The Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), an agency of the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing responsible for affordable housing has been able to attract almost R2.4 billion from the private sector to fund housing projects in Gauteng over the past ten years. The funding has been able to deliver approximately 20 000 affordable housing units in the province. The announcement was made today at the “AFFORDABLE HOUSING INDABA” hosted by GPF during its 10 years anniversary in Fourways, Johannesburg. The event was themed, “Working Together to Build Sustainable Human Settlements”, and the conference focused on the lessons drawn from GPFs pioneering models in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for affordable housing in support of DLG&H.  

Recounting ten years of marked success in leveraging state capital to secure private sector investment the presenters at the indaba presented lessons, challenges and opportunities for the future of housing in Gauteng.

Speaking on behalf of the MEC for Local Government and Housing LH Mekgwe, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Local Government and Housing in Gauteng Hon. Errol Magerman, commended GPF for making visible strides and progress given the fact that it was initially launched with a grant funding of R442 million 10 years ago. He said Gauteng government has for a long time identified funding as an issue needing to be addressed as part of the whole bouquet of interventions. “We had to find innovative ways of unlocking the private commercial funding into the affordable housing sector. Promotion of vibrant and honest partnerships is urgently needed to address the funding challenge,” added Magerman.

GPF CEO, Mr Kutoane Kutoane’s presentation on “Building Sustainable funding partnerships”,  spoke to the GPF story moving beyond the 10 years of success, to furthering the vision 2014 of delivering 20 000 affordable and rental units in the province. Kutoane also announced that GPF’s extended mandate would go beyond affordable rental housing to include mixed and integrated housing developments.  Successful projects have already been delivered in Kliptown, Roodepoort, Fleurhof and Jabulani, despite the housing credit crisis over the recent years. 

Head of the Department, Mr Mongezi Mnyani stated that planning of mixed housing projects in the province is informed by the Spatial Development Framework which is already making real progress in the affordable housing market. He said flagship projects such as Cosmo City, Nelmapius and Olivenhoutbosch were already benefiting from such initiatives. The challenge of these however was overpriced land, resistance from affluent residential associations and the less investment appetite from the private sector. Mnyani encouraged GPF to forge more partnerships in order to realize the success of the programme. 

The Indaba’s discussion and guest presentations reinforced conclusions that the GPF serves as an important addition to the goal of the state is to encourage nation building and development through well located, mixed development and for eradicating informal settlements. 

GPF projects are also part of urban renewal drives, and the 2030 Gauteng City Region vision, aimed at creating globally competitive and sustainable human settlement.  In the progression to these goals the DLG&H adopts the Gauteng Provincial government mantra, “GETTING GAUTENG WORKING-WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE”

For further information: 

The Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing:  Motsamai Motlhaolwa on 079 897 2240 or  e-mail to  Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za 

The Gauteng Partnership Fund.  Spokesperson:  Ismail Carr  on 083 346 1136 
 or e-mail to ismailc@gpf.org.za