Delivery Ka Speed pivots to logistics

Delivery Ka Speed, an award-winning logistics and courier company specialising in townships, has pivoted to become a full-scale logistics provider to better serve South Africa’s growing delivery needs. The business was originally known for food deliveries where people would be able to order food via WhatsApp.

This shift has positioned the company as a key logistics partner for businesses, particularly in township and underserved areas where traditional courier services often fail to operate efficiently. Today, Delivery Ka Speed is a B2B company working with impactful organisations, including Big Save, Spar and Bidvest Waltons.

According to Sega Tiro, Head of Growth at Delivery Ka Speed, the move into logistics was driven by both necessity and opportunity. ‘The company’s initial food delivery model faced high execution costs and low margins, making long-term sustainability a challenge. Shifting to logistics allowed for greater scalability while leveraging their expertise in navigating township routes and community networks,’ she says.

This evolution has resulted in the development of multiple logistics services, including courier-as-a-service for major clients such as Big Save, Bidvest Waltons, Internet Express and Aramex. The company has also built a strong last-mile delivery network by placing vehicles and drivers at retail partner locations, streamlining fulfilment operations. Another key area of growth has been Delivery Ka Speed’s role as a dedicated logistics partner for businesses, managing their entire delivery chain so that they can focus on core operations.

The success of this transition to logistics has been immediate. With trucks departing from the company’s Midrand hub, reaching multiple regions across South Africa. A major milestone has been the newly established warehouse in Polokwane that it has outgrown within just two weeks and the company is now preparing for its next phase to launch in Western Cape in Q1 2025.

‘Delivery Ka Speed’s ability to reach areas often overlooked by major logistics companies is a significant advantage. While competitors hesitate to serve township and rural locations, we specialise in these routes, providing a seamless service without additional surcharges. Our deep community connections and knowledge of local infrastructure ensures that even the most remote deliveries are completed efficiently,’ she adds.

Technology has played a crucial role in enabling this expansion. By investing in route optimisation and data-driven logistics, Delivery Ka Speed has enhanced efficiency and reliability. The company has partnered with Tookan to develop software that optimises delivery routes and has also introduced geolocation tools that facilitate more precise and flexible deliveries.

A key innovation has been the introduction of collection points through partnerships with PUDO, local spaza shops and internet cafés, ensuring that customers can access their deliveries conveniently even in cases where direct delivery is not possible.

A vital enabler of this transformation has been the strategic backing of Aions Ventures, which is headed by serial entrepreneur, Mitchan Adams, whose investment has provided both financial and operational support.

‘Without Aions, this pivot would not have been possible. Beyond working capital, Aions has connected Delivery Ka Speed with key service providers for website support, technological upgrades, business coaching, PR and marketing. This guidance has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful transition into logistics,’ says Tiro.

The shift has also driven significant job creation. The company currently employs 34 internal drivers and works with 20 independent drivers through its Earn Ka Speed initiative, which allows individuals to generate income by either leasing their vehicles to the company or operating them personally. The company manages 64 delivery routes, each staffed by a driver and an assistant driver, and continues to expand rapidly, onboarding an average of three new drivers every day.

To ensure that new hires are well-equipped for the demands of logistics, the company has launched Learn Ka Speed, a structured training program where assistants shadow experienced drivers before transitioning into full-time roles. This initiative not only provides valuable upskilling opportunities but also strengthens the company’s commitment to building a sustainable and skilled workforce from within the communities it serves.

‘We are more than just another courier company. Delivery Ka Speed is a township specialist and we know how and where to deliver where others do not. This has allowed us to strengthen our impact, grow at an incredible pace and set the stage for even bigger things ahead,’ she concludes.