Housing in Southern Africa reports on the success that the current owners of Ponte City in Johannesburg are seeing as a result of their revised and progressive approach to building management.

The City of Johannesburg has put plans in motion to turn one of the city's most densely populated townships into a habitable community. There is a grave problem of overcrowding in Diepsloot and some residents are staying on wetlands with the settlement.

Three alternative construction techniques are closely examined in terms of material usage application and end result. Highlighted in this issue are sustainable construction technology, 'ready living' and dry stack systems

Two industry bodies have highlighted the dangers of the incorrect use of pre-cast concrete lintels in home construction applications. This widespread and life-threatening trend needs to be addressed

Industry news around the Southern African region

News briefs concerning the housing and construction industries from the Southern African region

Housing in SA reports on a five-day volunteer undertaking that saw the construction of 13 houses in Soweto. Volunteers in the project stemmed mainly from Habitat Humanity, Women for Housing, the National and Gauteng Housing Dept etc

Joint ventures in the engineering and waste management sectors are discussed

Water privatisation remains a hotly debated topic. Despite rhetoric to the contrary, and true to the previous lack of mobilisation against GEAR, the leadership of the alliance partners have effectively endorsed IGOL12002

More women than ever are buying their own homes - the trend is examined

This month's Housing in Southern African feature