Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa Dec/January 2020 | Page 14

INNER CITY DEVELOPMENT
Joburg’s Investment Attraction Statement:
“Johannesburg, A City of Limitless Innovative
Opportunities and Investment Climate
Conducive for Business to thrive”
The Global Significance of Johannesburg:
The current and emerging globalization trends, locations and
urbanization have become increasingly important in attracting
investment capital and talent.
Johannesburg is well-positioned to benefit from these
trends and continues to affirm its status as South Africa’s and
the African Continent’s representative in global markets. The
lure of Joburg was initiated by the discovery of Gold, “the 1st
Gold Rush”, hence it is fondly known internationally as “Egoli”
or “the City of Gold.” In the modern era Joburg’s endowments
have been enhanced by several positive attributes embedded
in the reality that for decades, large businesses have chosen
to reside in Joburg to capitalize on an exciting ‘large city with
state-of-the-art’ transportation infrastructure.
It is strategically located for regional logistical outreach. It
comprises a dynamic community, entrepreneurs, an abundant
qualified workforce, cosmopolitan urban lifestyle, as well
as a convenient and business-friendly governance. As the
most populous city in the Gauteng Province and nationally,
Johannesburg has created and preserved an enviable stock
of heritage buildings, retaining an authentic sense of place.
Additionally, as a dynamic and a buoyantly growing City,
Johannesburg is now characterized by investment in modern
high-rise buildings that punctuate the heritage structures to create new thematic districts and Central Business Districts.
Furthermore, Johannesburg continues to be a strong contender in the global economy as a result of the advanced technological
developments and investments by the public and private sectors in connectivity initiatives. Bold Government-induced initiatives,
such as the modernization of the public transport including the roll-out of the Gautrain high speed railway, as well as the Bus
Rapid Transportation (aptly named “Rea Vaya”) systems have enhanced Joburg’s citizens’ access to employment and economic
opportunities as well as high-order services.
“The economic success of Johannesburg is primarily driven by the resilience and robust growth of its financial services sector.
Johannesburg is the largest financial centre on the African Continent. It houses the largest Commercial and Development banking
systems, the powerful mining houses, and headquarters of the multinational conglomerates. They all serve as engines for driving
economic growth of the city and anchors for our excellent talent base, progressive improvement of the quality of life and highly
competitive business climate.
On the African Continent, Johannesburg specifically, the Inner City has become highly competitive in emerging, dynamic and
modern business sectors, such as technology and ICT, from film and television production to music and digital media. The Fashion
District is blooming into a fashion and design hub that anchors emerging modern and ethnic designers depicting the Continent’s
vibrant creativity.”
Joburg’s City Manager: Dr Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni
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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine