News/Insights

At a graduation ceremony held on Friday, 7 February 2025, TUHF celebrated the achievements of 44 property entrepreneurs who completed the TUHF Programme for Property Entrepreneurship (TPPE) in 2024. The class of 2024 represents the 9th cohort of aspiring and experienced property entrepreneurs to complete this unique course.

The TPPE is one of only a handful of privately run courses to enjoy accreditation from the University of Cape Town (UCT). It stands alone as a certificate course, and can contribute Continued Professional Development (CPD) points to a number of professional registrations, including SAICA accreditation. Launched in 2015 to provide learning and mentorship opportunities for TUHF’s clients, the TPPE has gained a reputation in the market for its unique approach and quality learning experience.

“This graduating class consisted of 50% TUHF and uMaStandi clients, and 50% members of the public with an interest in property entrepreneurship,” says Lusanda Netshitenzhe, CEO, TUHF21 – pointing out that while clients can attend the TPPE for free as a value-added service, non-clients pay for the course. “The fact that people are willing to invest their own funds to participate in this learning opportunity demonstrates the broad appeal of our TPPE. We are extremely proud of the programme’s reputation, and its ability to attract candidates from South Africa as well as neighbouring countries.”

As the TPPE prepares to host its 10th cohort in July 2025, 452 participants have completed the course successfully. “There are those who say that you can’t teach entrepreneurship,” says Prof. Francois Viruly from UCT, “but the success of this programme indicates otherwise. Property entrepreneurship has its own unique challenges. What makes the TPPE so successful is the way it has adapted to share an understanding of the market as it changes. The quality and consistency of the facilitators – and the commitment of Mr Henry Chitsulo as Programme Manager – has been key.”

Given President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comments on the importance of urban densification to meet South Africa’s housing demands during his State of the Nation address, Prof. Viruly had this to say to the TPPE’s graduates: “The opportunity for property entrepreneurs – and first-generation property entrepreneurs in particular – to deliver affordable rental housing, is now. For this market to grow, we need a strong network of practitioners like you.”

Netshitenzhe echoed this sentiment when she told the graduates: “We encourage you to keep this network of classmates strong, and to support each other in growing your property portfolios. We want your businesses to work for you, not only to service your loans.”

In closing, Henry Chitsulo told the class: “Investment in knowledge pays the best returns. You must put into practice what you have learned to grow your property portfolios successfully.”

To find out more about the 2025 TPPE programme, click here

TUHF Celebrates 9th Cohort of TPPE Graduates Read More »

By Lusanda Netshitenzhe, CEO of TUHF21

When I consider the vast sprawl and low densities in most townships across South Africa, the first thing that becomes apparent is that there are abundant opportunities. Notably, there are significant opportunities for densification and to integrate mixed-use developments within these areas. This I believe will invigorate township economies, which is an exciting source of future economic growth for the country.

However, realising these opportunities needs to be done the right way, as the journey of building new, inclusive and affordable housing in townships is a multifaceted one.

Property entrepreneurs need to understand how to secure financing from the likes of uMaStandi, and they need to find the right project team, vet tenants and ensure compliance with municipal regulations, to name a few. Equally as crucial and not as frequently discussed is the importance of ensuring one has the “rights to build” in terms of the applicable town planning and land-use regulations; and this is usually where most roadblocks are met by property entrepreneurs.

At its heart, town planning is the management of how land is developed and it ensures that development happens in an orderly fashion. Historically, there were reasons why most of our high-rise buildings were in the CBDs and low-density residential properties in suburbs and townships. But times have changed, and regulations need to consider systematically allowing medium-density developments in townships because building activity happens daily and mostly without formal approvals. These uncontrolled densities are putting strain on the already burdened bulk infrastructure and municipalities need to proactively manage this to avoid total infrastructure collapse.

Property entrepreneurs need to be cognisant that town planning takes place at the very beginning of the development process. At this stage, they must obtain all the required permissions from the relevant municipality to ensure the necessary services, such as water, electricity and sewage are taken into account for their developments.

