued investment in South African enterprises is not driven by the country’s rich resources but rather by its rich and diverse talent.

“Yes, we are in the business of making profit, not to line our pockets but as a means of taking care of the families of those talented men and women that we employ,” he said.

“We believe in South Africa’s economy and its ability to produce tenacious employees. We envision growing our staff complement from just over 800 to 2 000, as we continue to invest in this beautiful country.”