Property Development Summit: Key Conversations Shaping Gauteng’s Cities

Dr Laven Naidoo attended the second day of the Local Government Property Development Summit, hosted by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in partnership with the Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF). The summit took place from 26–27 March 2026 at the Focus Rooms in Modderfontein, Sandton, and was officially opened by the Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero.

Dr Naidoo facilitated Session 4, titled “Property Investment and Partnership Opportunities in Gauteng.” He commenced the session with a provocation, highlighting how current stand value estimates continue to perpetuate unjust spatial transformation across Gauteng.

The session featured a distinguished panel comprising representatives from the Cities of Johannesburg (Ms Krishni Gounden), Tshwane (Ms Obakeng Nyundu) and Ekurhuleni (Mr Boniswa Duma), as well as the Gauteng Precinct Management Association (Mr Katlego Dikobe). Panellists shared insights aligned to the theme “Harnessing municipalities’ developmental capacity and stakeholder networks as a catalyst for advancing property development.”

Discussions explored several pressing challenges and opportunities, including the redevelopment of so‑called “bad buildings,” adaptive reuse and repurposing of properties, precinct revitalisation, and low‑cost and inclusive housing initiatives. The session generated robust engagement from the audience, with questions and reflections effectively addressed by both the panel and the facilitator.

Key Takeaways from the Session

Reforming land valuation approaches is critical to advancing equitable spatial transformation and unlocking development in underutilised urban areas.

Municipalities play a pivotal catalytic role in property development, particularly when leveraging their regulatory authority, land assets, and convening power.

Public‑private and multi‑stakeholder partnerships are essential to de‑risk projects and accelerate investment, especially within distressed precincts.

Addressing “bad buildings” requires coordinated interventions, combining regulatory enforcement, innovative financing, and social support mechanisms.

Precinct‑based development models were highlighted as effective tools for urban regeneration, safety enhancement, and economic revitalisation.

There is significant scope to scale affordable and low‑cost housing initiatives through better alignment between municipal priorities, developers, and community stakeholders.