Property Mogul, Dr. Sisa Ngebulana headlines GPF’s Guest lecture

On 28 July 2022, the Gauteng Partnership Fund in collaboration with the Youth in Property Association hosted a sold-out Guest Lecture at Wits University’s School of Architecture and Planning’s John Moffat building.

The event, which formed part of the GPF’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, saw both organisations bring key stakeholders under one roof to empower youth in the built environment.

The GPF is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and is mandated to serve as funding and implementing agent for integrated sustainable human settlement developments in the province. One of its various products is the Empowerment Entrepreneur Property Fund, which was designed to promote the participation of historically disadvantaged individuals and companies in the affordable rental property market. Of particular focus for this programme are first-time property developers, especially women and youth.

Award-winning property Mogul and CEO of Rebosis and Billion Group delivered a stirring keynote address marked by a standing ovation at the end.

Between the two companies, about 22 students receive bursaries annually, a school is built every three years, and churches have also been built. Ngebulana mentioned that he is also overseeing the development of “about 55 000 apartments across six different cities around the country”.

He urged the youth to “always aspire to make a difference. Never settle for just living”.

He finished by saying: “Above all, I want to say, always keep God first. If nothing else, it keeps you humble. The chances you take today and onwards, the dreams and goals that you set, and the hard work and discipline that you apply will define your destiny. I thank you and I wish you all the best in your careers.”

The programme, which was moderated by YIPA’s Vice Chairperson for Gauteng, Priscilla Nthai, also featured esteemed academic Dr. Sitsabo Dlamini, award-winning property developers Dandy Matamela, the Founder and Group Chairman of Muma Architects and Property Investments; and Tshepo Lekgau of Tshellaine Holdings, who participated in a panel discussion on making a career in the property sector; as well as the GPF’s Investment Officer, Shiraaz Lorgat.

The GPF CEO, Ms. Lindiwe Kwele said: “We are a country of great contradiction. We are beset by many ills and shortcomings. But we are also a country of great potential. To be in a room packed with driven young people was reassuring because we want to see a vibrant and transformed property sector that can come up with unique and innovative solutions to our housing crisis. We are grateful to have had many of our key stakeholders join us tonight to celebrate our milestones and look ahead to what we hope to achieve as an organisation.”

YIPA CEO, Lwandle Matsinya, spoke briefly about the initiatives and programmes available through the organisation. He added: “When we think of our members and youth, we always say we want to enlighten, empower, and encourage the youth to actively participate in the property industry and the broader South African landscape. Our core pillars are education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.”

The GPF has planned various seminars and project site tours throughout its anniversary year to revisit and showcase some of the organisation’s milestones over the past two decades.

You can watch the entire GPF x YIPA Guest Lecture here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dVgH2AXnOY&t=1079s

The GPF Launches Winchester Heights student accommodation development

The Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) hosted a media launch on 24 March 2022 to celebrate the opening of the latest completed student accommodation development known as Winchester Heights.

The launch of the development comes fresh after the opening of The Opal, another student accommodation project, which is in Naturena, south of Johannesburg.

Winchester Heights was developed by Tshellaine Holdings Construction (Pty) Ltd, which is co-owned by Mr. Tshepo Lekgau and Ms. Ellaine Khutsiso Phasha – both historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs). Tshellaine Holdings Construction (PTY) LTD is a 100% BEE Company.

The property is in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg, and is 10km from the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus. Its 56 units accommodates 224 beds. According to the UJ, student numbers stabilise at around 50, 000 and only around 6, 000 are accommodated in its residences. The demand for off-campus accommodation far exceeds the current supply. Winchester Heights specifically targets students attending the UJ Soweto campus, and the developers provide transport to and from the campus.

The developer has student accommodation property industry experience. They currently lease 35 units at Southgate Ridge housing 140 students. They have been accredited with the University of Johannesburg to offer off-campus accommodation since 2013.

The GPF is a capital-raising and project implementing agent of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and, as such, the event was supported by the MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and COGTA, Lebogang Maile. MEC Maile was hosted by the GPF Board Chairperson, Hlengiwe Bhengu-Motsiri and several members of the GPF board, as well as the GPF CEO, Lindiwe Kwele.

