By Thapelo Molefe
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane on Tuesday launched the Grand Central Social Housing Project in Midrand, delivering affordable units for low to middle-income earners while creating jobs and advancing inclusive urban development.
The housing project, which was launched in June 2022 and completed in December 2023, consists of 990 units designed for individuals earning between R1,820 and R22,000 per month.
Simelane, who handed over the keys to several new beneficiaries, was joined by Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara at the launch.
Speaking to reporters at the launch, Simelane said the project was critical in bridging the housing gap for individuals earning too much to qualify for Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing, yet unable to secure home loans.
“If you drive around, you see RDPs are being demolished, People are building for themselves, it means that an era for that housing policy now needs to focus on the vulnerable groups of people living with disabilities who are unable to make ends meet or child-headed households and a category of the elderly who are unable to have their own houses,” Simelane told reporters.
She said the Grand Central Housing Towers Project not only addresses housing needs but also created 150 job opportunities, prioritising inclusion with roles for black women, youth, men, and people with disabilities.
Additionally, 49 Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) subcontractors were involved in the project.
The development, said Simelane, was strategically positioned near employment hubs, transport links, and essential amenities, reflecting the government’s commitment to urban restructuring and sustainable human settlements.
Tenants at Grand Central expressed satisfaction with the quality and convenience of the housing complex.
Disabled tenant Thabo Mashaba noted that the facilities are disabled-friendly since all amenities are close by.
“It’s home away from home. The complex is wheelchair-friendly, and everything is just outside my doorstep, everything is accessible,” said Mashaba.
A fellow tenant, Valerie Nhlapo, lauded the accessibility of the complex including its well-managed facilities such as a gym, laundry services and a local convenience store.
“Everything is nearby, and management attends to issues promptly,” she said.
Endani Nevondo, another resident, praised the security: “You can leave your door open without worry.”
The project’s emphasis on safety and maintenance ensures a high standard of living for its occupants.
The development was made possible through a collaborative effort between government entities and private sector partners.
Nedbank was thanked for its role in financing the initiative, with Motara noting the bank’s continued support for property development in both public and private sectors.
“This project proves that social housing can be a viable and successful model,” said Motara.
“It provides economic benefits to investors, financial institutions, and most importantly, to the residents.”
Motara further explained that the project was part of a broader strategy that included different types of housing models.
“It’s unique in that it caters to people who prefer rental housing,” she said.
“The government co-funds it alongside private developers, meaning that the developer must repay the loan while also managing the property as a rental business. The rental income generated goes directly to the developer and the owner of the project.”
Motara also confirmed that additional projects of this nature were in the pipeline, with applications currently under review by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA).
“There are quite a few projects that SHRA is reviewing, which we as the province have supported. I wouldn’t want to discuss specifics until SHRA has approved them, but there is a growing interest from developers and the private sector because they see that this model works,” she said.
She said ongoing engagements with financial institutions and developers would be instrumental in ensuring that similar projects were rolled out efficiently across the province.
The government aims to deliver 15,000 social housing units over the next five years, as outlined in the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2029.
Simelane pointed out the shift towards rental housing as a sustainable model, allowing young professionals and families the flexibility of affordable living while maintaining high standards of infrastructure and maintenance.
“We are moving away from the traditional RDP model and focusing on economically viable projects that promote social integration,” she said.
“Our goal is to develop more projects like Grand Central to create inclusive, thriving communities.”
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