Secondly, property entrepreneurs must factor in the length of time applications can take to be approved. This can take from between six months, to a year, depending on the municipality. Rezoning approvals can take between eight months to two years in some municipalities and this has serious cost implications for developers. This is where collaboration between property entrepreneurs, financiers such as uMaStandi and municipalities is needed. Costs and time associated with these processes need to be reviewed and necessary changes to streamline these processes must be considered, otherwise, we run the risk of continued uncontrolled densities and potentially disinvestment by capital providers who are currently committed to the economic development of townships. The simple truth is that capital will move elsewhere where it is easier to do business, leaving townships entrepreneurs with no long-term and competitive financing options for their projects.

Property entrepreneurs and those in need of quality affordable housing in townships cannot afford to have providers of capital moving out; and municipalities need the increased rate base to invest in the maintenance of existing and to build new infrastructure. Intentional collaboration between all stakeholders is the only way forward.

Collaboration in Town Planning Reform is Key to Unlocking Township Real Estate Read More »

TUHF has been operating as a commercial property financier for 21-years, providing mortgage loans to property entrepreneurs who are in the business of providing affordable rental housing in metropolitan areas across South Africa. As an active advocate for urban regeneration and densification, TUHF has made significant strides in fostering economic growth in South African cities and it now aims to address the growing demand for affordable housing in other countries on the African continent.

A Legacy of Transformation

Since its inception, TUHF has championed the principle of making a difference one neighbourhood, one city block, and one community at a time. This high-touch approach has driven substantial social and economic benefits, nurtured micro-economies and promoted mixed-use and mixed-income communities.

Our approach goes beyond providing access to finance for property SMEs, it’s about empowering entrepreneurs to provide decent and quality affordable housing which in turns creates engines of economic growth and social well-being. By fostering inclusive micro-economies, we create business opportunities that stimulate local economies.

Expanding Beyond Inner Cities

TUHF began its journey with a focus on urban regeneration within the inner-city of Johannesburg. Over time, TUHF’s strategy evolved to meet shifting market demands, extending services beyond traditional inner-city areas to in-city neighbourhoods adjacent to key urban nodes, including townships. Today, TUHF offers financing across select areas that meet urban densification and affordable housing requirements in most of South Africa’s major metros including Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, and Northern Cape.

Supporting Township Development

Through our uMaStandi township offering, launched in 2015, we have also addressed the demand for well-located and affordable housing in South African townships. uMaStandi has attracted significant interest from property entrepreneurs, filling a niche market where commercial property finance is often overlooked.

Empowering Property Entrepreneurs

TUHF’s streetwise approach goes beyond financing, it nurtures a collaborative ecosystem for property entrepreneurs. We encourage property entrepreneurs to engage deeply with their target neighbourhoods, leveraging TUHF’s extensive market knowledge and support network.

A Vision for the Future

As TUHF embarks on its next chapter, its vision is clear: to create impact through scale, enhance market reach, and continue driving urban revitalisation through strategic regeneration and densification. With a track record of financing over 50,000 units and a loan book of over R3.9 billion, TUHF is poised to extend its impact further across South Africa and beyond.

TUHF advocates for urban revitalisation with ambitious expansion plans Read More »

By Paul Jackson, CEO, TUHF

Having been part of TUHF’s leadership for more than two decades, I feel compelled to address the critical issue of affordable housing investment, and particularly how it relates to urban sprawl. Our simple thesis is this: investing in affordable housing within cities is key to stimulating economic growth and producing positive fiscal outcomes.

Our research shows a staggering backlog of 3.7 million affordable housing units across cities and townships. This challenge is exacerbated by urban sprawl, which hinders economic growth and strains fiscal resources.