In his address, MEC Maile stressed the need for similar affordable quality student accommodation. He said: “It is critical for the success of not only individual students but for South Africa as a whole, because the shortage of accommodation is dehumanising for students – mostly those from historically disadvantaged background. It has a direct effect on their academic prospects, too.”

Having opened at the beginning of 2022, the co-owners said the property was already over 50% occupation. A handful of students even joined the event – including one Nompiloenhle Mabena, a fourth year Public Management and Governance student at UJ, who said she felt safe and comfortable within her digs.

The GPF Chairperson, Bhengu-Motsiri said: “Affordable, quality student accommodation at public higher education institutions is the responsibility of the state, the university and society at large. This means we need to create a social compact, encouraging private sector investment in order to address this most urgent need and, as we do so, we should be cognisant of the fact that student housing should be more than just the provision of beds; it should, just as importantly create living, learning and social communities, an environment that stimulates learning and innovation so that students that come out of our institutions of higher learning are not just ready for the job market but are also globally competitive.”

In her vote of thanks, the GPF CEO said the delivery of Winchester Heights was “the culmination of sheer hard work and determination” from all parties involved.

“To the community leaders and business forums here, the entire construction team, service delivery partners, the municipality, and the GPF project team, I would like to thank you for your pivotal role,” she said.

“To the students, we urge you to be custodians of this development and ensure that it remains immaculate long after you have vacated your units. I also want to wish you well for this academic year.”

THE GPF HOSTS A STAKEHOLDER FORUM

The Gauteng Partnership Fund hosted a successful stakeholder forum at The Galleria, Sandton, on the 23^rd of February 2022.

The purpose of the event was for the GPF to reintroduce itself to key stakeholders, while also using the opportunity to present the revised GPF strategic plan 2020 – 2025, encourage borrowers to pay their loans, and explore the various opportunities available to developers at the GPF.

In opening, the chairperson of the GPF Ms. Hlengiwe Bhengu-Motsiri stressed the importance of cultivating strategic partnerships between the private and public sector, saying it would enable the GPF to continue to deliver on its mandate post the Covid-19 pandemic. She also used the opportunity to introduce the newly appointed CEO of the GPF, Ms. Lindiwe Kwele, and backed her to successfully steer the organisation on its path to delivering on its mandates.

Ms. Kwele presented the revised strategy of the GPF and reiterated that the priority of the organisation was to pool resources from the private and public sectors to realise the goal of seeing decent housing close to amenities.

“We aim to build cities where people can work, live, and play,” she said.

Furthermore, she made a call for women-led entities to apply for funding to build affordable rental housing and student accommodation. “We are passionate about empowering and encouraging women to participate in property development,” she added.

Thereafter, a panel discussion featuring Ms. Kwele; Chief Investment Officer, Ms. Leah Manenzhe; Gauteng Department of Human Settlements’ Acting DDG in Programme Management, Ms. Phumzile Maseko Seipobi; and the Acting Chief Financial Officer of the GPF, Mr. Godfrey Mathabathe was held. The plenary session explored opportunities available for property developers, the relationship between the GPF and funding partners, as well as the importance of a healthy loan book. Attendees were afforded opportunities to seek advice and put forward possible solutions to various issues.

Ms. Manenzhe also took the opportunity to speak briefly about a new product in the works known as Kasi-4-Real, saying: “The kasi-4-Real will focus on funding property developers interested in building backrooms. The details around the funding criteria will be released once its finalized.”

Three property developers who had received funding from the GPF to deliver mega projects, rental housing, and student accommodation were also invited to speak on their experiences of working with the GPF and the respective challenges in implementing their projects.

They lauded the GPF on the efficient and quick payment of invoices which they identified as being key to ensuring that construction progressed smoothly. The co-owner of The Opal student accommodation, Mr. Mulalo Tshitema attributed the completion of Bono ahead of schedule due to this. First time property developer Mabana Makhakhe, from the Phahamo Property Group, thanked the GPF for the support provided to her and her partners during the development of their project.

“The fact that we are now talking about future projects and working with the GPF again means we are clients in good standing,” she said to raucous applause.

The stakeholder forum was well attended both in-person and virtually.

