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The South African
3 days ago
- Business
- The South African
KZN boosted by R1.4bn Oceans Umhlanga North Tower launch
KwaZulu-Natal's economy received a significant boost with the official launch of the R1.4 billion North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower on 25 July 2025 in uMhlanga, Durban. This launch marks a major milestone in the R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development. This also features the renowned Oceans Mall and the five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. The North Tower introduces 258 luxury apartments, ranging from studios to four-bedroom penthouses. With each of them having stunning ocean views along Africa's East Coast. Residents will enjoy premium features such as resort-style pools, concierge services, yoga zones, children's play areas, and inverter readiness, according to Business Tech . The tower also offers direct access to the Oceans Mall, enhancing convenience and lifestyle quality. Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development, highlighted the project's broader impact beyond luxury living. He said, 'This is not just a property launch. It's a celebration of how far Durban has come and a reflection of the developers' (Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander) tenacity and unwavering perseverance.' Mpono added that the development had attracted global attention to KwaZulu-Natal's potential. 'We're proud to open doors to a residential offering that combines international luxury standards with local ownership in a way South Africa has never seen before.' The development also demonstrates a deep commitment to social transformation and inclusive growth. About half of the workforce on the North Tower project is young Black South Africans. A significant representation also consists of young Black women. Furthermore, Oceans Mall's retail space is 50% Black-owned, and 12 out of 14 restaurants there are operated by Black entrepreneurs. To date, the precinct has created over 25,000 jobs during construction, prioritising employment for communities nearby, including Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn. Mpono noted the tangible social impact. 'Young people are securing jobs in flagship luxury boutiques. Women are running thriving restaurants. Fathers who once struggled to find employment are now part of reliable teams in logistics and security. These statistics represent families with renewed hope and dignity.' Strategically positioned on Lagoon Drive, the North Tower is expected to become a landmark investment in KwaZulu-Natal. OCEANS UMHLANGA AND DURBAN'S POST PANDEMIC ECONOMY The development anchors Durban's post-pandemic economic recovery and rises amid growing interest in the province's property sector. Looking ahead, a new R1.3 billion leisure investment is planned for the forthcoming South Tower, indicating sustained growth for the precinct. Mpono commented, 'The completion of the Oceans Umhlanga Residential Towers is a vote of confidence from the developers. It's confidence in Durban, in our people, and in the kind of future we can build when world-class investment meets authentic transformation.' The launch event of the North Tower attracted media, investors, development partners, and government officials, including the Mayor and Premier of KwaZulu-Natal. This reflects strong public and private sector support for the project's vision and impact. This development signals a new chapter for KwaZulu-Natal. It fosters luxury living while driving inclusive economic opportunities in communities around uMhlanga and Durban's northern suburbs. It reaffirms the province's position as a leading destination for both local and international investment. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Oceans Umhlanga North Tower launch signals R2. 7bn investment surge in KZN
Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development said the Oceans Umhlanga development has brought global attention to the potential of the province. Image: Supplied KwaZulu-Natal is set to benefit from a R2.7 billion boost as the Oceans Umhlanga precinct officially launches its R1.4 billion North Residential Tower this Friday with an additional R1.3 billion leisure investment planned for the South Tower. The North Tower forms part of the larger R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development, which already includes the Oceans Mall and the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel. 'This is not just a property launch; it's a celebration of how far Durban has come, and a reflection of the developers' tenacity and unwavering perseverance,' said Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development. The North Tower comprises 258 high-end apartments ranging from studios to four-bedroom units, all with ocean-facing views. The building includes direct access to Oceans Mall, and features such as resort-style pools, concierge services, yoga zones, children's play areas, inverter readiness, and ducted air-conditioning. Mpono said the development was more than a luxury project. 'The Oceans Umhlanga development has brought global attention to the potential of this province. We're proud to now open the doors to a residential offering that reflects both international luxury standards and local ownership in a way South Africa has never seen before.' The project, which prioritises transformation, has employed a workforce where around 50% are young Black South Africans. A significant number are young Black women. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In retail, 50% of Oceans Mall's space is Black-owned, with 12 of its 14 restaurants operated by Black entrepreneurs. Over 25,000 jobs have been created during construction, many filled by residents from nearby areas, including Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn. 'We are witnessing lives change in real time,' said Mpono. 'Young people are securing jobs in flagship luxury boutiques. Women are running thriving restaurants. Fathers who once struggled to find stable employment are now part of reliable teams in logistics and security. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet, they represent families with renewed hope, dignity, and a real opportunity to participate in the economy.' Mpono described the North Tower as a landmark in secure, long-term investment and confirmed that final economic impact figures would be shared during the launch. He added: 'The completion of the Oceans Umhlanga Residential Towers is a vote of confidence from the developers confidence in Durban, in our people, and in the kind of future we can build when world-class investment meets authentic transformation.' Friday's launch will feature formal addresses by developers Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander, the Mayor, the Premier, and economic analysts. THE MERCURY

IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Oceans Umhlanga launches luxury residential tower valued at R1. 4 billion
Oceans Umhlanga is making waves in the local real estate market with the official launch of its high-end North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower, valued at R1.4 billion. The event, scheduled for tomorrow, marks a significant stride in the region's economic and social transformation, amplifying KwaZulu-Natal's ambitious revitalisation agenda. According to Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development, the North Tower is an integral part of the larger R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga Mixed Use Development, which encompasses the internationally recognised Oceans Mall and the five star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. 'The launch isn't just another property unveiling; it's a celebration of Durban's evolution,' expressed an excited Mpono. 'This project reflects a vision brought to life through the tenacity and perseverance of our developers, Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander.' Mpono noted that the project had already drawn international attention to KwaZulu-Natal's potential. Its North Tower will introduce over 258 luxury apartments, ranging from studios to four bedroom units, all designed to boast breathtaking ocean views along Africa's East Coast. Each unit features premium finishes with direct access to the adjacent Oceans Mall, setting a new standard for luxury residential offerings in the region. Beyond the aesthetics and amenities, Mpono stressed that the real impact of the North Tower was rooted in its focus on transformation. About 50% of the workforce employed in the North Tower's construction comprised young Black South Africans, with a notable representation of young Black women. 'It is critical for us that our development reflects the diversity of our communities,' added Mpono, highlighting the inclusive nature of this ambitious project. Equally significant was the commercial aspect of the Oceans Umhlanga development. Currently, 50% of the retail space within Oceans Mall is owned by Black entrepreneurs, with 12 out of 14 restaurants run by Black owners. This commitment to inclusivity has already generated over 25,000 jobs during the construction phase, many of which had been filled by individuals from neighbouring communities like Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn. 'These developments signify a paradigm shift for areas once considered remote from large-scale investments,' said Mpono. 'We are witnessing real change: young people thriving in flagship boutiques, women steering successful restaurants, and fathers securing stable employment in logistics and security. These statistics aren't mere numbers; they represent families with renewed hope and dignity.' Strategically situated on Lagoon Drive, the North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower aspires to be a landmark investment for the region, promising long-term value. Envisioned to integrate exclusive lifestyle amenities, residents will enjoy resort style pools, concierge services, yoga zones, children's play areas, and seamless access to the beachfront promenade. Final economic impact statistics, as well as glimpses into future investments, including an anticipated R1.3 billion leisure investment for the upcoming South Tower, are expected to be announced during the anticipated launch event. The event will draw civic leaders and government officials, including the Mayor and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal. DAILY NEWS