Release public land and buildings for affordable housing and other development

Momentum on public land release is uneven, driven by early successes but held back by weak coordination and institutional capacity. Examples from KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town, along with strong private sector interest, reflect solid policy alignment and real demand. However, systemic delays persist due to outdated asset registers, fragmented processes and siloed operations across spheres of government. The key constraint is not policy design but ineffective coordination and administrative bottlenecks. Unlocking further progress will depend on scaling proven municipal models, improving data systems and establishing practical, capacity-sensitive mechanisms for intergovernmental collaboration.

September 15, 2025

Conduct an audit of under-utilised public properties in metros and secondary cities

South Africa faces a critical housing crisis while simultaneously holding vast public land portfolios that remain under-utilised. The public property audit reform is partially on track, with strong policy support via Operation Vulindlela II and the 2024 White Paper. Early implementation includes 31 property releases valued at R1.4bn, high developer interest and provincial progress (notably…

read more >>

Clarify, simplify and streamline regulations and procedures for the release of public land

The current regulatory environment for public land release is characterised by opacity, excessive red tape and complex legal requirements that have prompted many developers to disengage from public land projects. The process typically involves nine complex steps from identification through to development, with significant coordination required across multiple government departments. However, momentum is building with…

read more >>

Identify and release nationally-owned land and properties to housing developers for affordable housing

South Africa faces a significant housing backlog estimated at 2.4 million units, with rapid urbanisation increasing demand for affordable housing in well-located urban areas. The public sector owns substantial amounts of vacant and underused land, including properties in desirable locations that could support urban inclusion. However, the release of this land has been extremely slow…

read more >>