GPF IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HUMAN SETTLEMENTS LAUNCHES REHOBOTH HILLS AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

The Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and COGTA, Lebogang Maile, Ekurhuleni Mayor, Mr Mzwandile Masina and the Chairperson of GPF Ms Mahlengi Bhengu today launched Rehoboth Hills affordable housing development in Germiston, Ekurhuleni.

Rehoboth Hills project was launched under the ambit of the GPF’s Entrepreneur Empowerment Property Fund (EEPF), an incubator programme that was established in 2010 to encourage emerging black property developers to participate in the affordable housing residential property market.

Rehoboth Hills project has one and two bedrooms apartments. This affordable rental accommodation will be expected to provide much-needed accommodation for the citizens of Ekurhuleni. For information on rental please contact Mafadi Management letting sales on 072 213 5421, 062182 2857, 068 587 4391 email: lucky@mafadi.co.za, letting7@mafadi.co.za, rael@mafadi.co.za

Student Accommodation Summit 29 October 2020

GPF partnered with Africa Insights at their 2nd Annual Affordable Student Housing Summit on the 29th October 2020. Shiraaz Lorgat who is an Investment Officer at the GPF, presented “Affordable Student Housing Opportunities within the Gauteng Partnership Fund: Student Accommodation, Funding Models and Investment Processes”

Minister Sisulu visits mixed use development project promoting inclusive housing, social amenities and open spaces, commercial and industrial opportunities

On Sunday 14th June 2020 Ms Mahlengi Bhengu, Chairperson of the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), Chief Executive Officer Simphiwe Dzengwa and Chief Investment Officer, Ms Vinolia Mashiane accompanied Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu at the handing over of houses at the Elijah Barayi village in the West Rand.

“The Gauteng Partnership Fund is delighted to be a turnkey partner in the initiative that resulted in today’s event in which we celebrate the handing over of housing units to communities in the Elijah Barayi Village,”said Ms Mahlengi Bhengu.

This project is an example of what can be achieved through productive partnerships between all three spheres of government, development finance institutions, the private sector, and civil society to move people from informal settlements to the dignity of formal housing.

The core mandate of the Gauteng Partnership Fund is to raise and structure the capital required for the implementation of mega projects in Gauteng. We focus on turnkey development by providing property management services for strategic property assets that are transferred to the province for this purpose.

Ms Mahlengi Bhengu stated that the Elijah Barayi Mega Project is one such initiative in which GPF worked closely with government, the private sector, and communities to deliver much-needed housing in the Merafong Local Municipality. When completed the project will successfully deliver almost 12 500 housing units as well as schools, social amenities and commercial developments.

This will contribute greatly to the eradication of informal settlements on the West Rand and address the dire shortage of housing in the province.

The project is making a significant economic impact within the community through job creation and support for local suppliers, small and medium enterprises and companies owned by women and the youth.

To date the project has delivered 587 completed units and a further 2 318 units which are rapidly nearing completion. If you look around the area you will notice many other buildings that are in different stages of construction.

Deputy Minister David Mahlobo visited the inner City of Johannesburg

On the 20th October 2019, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo visited inner City of Johannesburg to inspect the progress of the Urban Renewal Projects as funded by government and private sector partners. The deputy minister was accompanied by Director General, Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), Housing Development Agency (HDA) and private developers, where they visited affordable rental housing units. To date GPF in partnership with NHFC and SHRA has facilitated the development of 20 000 units in Gauteng of which a majority are in the inner City of Johannesburg. Projects visited in the Inner City of Johannesburg included:

Plein Street Social Housing Project

Brickfields Gardens – Phase 2

Jewel City Urban Renewal

Kelvin Student Accommodation and

Turffontein Social Housing Projects

Montrose Mega Project

Media Site Tour to Montrose Mega Project

The Montrose Mega Project Media Site Tour was held on the 03rd May 2019. The objective of the event was to showcase the integrated and socio-economic opportunities and to give status updates on the project. The site tour was spearheaded by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements Dikgang Uhuru Moiloa accompanied by the MMC of Human Settlements in Rand West City Local Municipality, Brenda Mahuma, MMC of Human Settlements in West Rand District Municipality Councillor Diteko Moreotsenye, Other MMCs and officials from Rand West City Local Municipality, West Rand District Municipality, SCM the Developers of Montrose, Board members of GPF, Chairperson Lindiwe Mthimunye and Nangamso Maponya, CEO of GPF, Mr Simphiwe Dzengwa.

