Leap in attendance at City's property conference

eThekwini City Manager, Musa Mbhele, said the second annual eThekwini Municipality Property Conference was deemed a ‘resounding success’ by dignitaries, stakeholders, and delegates in attendance.

The city partnered with Broll Properties for this year’s conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC), in Durban.

The conference was held on May 21 and 22, under the theme, ‘Removing barriers of entry and broadening access to land, lessons learned, success stories, bridging the information gap and improving access to finance.’

Mr Mbhele, noted the interest shown in this year’s event, compared to last year’s conference. 

“Our figures show a huge leap in attendance, with more than 600 people registering. This is testament that the city is positively assisting people interested in becoming property developers, but do not know how. We are providing much-needed guidance to them,” said Mr Mbhele.

The first day of the conference saw an array of speakers that touched on land release and opportunities available through eThekwini Municipality’s Land Release Strategy. 

Thapelo Mmusinyane, Head of the Real Estate Unit, said the city owns about 10 percent of property in eThekwini and in 2019 they took a decision to lease and not sell property.

“Currently, the city has leased about 97 properties, valued at over R922 million. Our major successes include the many beachfront developments, with a huge improvement in demographics,” said Mr Mmusinyane. “We call on female property developers to approach the city with their proposals.”

Mantsi Moiloa, from Broll Properties, said they were honoured to form an important part of the transformative journey in the property sector. 

“Our support of this conference is a direct expression of our belief in the power of public-private partnerships. These are key to tackling urban development challenges and unlocking the kind of inclusive economic growth that South Africa so urgently needs,” said Ms Moiloa.

“The city’s Land Release Strategy enables citizens to access land on an equitable basis. We see platforms like this conference as essential spaces - to share insights, to exchange ideas, and to help shape a more resilient and inclusive property sector for South Africa.” 

On the second day of the conference, financiers from various funding bodies spoke about what is required when applying for investment.

TUHF Property Finance, a provider of residential property finance, has financed over R14 billion in projects. 

Sireena Rampersad, KZN Portfolio Manager, outlined what a developer would need in order to be approved.  She also highlighted the various financial and non-financial assistance available.

Chairperson of the Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport Authority Committee, Councillor Themba Mvubu, closed the conference calling the two-day engagement a major success. 

“The theme could not be more relevant, as we navigate the path of transformation in the property sector. Funding components are clear and more accessible to our potential developers.”