The multi-million rand Townlands social housing project in Marabastad, which was launched in April, was celebrated during the second annual Reside awards.Picture: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The multi-million rand Townlands social housing project in Marabastad, which was officially launched in April, was celebrated during the second instalment of the residential investment & development (Reside) awards.
City of Tshwane MMC for Human Settlements, Ofentse Madzebatela, said the recognition showed the City’s steadfast commitment to create housing for low-income earners who now have homes closer to economic opportunities.
He congratulated a municipal parastatal Housing Company Tshwane being the recipient of the gold award under the category for best social housing development of the year during the awards ceremony in Sandton.
The Urban Status Rentals based in Cape Town was named the winner for social housing development of the year 2024, walking away with the platinum award.
The housing development was recognised for its inclusive approach, offering low rental costs and community-enhancing amenities, supporting diverse income groups and vulnerable populations.
Madzebatela thanked all the key stakeholders who contributed to bringing to life the vision to build the townlands social housing project in Tshwane.
“This project truly exemplifies what can be achieved through collaborative efforts and shared commitment to improving our residents’ lives,”he said.
The national Department of Human Settlements took part in the Marabastad project by bankrolling it through its Social Housing Regulatory Authority.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements also financed the project through the Gauteng Partnership Fund while the City of Tshwane used its capital expenditure grant to assist.
The initiative was first unveiled by former Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, now electricity minister, in February 2016.
Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who officially launched the project in April this year, said the place was affordable and closer to their workplaces and social amenities such as shopping malls and sports facilities.
She said part of the social housing programme was meant to give people the opportunity to stay closer to the workplaces and social amenities.
The development consists of 1 200 mixed housing units and offers accommodation to qualifying residents who fall between income brackets of between R11 301 and R22 000 per month.
The social housing project was initially envisaged to be completed in September 2019, but this deadline was missed.
Madzebatela said the townlands development is heralded as South Africa’s largest social housing project and has set a new size benchmark in community-centric living.
“This accolade celebrates the steadfast commitment of the Human Settlements Department and Housing Company Tshwane to create not just housing, but thriving communities where residents' aspirations are nurtured and realised,” he said.
The annual Reside awards were launched in 2023 to recognise excellence and innovation in the residential property sector.
The Star