Urban densification, especially through residential investment, drives local economies, enhances access to business opportunities, and facilitates job creation by leveraging existing physical, social, and administrative infrastructure. This leads to an increase in property values and civil discipline in making service payments, which ultimately strengthens the local and national fiscus over time. With a medium-term perspective, the state benefits from a stronger fiscal foundation, which enables further investment in infrastructure and housing development.

Investing in Affordable Housing in Cities: A Strategic Imperative

Some municipalities may argue that constructing new developments on the outskirts is cost-effective, but in truth this only exacerbates urban sprawl and perpetuates cycles of economic exclusion and poverty. Research consistently shows that individuals residing on the periphery are more likely to remain marginalised, unemployed, and economically disadvantaged. Low-density housing far from city centres stifles opportunities for business development and job creation. Those who do find work often face exorbitant commuting costs, which limits their ability to pay essential expenses such as rates, taxes, and utility bills.

TUHF, therefore, stands by our conviction that affordable housing investment should not be relegated to the periphery of cities. While it may require higher upfront costs, the long-term benefits – such as stimulating local economic growth and positive fiscal impact – far outweigh the initial expense.

The Disconnect Between Policy and Practice

Urban densification is a stated policy priority at all levels of government. However, the gap between policy and practice remains wide.

“Cities are built the way they are financed”, Philip Bertrand aptly stated. Unfortunately, public finance practices remain a significant barrier to well-located affordable housing. Government budget allocations often operate in isolation, resulting in affordable housing developments – especially RDP housing – being pushed to the outskirts due to lower land costs. This perpetuates economic exclusion and places a long-term burden on the fiscus.

Public sector budgets must be realigned to prioritise infill and well-located housing projects. Though these investments may require higher initial allocations, the alternative exacerbates urban sprawl which necessitates new infrastructure and services. These are often not paid for due to indigence, adding to an already considerable fiscal burden.

By contrast, in-city housing developments yield long-term benefits, including increased property values, enhanced service payments, and broader economic growth. The cost of in-city development is more than justified when considering the medium-term fiscal and economic impacts.

The Role of Private Investment

The challenge of affordable housing is not one that government can tackle alone. Private investment, particularly from micro- and medium-scale property developers, is essential. TUHF, with its 21-year track record, has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve significant scale in affordable rental housing. We provide inclusive development finance to property entrepreneurs in cities and townships, supporting urban densification and the economic benefits that come with it.

TUHF and its subsidiaries stand out as one of the few institutions willing to provide inclusive development finance to property entrepreneurs in inner-cities, in-cities and townships, achieving significant scale in affordable rental housing. Our model – if taken seriously as a national investment strategy aiming for 10,000 small-scale (average 20-unit) projects per year – is not only achievable but also crucial for addressing the affordable housing backlog.

We recognise that addressing urban sprawl requires tailored approaches, as each region presents distinct opportunities and challenges. Our ‘feet-on-the-ground’ strategy allows us to leverage local insights, ensuring our developments meet the unique needs of the communities we serve. In-depth, local market knowledge is a critical factor we consider when assessing potential financing partners and enhances our specialised approach to risk. We have found that local market knowledge and lived experience are often more reliable indicators of success for the entrepreneurs we finance, compared to traditional metrics. This hands-on approach increases our ability to make sound, well-informed business decisions.

Equally importantly, our focus on impact investment enables ordinary South Africans to enter the property market and stimulates inclusive, local economic growth. Job creation, small enterprise creation and access to opportunity are some of the micro-economic impacts we measure over and above our affordable housing outcomes.

Challenges in Affordable Housing Investment

However, accessing finance for affordable rental housing is only the first hurdle. Rising operational costs – including rising property taxes and service charges which have outpaced inflation – create additional challenges for developers.

Corruption in many areas of local government, including the national and metro police services, issues surrounding cross-border trade and bribery, and the rise of “construction mafias”, complicate the investment landscape. Some municipalities are beginning to address these challenges, but the problem persists.

Additionally, non-payment in certain areas further complicates the fiscal landscape, as demonstrated by the way inner-city revenues are used to subsidise less financially stable regions. All these factors combine to have a negative impact on property investment and are leading to disinvestment.

A Net Positive for Inclusive Growth

Despite these obstacles, well-located affordable housing remains a fiscally prudent and economically inclusive investment. By refurbishing existing buildings in inner cities, developers can capitalise on existing infrastructure, reducing the costs associated with outlying developments. Quality, affordable housing boosts property values and stimulates economic activity, making urban densification a financially sound strategy.

Inclusive economic growth is fundamentally a micro-economic issue. The creation of small and medium enterprises and job opportunities happens at the neighbourhood level. When safe, decent affordable housing is available in a neighbourhood, economic activity is stimulated by virtue of the fact that tenants can pay their rent, access goods and services from local small businesses and engage in the amenities available. Access to affordable housing is crucial for unlocking wealth-generating opportunities and fostering livelihoods.

TUHF’s partnership with The Jobs Fund is a testament to our commitment. Together, we have successfully delivered 125 affordable housing projects, creating nearly 3,000 units and over 1,900 jobs. This collaboration demonstrates the transformative potential of well-located affordable housing for local economic development. Local economic development, in turn, stimulates the fiscus as people pay their rates, taxes (including VAT) and utilities.

In conclusion, addressing urban sprawl requires a strategic, long-term approach that prioritises in-city affordable housing. By leveraging existing infrastructure and focusing on urban densification, we can create a scalable, replicable, and sustainable environment for inclusive economic growth. And the net effect is fiscally positive. Affordable housing is not just a social need; it is an investment in the future of our cities and our country.


Addressing the Urgent Need to Combat Urban Sprawl in South Africa Read More »

TUHF Limited is proud to announce the launch of a major initiative in collaboration with the PROPARCO Crisis Emergency Response Technical Assistance Facility (CERTAF), funded by the European Union, aimed at further enhancing our ability to incorporate sustainability into our operations. As a financial institution with a long-standing commitment to empowering small property entrepreneurs and supporting the development of affordable housing, we are excited to take this step toward integrating a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) into our business practices.

TUHF: A UNIQUE PLAYER IN SOUTH AFRICA’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING MARKET

For over 21 years, TUHF has been at the forefront of financing small property entrepreneurs in the acquisition, construction, and renovation of affordable rental housing in South Africa’s central urban areas. Our work is driven by the need to address the growing demand for housing among low- and middle-income communities, contributing to the development of sustainable and inclusive urban environments. To date, TUHF has helped finance over 50 000 housing units, 95% of which are considered affordable.

This focus on affordable housing aligns with South Africa’s national strategy, established in 1996, to provide greater access to housing for all, particularly in the democratic era. Our ability to fund these projects not only improves living conditions but also stimulates economic growth and revitalizes city centers across the country.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FROM CERTAF: A KEY MILESTONE FOR TUHF’S FUTURE

In 2023, we signed a loan agreement with PROPARCO that included a commitment to integrate environmental and social considerations into our operations. With CERTAF’s support, we are now taking decisive steps to fulfill this commitment through the development and implementation of a tailored ESMS.

We are extremely satisfied with the technical assistance provided by CERTAF. This collaboration is a crucial step in strengthening our commitment to environmental and social responsibility, ensuring that we can continue to provide affordable housing solutions while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability. The support we’ve received is not only helping us meet regulatory requirements but also enhances our ability to manage risks and serve our communities more effectively,” underlines Katherine Cox, Research & Development Impact Manager)

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The CERTAF technical assistance includes the design of an ESMS that will help us better identify, assess, and manage environmental and social risks. The ESMS framework covers a wide range of areas, including E&S policy, risk management procedures, due diligence tools, governance structures, and a grievance redress mechanism. TUHF considers women, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups as both end users and beneficiaries of our investments whether directly or indirectly, as such, the ESMS includes consideration to safeguard these groups in the communities in which we serve. CERTAF also provides capacity-building support to our team, ensuring that our staff is well-equipped to implement these systems and incorporate sustainability into their daily operations.

Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Long-term Sustainability

The CERTAF technical assistance (TA) initiative included a thorough gap analysis of TUHF’s existing governance frameworks, followed by the development of an action plan to close any gaps identified. The TA sought to address compliance risks, project delays, and challenges related to incorporating the ESMS into TUHF’s operations. Owing to CERTAF support, TUHF will be better positioned to mitigate environmental and social risks while continuing to provide critical financing to South Africa’s property entrepreneurs. More widely, it will help TUHF to become a more attractive longer term investment partner for PROPARCO and wider international financial institutions.

We are confident that the ESMS framework will enhance TUHF’s operational sustainability, mitigating potential environmental and social risks, and will help them to become an even more attractive investment partner, while crucially creating a positive impact in the affordable housing sector in South Africa,” highlighted Alex Ingleson, CERTAF Senior Facility Manager.

Corroborating this, Kaidi Eddie-Obiakor, Senior ESG & Gender Expert under the CERTAF Facility, added that “Not only does TUHF’s unique business model set a standard for creating access to affordable housing, but by implementing ESG-aligned risk management mechanisms, TUHF adopts a more balanced approach to mainstreaming sustainability that moves beyond social impact to also effectively managing risks associated with its financing activities. This is an effective way for the company to establish long term relevance in the market”

LOOKING AHEAD

With CERTAF’s ongoing support, we look forward to continuing our mission of supporting property entrepreneurs while advancing our environmental and social impact. This partnership allows us to build a more resilient and sustainable business model that will benefit not only our institution but also the communities we serve.

For more information about:

TUHF enhances its commitment to sustainability with the support of CERTAF Technical Assistance Read More »

“It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.” – Nelson Mandela

At the TUHF Group we are no strangers to taking impact-driven action. Our key objective is to be a good business – doing good by empowering entrepreneurs to transform the urban areas of South Africa which includes inner cities, in-cites and townships. Everything we do is underpinned by our inclusive growth and transformation objectives – and our services are purposefully designed to positively contribute to urban regeneration.

In the spirit of this and in remembrance of the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, an icon of humanities in South Africa and worldwide, for our corporate initiative to observe Mandela Day this year we partnered with Jozi my Jozi, a movement that ignites hope and instils pride in our city, by participating in a city-wide clean-up initiative.

The theme for Mandela Day this year is aptly ‘It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’, and under the banner and ethos of this theme our goal was to engage the Johannesburg community in creating a safe, clean environment while making volunteerism enjoyable. This initiative honours Nelson Mandela’s legacy by fostering positive change through the accumulative impact of individual action working together towards a united vision and goal, which directly aligns with our business mantra of Massive-Small, contributing to massive impact through accumulative small developments, one project and city block at a time.

A BIG THANK YOU to all our team members who participate in this incredible initiative. You all demonstrated the power of YOU and what can be achieved towards a greater goal when we pull our collective power to make an impact!

#ItsInYourHands – TUHF partnered with Jozi my Jozi for Mandela Day city clean-up Read More »

As TUHF marks its 20-year milestone of fostering urban regeneration, the company has announced an ambitious expansion strategy aimed at addressing the evolving demands for affordable housing across South Africa – and plans to expand into the rest of the continent.

Under the stewardship of CEO Paul Jackson, TUHF champions the ethos of ‘making a difference one neighbourhood, one city block, one community at a time’. This principle has driven significant social and economic impacts in the urban landscapes across the country.

“The essence of properly located housing goes beyond shelter. It is an engine of economic growth and social wellbeing for the communities in those precincts. Our approach has always been about nurturing micro-economies within city blocks and neighbourhoods, thereby creating a ripple effect of inclusivity and wealth mobility,” explains Jackson. “This high-touch approach, distinguishing TUHF as an in-city financier, has been instrumental in stimulating business and employment opportunities, fostering mixed-use economies, and promoting mixed-income communities.”

