Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa Dec/January 2020 | Page 15

COVER STORY Johannesburg: the growing City Like all major international cities, Johannesburg’s booming construction industry serves as an indicator of economic vitality. The impactful investment in public infrastructure as well as transit-oriented developments have benefited Joburg and enhanced its capacity to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding Gauteng region. The injection of targeted investment incentives has dramatically catalysed investment attraction into Johannesburg, including: Facts & Figures Johannesburg is the largest city in Southern Africa. For ease of administration it is comprised of nine economically diverse Regions. The City is the home to just under six million people, the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge and five districts along the innovative Gautrain high-speed rail network. The City offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city, while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods spread over approximately 260 000 hectares in the heart of the Country. It features some internationally acknowledged historic and dynamic township lifestyles of Soweto and Alexandra, alongside robust and modern business and residential areas of Sandton, Rosebank, Hyde-park, Melrose Arch, and Houghton. Johannesburg’s Inner City is the most vibrant economically and culturally. It offers the best opportunities for brownfield and emerging businesses, accessible by established and young qualified entrepreneurs. Cultural and heritage assets such as museums and theaters, highly-rated school and university districts are spread throughout the City. It is the home of highly-respected universities such as the Wits University, University of Johannesburg, GIBS and Monash Universities amongst other tertiary institutions. There are several highly-regarded hospitals, golf courses, parks and sports stadiums. OR Tambo Airport and Lanseria are easily accessible due to their proximity to the City, the Gautrain railroad system, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award- winning City departments. Competitiveness The increasing pace of private investment inflow into Johannesburg (and with the greater cooperation among the City’s economic sector role-players including all government spheres) has broadly enhanced the competitiveness of Johannesburg and stimulated sustainable and balanced economic growth for the benefit of all Johannesburg citizens. The competitiveness of Johannesburg: • The Country and Continent’s Economic Powerhouse • Largest Port of Entry into the Continent • State-of-the Art Infrastructure • Economic Diversity • Social Diversity • Abundance of Highly-Trained and Trainable Labor Force • Employment Opportunities • Tourism • Creativity, Culture and Entertainment • Reputable Universities and Tertiary Institutions SA Real Estate Investor Magazine DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 13