Cape Town’s Mayor Geordin HillLewis presented a comprehensive advocacy agenda focused on law enforcement, passenger rail services, affordable housing, and economic development, reflecting the city’s commitment to improving the lives of its residents. Specific proposals include municipal police investigative authority, a transfer of responsibility for train services to the city, and the release of national megaproperties for affordable residential units. HillLewis’s agenda is a canvas of positivity, potential, and wellplanned development, reflecting the city’s commitment to embracing change and innovation.
The South African government is committed to providing housing for its citizens and has allocated a substantial part of its budget to upgrading informal settlements and providing access to basic amenities. Despite fiscal issues and budget reductions, the government is focusing on social and affordable housing and launched initiatives to empower vulnerable groups and small businesses. The government is also aiming to create spatially integrated human settlements, improve disaster and emergency housing, and expedite the issuance of title deeds to deserving beneficiaries.
The Annandale affordable housing project in Dunoon, promised by Cape Town’s mayor in 2018, has yet to be completed. The absence of new housing has led to overcrowding and the formation of informal settlements in the area. The municipal planning application for rezoning the land for housing was only submitted in 2022, and an environmental assessment is currently underway. Construction is planned for the next fiscal year, and eligible applicants can update their information on the Housing Needs Register. Despite the promising plan, the community still struggles with overpopulation and housing shortages.
The City of Cape Town is making strides towards providing affordable housing for its residents through a strategic decision to allocate land for the development of 375 units, retail space, and over 300 gap and market rental units in the New Market Street site in Woodstock. This initiative reflects a shift in the City’s approach to housing development, as it embraces involving the private sector in the provision of affordable housing. The location of the development, within easy reach of amenities and public transport, is set to dramatically alter the lives of its future residents.
Cape Town is ushering in a new era of affordable housing with the Bonteheuwel Infill housing project, which will provide 273 modern housing units by the end of 2025. The project is a symbol of the city’s dedication to providing dignity and human settlements for its citizens, with a fair and transparent allocation process. This architectural marvel embodies the Breaking New Ground statesubsidised houses and is a beacon of hope for future housing schemes, driving Cape Town closer to its objective of becoming a city for all.
Cape Town is investing over R4 billion in a plan to improve housing and essential services for its inhabitants. The Building for Jobs Budget 2024/25 includes over R3 billion for informal settlements, focusing on services such as electricity, water and sanitation, and waste management, while more than R1 billion has been dedicated to formal and affordable housing. The city is also seeking partnerships to unlock more land parcels for human settlements and is committed to ensuring every Cape Town inhabitant has a decent place to call home.
The South African government has made significant progress in providing affordable housing and community infrastructure, despite challenges such as the lingering effects of apartheidera spatial planning and corruption. Initiatives such as upgrading informal settlements and eliminating asbestos roofing have had a positive impact, and the commitment to inclusion of designated groups, such as women, is inspiring. The government remains resolute in reforming apartheidera regulations and prioritizing vulnerable communities in its service delivery programs. Challenges remain, but progress has been made, and the commitment to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable communities is evident.
Cape Town’s Development Charges Fund is a pioneering strategy aimed at enhancing affordable housing in lowerincome localities by backing microdevelopers financially. The fund offers subsidies for qualifying microdevelopers on firstcomefirstserve grounds and is anticipated to boost investment in the rental market, subsequently creating more affordable housing options within Cape Town. The initiative is a comprehensive economic package designed to encourage investment in targeted areas, with the expectation of generating employment opportunities, amenities, and economic prosperity for residents.
Kraaifontein’s Maroela South lowcost housing project is making progress towards providing sustainable and affordable housing for its population. The project includes 395 governmentfunded dwelling places and an additional 175 Gap housing units. The initiative not only provides a roof overhead but also promotes community ties, individual and family health, enhances educational opportunities, and ensures easy access to places of employment and economic activity. The Maroela South project is one of many projects undertaken by the Human Settlements Directorate, showing the City’s commitment to housing for everyone.
Foreign nationals were abruptly evicted from unlawfully occupied properties in Cape Town, sparking public outrage due to the lack of alternative accommodation provided for the evicted individuals. The eviction operation was a collaborative effort between the Department of Home Affairs, City Law Enforcement, and the South African Police Service. The lack of affordable housing and immigrants’ rights were highlighted as urgent issues that need to be addressed by the government and nongovernmental organizations.
Northern Cape in South Africa is undertaking a historic housing project worth around R1 billion, aiming to build over 4,000 homes in 12 to 18 months across different regions. The project prioritizes vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and childled households, and also targets individuals who earn an income but don’t qualify for subsidized housing or bank loans. It seeks to encourage economic growth and empowerment of women and youthowned businesses while correcting historical injustices of land and home ownership. The project has secured funding from various sources and promises rigorous monitoring to ensure highquality standards.
Looking for affordable rental options in South Africa? Look no further than the North West province, which boasts the most economical rental rates in the country, with properties averaging at R5,985. Despite the rising rental prices across the country, renters can still find value for their money in the North West, with properties offering substantial amenities and strategic locations. So if you’re operating on a budget, the North West province could be the perfect solution for costeffective housing.
Economical Housing: Tackling the Consequences of Urbanization and Wealth Disparity in South Africa and Kenya
Affordable housing in South Africa and Kenya is a critical issue due to the consequences of urbanization and wealth disparity. Rapid urbanization has led to a shortage of affordable housing for the “missing middle” segment. To address this, specialized solutions must be flexible, responsive to market dynamics, and cater to diverse needs. Collaboration between stakeholders is essential for effective problemsolving, and the SAKenya Affordable Housing Forum Launch marks a significant stride towards reshaping the affordable housing scenario.
On a memorable day, December 13, 2023, in the midst of Pretoria, a significant event transpired against the historical setting of the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum. This site, steeped in past battles and triumphs, symbolized a nation and a continent rising from hardships. It resonated with themes of human resilience, liberty, and the indefatigable spirit of the African populace. Here, beneath this iconic backdrop, South Africa and Kenya, guided by their respective authorities, collaborated for a united objective: the welfare of their citizens through enhanced housing and urban development.
PRASA, South Africa’s Passenger Rail Agency, is revolutionizing the country’s railways by launching two major development projects aimed at enhancing living conditions and providing affordable housing. The Goodwood Station Social Housing initiative aims to deliver over a thousand affordable rental units by October 2023, while the Cape Town Station development will offer 3,200 beds for students and a revamped retail precinct. PRASA’s diversified portfolio includes real estate investment and development to offset the cost of operating passenger rail services. These projects signify a collaborative commitment to improving transportation and infrastructure in South Africa.
The City of Cape Town recently announced plans to invest R130 million in property development of over 9,000 square meters along New Market Street in the central business district (CBD). This project aims to address the city’s housing crisis by creating more affordable housing spaces.