Expanding demand in inner city and in-city areas

Originating as an inner-city financier in Johannesburg, TUHF has progressively broadened its geographical footprint to align with the shifting demands for affordable housing.

“Our journey began with urban regeneration within Johannesburg, focusing on affordable housing and black economic empowerment. As the landscape evolved, so did our strategy, leading us to extend our services beyond traditional inner-city areas to include in-city areas,” shares Jackson. “The expansion follows a well-defined in-city strategy. These areas, adjacent to the inner-city and near key urban nodes, align with our market expansion strategy. For instance, in Johannesburg it would be to move with the market to areas like Linden, Randburg, Buccleuch, and Kew, among others.”

The nationwide expansion has seen TUHF establishing a presence in 11 of South Africa’s metros, with a vision to extend its reach across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the next two years. The strategic growth is backed by an extensive branch network, ensuring a local presence to better understand and meet the market demands.

An example of this is through its uMaStandi township programme it launched in 2015.

“There is enormous demand in South Africa for people to live in well located townships – and we are delighted to have found significant interest from property entrepreneurs looking to develop in those communities,” Jackson says.

As a specialised commercial property financier, TUHF has found that there is large market niche in townships where it is difficult to get commercial property finance at the scale (up to R5 million) in those communities.

Working with clients

“We are not a long-distance financier. Our branches across the nation not only symbolise our growing footprint but also underline our commitment to being hands-on with our clients, ensuring the success of each project we finance,” says Jackson.

Going beyond financing, TUHF actively nurtures a collaborative and supportive ecosystem for budding property entrepreneurs.

“We encourage interested parties to immerse themselves in the neighbourhood they wish to invest in, to walk the streets, absorb the atmosphere, and identify potential investment buildings. Before developing a business plan, we invite entrepreneurs to engage with us, to share their thoughts and price points, and to benefit from our intimate knowledge of the areas and the lessons we have learnt over the years,” Jackson explains.

He emphasises the importance of leveraging TUHF’s experiential knowledge and the willingness of its community of property entrepreneurs to share their journeys with newcomers. “Our approval process, though thorough, can be quick, and completed within 21 days or less once all information is received. We walk with our clients throughout the entire process, ensuring a robust, sustainable, and commercially viable solution that forms a solid foundation for future growth,” Jackson adds.

As TUHF embarks on its next chapter, the focus is to consolidate its brand, enhance market reach, and continue being a catalyst for urban transformation.

“With a track record spanning 20-years of financing over 50,000 units and injecting over R8.3 billion into urban housing, we are keen on extending our impact further across South Africa and, beyond the country’s borders by partnering with property entrepreneurs across the SADC region,” concludes Jackson.

The legacy of TUHF over the last two decades sets a solid foundation for its ambitious journey ahead, reaffirming its commitment to shaping vibrant urban communities in every city and town it invests in.

TUHF announces ambitious expansion plans as it celebrates 20 years of urban revitalisation Read More »

Global impact investment has surged over the past five years, and emerging markets like South Africa are expected to lead the way as the trend continues in years to come. Green and social bonds, in particular, have seen astronomical growth globally, though the Middle East and Africa combined account for only USD 10 Billion of the USD 1.024 Trillion total issuance in 2021.

Even so, investors are regularly challenged by the new structures, processes and performance indicators that accompany impact investment, and one of the biggest concerns is ‘greenwashing’ of business activities and possible trade-offs between financial returns and environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts. However, as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Sustainability Index matures and impact measurement strategies improve, South Africa is leading the charge as the largest impact investing market on the continent. 

In the Impact Investing South Africa (IISA)’s recent case study, TUHF is examined as one of the most promising examples of profitable and impactful businesses rising to the challenge. Download the case study to find out how we are filling the finance gap for non-traditional entrepreneurs to develop affordable housing projects in declining urban centres and informal townships.

