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.
The City of Cape Town is facing a contentious issue as it seeks to develop the old Woodstock Hospital site and an adjacent piece of open land on Earl Street for social housing while preserving the area’s heritage. ### The Old Woodstock Hospital
Heritage Approval for Woodstock Hospital Marks Progress in Cape Town’s Affordable Housing Efforts
The approval of the old Woodstock Hospital in Cape Town for heritage status is a significant achievement for the city’s largest innercity social housing project. While this marks a milestone for affordable housing in Cape Town, progress has been slow and fraught with challenges.
Collaborative Housing Solutions – Cissie Gool House Co-Design Exhibition in Cape Town
In Cape Town, a new approach to affordable housing is gaining traction. The Cissie Gool House CoDesign Exhibition, hosted at the Cape Institute for Architecture, presents an innovative vision for addressing the city’s housing challenges. The exhibition showcases the work and ideas of Cissie Gool House residents, who have been occupying the former Woodstock Hospital since 2017, led by the activist group Reclaim the City.
As cities grow, housing scams have become a significant issue, with the most vulnerable members of society bearing the brunt of the problem. In response, the City has issued a call for residents to be cautious and vigilant when seeking housing opportunities. The message is clear: never pay for a housing opportunity, as genuine opportunities should not require payment.
As affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, Cape Town is taking a proactive stance towards addressing this issue. Through the City’s Human Settlements Directorate Strategic Indaba, leaders from various sectors have come together to brainstorm and share ideas for the development of affordable housing in Cape Town.