KwaMashu marked a major milestone with the official opening of the Rexona Safe-Hub, yesterday, 27 May.
The new community facility is dedicated to youth development and long-term social impact.
The hub is the result of a partnership between eThekwini Municipality, Safe-Hub, and Rexona, all of whom share a commitment to empowering young people and investing in sustainable community growth.
The City and partners injected an investment of R88 million towards the development of this world-class facility.
EThekwini Municipality played a critical role in bringing the project to life by providing land, infrastructure, and ongoing civic support and services.
The development reflects the City’s continued investment in KwaMashu and its belief in the potential of its young people.
Rexona has joined as a strategic investor, backing Safe-Hub’s globally recognised model that prioritises long-term, community-driven development over short-term interventions.
This approach ensures that young people gain access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Safe-Hub Managing Director, Florian Zech, emphasised the significance of the initiative, noting that KwaMashu represents exactly the kind of community where Safe-Hub can make a lasting difference.
He highlighted that the new facility will provide a much-needed space for young people to unlock their potential and pursue opportunities that may previously have been out of reach.
Rexona, through Unilever Southern Africa, reaffirmed its commitment to driving positive change.
General Manager Stefan Cloete noted that the brand’s mission is rooted in enabling movement and progress, adding that KwaMashu represents a community where such movement can transform lives.
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, underscored the City’s long-standing commitment to the area.
He described the Safe-Hub as a tangible expression of that commitment, a space where young people can learn, grow, and build better futures.
Safe-Hub’s model is built on creating collaborative environments that address the broader challenges facing previously disadvantaged communities.
Developed and proven in South Africa, it focuses on breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty through sustained, ecosystem-based interventions rather than temporary programmes.
Beyond its immediate impact, the KwaMashu Safe-Hub forms part of a broader vision to establish thriving community precincts that generate local economic activity.
This includes creating jobs, supporting enterprises, and ensuring that development remains rooted within the community.
The launch signals a new chapter for KwaMashu, one defined by collaboration, opportunity, and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation.

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