R10 billion Insimbi Ridge Precinct: A new logistics hub for KZN's Cato Ridge
An artist's impression of the Insimbi Ridge Logistics Precinct at Cato Ridge. The project is one of the country’s first large scale, privately funded freight-corridor developments.
Image: Supplied
The R10 billion Insimbi Ridge Logistics Precinct is set to transform the Cato Ridge area into a logistics powerhouse.
That is the view of the provincial government following the launch of this project this week.
The development will introduce new inland staging and intermodal capacity that the developers say will directly relieve pressure on the Durban port and N3 corridor.
It is being developed by Assore SA PropCo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Assore SA (Pty) Ltd, together with the Rail Development Corporation (RDC) as the development partner.
The project forms part of the KZN government's strategy to integrate private investment into critical logistics infrastructure to decongest the Durban port, improve freight efficiency along major corridors, and stimulate regional industrial growth
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) Musa Zondi said: “The Insimbi Ridge Logistics Precinct marks a major milestone in KwaZulu-Natal transforming 500 hectares of former industrial land into one of South Africa’s first privately funded inland logistics hubs.”
He further noted that the project’s strong environmental governance and responsible redevelopment of the former Cato Ridge Works site demonstrate the province’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation.
MEC Zondi added: “Every container that moves more efficiently through this corridor is not just cargo; it is confidence. It is trust regained in KwaZulu-Natal’s capacity to deliver.”
The sod turning ceremony for the Insimbi Ridge Logistics Precinct this week.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
He emphasised that the launch of this project sends a clear message that KZN is open for business, building with purpose and ready to drive industrial excellence and shared prosperity.
Tiaan van Aswegen, representing Assore SA PropCo, the lead developer of the Insimbi Ridge Precinct, said: “Insimbi Ridge is not just a property development initiative; it is a strategic project aimed at positioning Cato Ridge as a key node in the critical Gauteng-Durban logistics corridor. We look forward to seeing this project develop and with it, a new chapter for Cato Ridge, for KZN, and for the Assore Group/Insimbi Ridge Project.”
Sibusisiwe Nodada, Director of the Rail Development Corporation, said the project is a national demonstration of how re-industrialisation and freight reform can meet on the same piece of land. It has been purpose-planned as a multimodal logistics and light-industrial hub, positioned squarely within the Durban–Cato Ridge growth corridor.”
EThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba said: “We are confident that developments such as Insimbi Ridge and the Dry Port will catalyse seamless growth between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, much like Midrand has done between Johannesburg and Tshwane. Over the next decade, we expect this entire corridor to be lined with thriving businesses leveraging the strategic advantage of the Port of Durban—as already demonstrated by developments like the Shongweni Urban Development and the Keystone Logistics Park.”
The mayor added: “The Cato Ridge Logistics Park, which includes the Insimbi Ridge and Dry Port developments, holds the potential to significantly boost our economy and tackle unemployment. This project alone will create approximately 5,000 jobs during construction and 10,000 permanent jobs post-construction, while contributing an estimated R 500 million annually to the city’s rates base.”