Addressing spatial inequality

These reforms aim to unlock South Africa’s under-utilised public land for affordable housing through more systematic release processes. The 2024 White Paper has driven early momentum and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) have identified 31 properties with RFPs for private sector investment. Further implementation will include a national land audit as well as revising legislation for the release of public land for development.

September 15, 2025

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…

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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…

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