TUHF – South Africa’s Impact Investor of Choice in Affordable Housing Read More »

The City of Johannesburg has extended the General Valuation Roll (GVR2023) appeal period to the 30th of November 2023 which only applies to property owners who have previously objected to the Roll and who are still not happy with the Municipal Valuer’s Decision (MVD).

According to the City, it has processed +38 000 objections out of a total of 42 053 objections received and it has sent out MVD notices.

An appeal to the Municipal Valuer’s Decision will be heard by a Valuation Appeal Board (VAB) which is an independent board appointed as per the Municipal Property Rates Act 6 of 2004 as amended (MPRA).

Source: Gemma-Louis Wright, propertywheel.co.za

City Of Joburg Extends GVR2023 Appeal Period Read More »

Johannesburg, Wednesday, 06 September 2023 – The recent spate of serious events in Johannesburg CBD – including the tragic fire in Marshalltown that has claimed 77 lives and the devastating gas leaks in De Korte and Bree Streets – continue to raise concerns over poor urban management, lack of by-law enforcement and inadequate governance within the CBD.

Paul Jackson, CEO of TUHF, says: “Though the media coverage of these devastating events draws a much-needed spotlight towards the challenges faced in the inner city of downtown Johannesburg, these events are regrettably not isolated and in fact are a consequence of a much longer-standing issue. One that must be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

As an invested stakeholder in the inner city for the last 20 years with more than R5 billion invested in the Johannesburg CBD, TUHF continues to actively engage with local government regarding the prevailing and underlying issues that have preceded these most recent headline events. “From the lack of service delivery, the increased scourge of hijacked buildings, damage to properties caused by the 2021 riots, xenophobic attacks and dangerously insufficient maintenance of infrastructure; we have relentlessly voiced our concerns and engaged with the local government to find solutions,” Jackson says. “There is an urgent need for improved management and intervention in the CBD to ensure the safety of the people who live here and the imperative growth of this vital economic hub, which is not achievable without local government action.”

TUHF is a leading impact investor in South Africa’s inner cities, and for 20 years has promoted the inner city of Johannesburg as an investment destination, particularly for ordinary South Africans.

“Regeneration in the inner city has seen ordinary people, with street smarts and knowledge, turn rundown buildings into successful affordable rental housing businesses,” Jackson points out. “TUHF has empowered aspiring property entrepreneurs to create safe homes and jobs within the inner city and to make an impact on communities that live, work and play here. We remain committed to the property investors we support, and as such, we must call for urgent change in the way the Johannesburg CBD is being managed.”

TUHF is deeply saddened by the recent events in the Johannesburg CBD. Such incidents reflect a critical systemic issue which affects the capital markets, the insurance sector, rental housing suppliers and the tenants they serve. TUHF strongly advocates that this is an issue of lack of execution by City management. Urban management, compliance and administration must be improved as a matter of urgency to prevent further incidents from occurring.

“The well-being of the residents and businesses in the CBD should be a top priority for the City,” Lusanda Netshitenzhe, CEO of TUHF21 says. “TUHF urges the City of Johannesburg to prioritise improved management and better governance of the inner city and to take concrete steps to address its deterioration. TUHF believes in the investment case of inner cities as essential to inclusive and transformative economic growth. Inner cities have the potential to drive real growth at a local level, provide economic opportunities to SMMEs and low to moderate income households.”

With the lives and livelihoods of so many people under threat in the CBD, TUHF calls on the City of Johannesburg’s leadership to take immediate action to address these urban management and investment infrastructure concerns.

“We maintain that collaboration is essential to address the challenges that are apparent in Johannesburg,” says Netshitenzhe. “A coordinated and comprehensive approach is needed to restore confidence in the CBD for all the City’s stakeholders. This reality cannot be ignored any longer, and TUHF joins all invested stakeholders of the inner city in calling for urgent action and changes to the way the City is managed.  We are committed to collaborating with the City and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to the issues facing the CBD and believe that a united effort is essential to create a more prosperous City.”

Joburg City crisis – a reality that can no longer be ignored Read More »