ADVERTORIAL
Pride of place for the GPF is the empowering of individuals backed up by the mentorship programme which focuses on the property development value chain and ownership . The Windsor project is an excellent example of an investment of R8-million providing 22 affordable rental housing units . This project is owned by a woman . Two other examples are developments in the Inner City where each project is owned by women . A combined value of R53-million – R19-million provided by the National Empowerment Fund and GPF the rest – providing 106 affordable rental units .
“ We are very proud to be part of empowerment and particularly of women , so that they can have such valuable assets and grow their portfolios ,” continued Mashiane . “ Whilst the funding is available to any 100 % black-owned company we have noticed that women are taking up the challenge which is pleasing indeed . The property sector is inclined to be a male-dominated sector .”
SAAH asked if there was any particular reason for this trend – as exciting as it is for women . “ In the cases referred to , we found that the women were hands-on , provided leadership to development teams and demonstrated that women can do this ,” said Mashiane .
Appreciating that land , title rights , and general bureaucracy at municipal level is not at its best , how does one embark on these projects which typically cause some costly delays , asked SAAH .
“ A coordinated and aligned approach is what works in most instances , for example the GPF ensures that projects funded are in line with the Municipal Integrated Development Plans ( IDP ). And are constructed in accordance with the National Building Regulations , compulsory standards and municipal bylaws ,” Mashiane concluded .
We asked the Acting CEO for any comments and he made two very valid points , “ We do not talk enough about the good work being done ,” and “ Empower a woman and you empower the Nation .”
and thus make a meaningful contribution towards the GAP housing shortage in South Africa .
SAAH : How do you believe that women benefit from the Entrepreneur Empowerment Property Fund ( EEPF )? Given the history of our country and women typically being disenfranchised and marginalised , without access to finance , the GPF opens up a new and exciting industry for women to meaningfully participate given that property is largely male-dominated . Property ownership is a powerful base upon which to grow an asset base and create wealth over the long-term ; therefore , the EEPF is a unique enabler for historically disadvantaged women in this regard .
Neo Mokhobo ’ s apartment block , called Bataung Heights .
SA Affordable Housing SAAH spoke with Neo Mokhobo ( NEO ), developer of the Bataung Heights in Johannesburg , opposite Joubert Park .
SAAH : What were the main factors that benefitted you in working with GPF ? An aspiring black female entrepreneur with no demonstrable track record would have found it difficult , if not impossible , to obtain financing from traditional banking institutions . GPF is geared to provide financing at competitive rates , and in addition , are committed to empowerment . They provide access to capital to those like myself , and equally important they are there to provide support and mentorship all the way .
SAAH : What is your view on addressing the shortfall of rental accommodation in South Africa ? Everyone has the right to a safe , clean , habitable place to stay – it is a social imperative . Currently , we have a situation where the demand far exceeds supply within the affordable housing space , so by partnering with the GPF , we have the opportunity to provide for this segment of the population ,
SAAH : Can you describe your property ? The development is a greenfields project , consisting of a total of 9 storeys . There is retail on the ground floor anchored by Shoprite U-Save , plus 8 storeys of 106 two-bedroom apartments . It is a transit node oriented development with close proximity to Park Station and the Gautrain station . Building features include biometric access control , CCTV cameras , uncapped free WiFi and an entertainment roof terrace with wonderful view of the city and surrounds .
SAAH : We have mentioned the male dominated sector that is property . How did you deal with this from concept to completion ? My approach is a peoplecentric leadership style , which allows one to respect what the professionals bring to the project . In this manner , I believe that more is achieved .
Neo Mokhobo – Founder and Managing Director of Urban Kraal
www . saaffordablehousing . co . za NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 5