Montrose is a mixed housing development consisting of a mix of affordable housing, low-cost housing, and up-market residential housing. The project is located in the Rand West Municipality, on the South End, opposite Mohlakeng. The development offers an estimated development yield of 13792 (Phase 1- 5602, Phase 2 – 9190) units.

The project consists of the following typologies: BNG/RDP Housing, Community Residential Units, Social Housing, Multi-Storey BNG/RDP, Affordable Housing and the Military Veterans housing units. There are currently 262 houses under construction.

The Social amenities will include state of the art Shopping Mall, Schools, Medical Facilities, a Community Centre, an Early Learning Facility, Filling Stations, Picnic Areas, Nursery/Creche, Walking Paths, Children’s Play Parks and a Facility of Religion.

Affri – Village

The launch, handover of houses and media tour at Affri-village Mega Project

The Affri-village Mega Project was launched on the 02nd May 2019. A Media Site tour was also held on the day to showcase integration and socio-economic opportunities within the Mega Cities and to give status updates of the project. The site tour was spearheaded by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements Dikgang Uhuru Moiloa, MMC of Human Settlements in Rand West City Local Municipality, Brenda Mahuma, MMC of Human Settlements in West Rand District Municipality Councillor Diteko Moreotsenye, Other MMCs and officials from Rand West City Local Municipality, West Rand District Municipality, Mwalima Holdings, the Developers of Affri-Village in partnership with Xanado Trade (JV) and Alliance Construction, Board members of Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), Pakie Mphahlele, Timothy Sukazi and Nangamso Maponya.

Affri- Village is located in Randfontein within Rand West Local Municipality. The 1st phase of the project consists mainly of the Multi- Storey BNG/RDP units. The first phase was completed by end of April 2019 and 1000 units were ready for handover. About 1000 community members from across the West Rand District Municipality and surrounding areas received their new apartments. Affri-Village Mega City consists of 9 880 units; it includes a shopping centre, four Business Facility Sites, four Crèches, two Primary School and one Secondary School.

The launch took the format of public and stakeholder events where the department and GPF outlined their milestones and celebrated the milestones reached.

The second phase of the project will yield 1172 Multi-Storey BNG/RDP units and it was rolled out in 2019/20 financial year. The development has created economic opportunities for 89 local contractors from (Finsbury, Mohlakeng, Local Wards, Brandvlei and Toekomsrus) and 524 job opportunities.
Phase three, four and five of the project will be located in Magaliesig and it will have different typologies of housing units. The project will commence with phase 3 with 624 housing units, followed by phase 4 with a total of 1622 housing units. Phase 5 will be the last phase of the development and it will have 5600 units.

Elijah Barayi Launch

Thembelihle Project Launch

John Dube Launch

Elijah Barayi

Rama City

Infrastructure Funding Summit

Presentations and Speeches

EEPF Awards Gala Dinner

GPF Awarded Clean audit by the AGSA

The Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) received a clean audit opinion for the year ended 31st March 2015.

This was a remarkable achievement and an accolade for the GPF as it was acknowledged by the Audit General of South Africa that to sustain such a clean audit report involves a lot of hard work and dedication from the GPF team.

Also it would not have been possible to receive such a clean audit report without the guidance, leadership and support of our Executive Authority, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the GPF Board.

“GPF has been attaining clean audits for more than eight consecutive years,” says the Chief Executive Officer of GPF, Mr Boni Muvevi.

“The attainment of clean audit is underpinned by our value of executing our housing mandate in a transparent, accountable and ethical manner,” Boni emphasized.

GPF Awarded Clean audit by the AGSA

Property Entrepreneur Seminar 2014 (Pretoria)

Property Entrepreneur Seminar 2014 (Johannesburg)

EEPF induction Workshop July 2014

EEPF Workshop Feb 2014

EEPFP 2013

SAPOA Breakfast March 2013

Affordable Housing Indaba 2012 Downloads