April 2012

Housing in Southern Africa's April issue features Newgate, an R80 million affordable housing inner city precinct, in Johannesburg.

The old West Street block is the latest conversion by inner city housing specialist, Afhco in a Joint Venture with Standard Bank.

Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, Tokyo Sexwale and Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, viewed the newly built apartments, which form part of the Jabulani Precinct upgrade.

Giant banking group, Absa, aims to increase its market share in the affordable housing sector and provide 10 000 end user loans during 2012.

Newgate gets underway

Inner City rejuvenation and pockets of development within the city and Newtown precinct in Johannesburg will receive an additional boost as Newgate, a new affordable housing project, gets underway. Newgate comes hot on the heels of Afhco's successful conversion of Nedbank's old offices at 120 End Street, east of the CBD. The latest offering borders Newtown's colourful arts and culture hub and is a joint venture between Afhco and Standard Bank Real Estate Investments division.

Jabulani Precinct

The Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Tokyo Sexwale, Minister of Human Settlements had something to celebrate at the opening of the new social housing apartments at Jabulani, in Soweto. The 512 newly built apartments will provide housing for former Jabulani Hostel residents.

Housing affordability improves

Absa aims to provide 10 000 end user loans during 2012 in the affordable housing sector. The giant banking group has set its sights on increasing its affordable housing book from R8billion to R13 billion by 2014.

In the pooh again

The Minister of Human Settlements, Tokyo Sexwale, has been accused of failing to ensure that Moqhaka Municipality encloses open toilets. He also failed to intervene when 150 toilets were demolished last August because of poor workmanship. And now the shoddy builder has been reappointed!

Solar for students

CBD Residency property specialist has teamed up with solar heating specialist, SunTank, to provide modern energy efficient student accommodation.