Retail giant The Spar Group has announced that it is collaborating with local service providers to enter the home delivery logistics business sector in underserved areas across the country.
This move into the logistics space is also challenging the notion that townships are high-risk areas that cannot be adequately serviced.
Spar said in a statement the partnership is a collaboration with KasiD, a food delivery service that played a pivotal role in launching the SPAR2U home delivery service in Tembisa.
The relationship between Spar and KasiD will enable the roll-out of SPAR2U services in Kempton Park, Kaalfontein, Ivory Park, Soweto, Mamelodi and Glen Marais.
SPAR2U is also establishing partnerships with Delivery Ka Speed in Pretoria, expanding its reach to Mamelodi and Hamanskraal, and will soon be rolling out partnerships will other local providers to offer SPAR2U in townships across the country.
"Residents in these areas can now easily access SPAR2U by downloading the app, placing an order from their favourite store, and our partners will handle the delivery," said Blake Raubenheimer, omnichannel executive at The Spar Group.
"A significant portion of South Africans reside in townships and should have the same access to the ease and convenience of online shopping and home deliveries as residents in city areas,” he said.
"SPAR2U deliveries by our partners are not just about ease and convenience; they’re primarily about seizing cost-saving opportunities.
“Township residents no longer have to queue at taxi ranks and travel long distances for their shopping.
“Neighbours are collaborating, pooling their grocery needs, sharing delivery costs, and ultimately saving money.
“These savings, previously spent on travel, are being directed towards purchasing food, directly benefiting families.
“We understand that for the poorest 10% of households, food makes up 40% of their total expenditure.
“Food is expensive right now and so, if we can help our shoppers save, either through our house brand Spar products, or through delivering their groceries to their doors, then we’re committed to that, regardless of their location.”
As purchasing and delivery habits evolve, Spar said it aims to proactively adapt to the changing landscape to enhance the township shopping experience.
“We want to empower township shoppers in the digital era, making shopping more accessible, convenient, and cost-effective for all,” Raubenheimer said.
