On 6 June 2023, the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) partnered with the SA institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP) to launch the Funding Directory – a publication that contains key information about funding institutions such as finance institutions and commercial banks, as well as other products suitable for property practitioners looking for external financing in the property sector.

The launch was held at The Capital in Melrose, Johannesburg. The GPF’s Acting Chief Investment and Development Officer, Shiraaz Lorgat delivered the keynote address.

The aim of the Funding Directory is to aggregate the myriad pieces of information about funding into one valuable document that SAIBPP members can use as a reference when embarking on securing finance. A big hurdle for property developers is a lack of adequate information about how and where to access funding.

The GPF offers a range of funding products for property developers with various levels of experience.

“We need programmes that make it easier [for developers] to start. I must also commend the GPF for its excellent Entrepreneur Empowerment Property Fund (EEPF). A lot of people want to get into property but do not have assets and such,” said Sylvester Martin, President of the SAIBPP.

The Entrepreneur Empowerment Property Fund (EEPF) is a programme designed to promote participation of previously disadvantaged owned companies in the affordable rental property market.