Significant achievements in the property sector shadowed by ongoing structural inequalities

While significant milestones have already been achieved for the property sector, deep structural inequalities continue to persist and undermine South Africa’s agenda for transformation in this industry. 

Transformation in the property sector

Over the past three decades, South Africa has made significant progress in broadening access to land and housing, in recognising property as a driver of wealth creation and in embedding transformation across the built environment value chain, says Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane.

“While there has been a noticeable, and encouraging, increase in the number of black property practitioners, this growth emanates from a very low, indeed almost non-existent, base.

"The revised BEE charters, allied with specifically targeted sector funding, are both real and commendable, but, alas, these necessary interventions continue to coexist alongside deeply entrenched structural barriers and conflicts of interest which require systemic, sustained, and inclusive solutions,” Simelane says. 

The Minister of Human Settlements delivered a keynote address at the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Nelson Mandela University, the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Colloquium on Wednesday, aimed at contributing to the development of a fair and inclusive property ecosystem.

The PPRA-NMU-NRF Property Sector Research Colloquium takes place from November 5 - 6 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, under the theme: “A Sustainable and Inclusive Property Market”.

It provides a platform for the sharing of research outputs by both academics and property practitioners; encourages innovative approaches to sustainability; and professionalises the sector. It will also foster partnerships across government, academia, industry, and civil society organisations.

Some of the topics expected to be discussed include exploring tangible measures for the acceleration of women and black economic empowerment within the property market and leveraging the property market as a catalytic instrument for unlocking job creation and economic opportunities.

The DHS says it remains steadfast in driving property sector transformation as part of its broader human settlements agenda.

It said the convening of this Colloquium by three strategic institutions, the PPRA, the NRF and NMU, demonstrates the strategic power of collaboration between policy formulation, research, and implementation.

“Transformation cannot be achieved through legislation and regulation alone. It must be informed by evidence, driven by innovation, and sustained through inclusive partnerships.

"We have convened here today to harness the triple helix approach for fostering innovation through the cooperation and interaction of university, industry and government. Continuous focused research is the engine that helps in evaluating and understanding emerging trends, designing appropriate interventions, measuring progress made and, where necessary, instituting required remedial actions.”

Significance of scientific knowledge

Simelane says it is through forums like this Colloquium that strategic policy formulation and implementation can be grounded in scientific knowledge, and where academia, regulators, practitioners, and stakeholders can work harmoniously in crafting the next phase of the transformation journey to the benefit of all.

“I commend the PPRA, and its Property Sector Research Centre, for taking the lead, together with the NRF and NMU, in creating this space for dialogue, knowledge exchange and thought leadership in the property sector.

"I am also gratified at the close fraternal and professional relationship that exists between the Department of Human Settlements and all its agencies in their various research endeavours."

The minister says transformation is not only about ownership but also about empowerment, skills development, and innovation. She says their vision is to build a property sector that reflects the demographics of SA, a sector that is inclusive, professionalised and globally competitive.

“Research themes in this Colloquium, from property sector professionalisation, women’s empowerment and job creation to the digital transformation of the sector, are more pronounced and speak directly to these policy priorities.

"It is, I believe, essential to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution not as a disruption, but as a strategic opportunity to make the property market more transparent, efficient, and accessible to all. 

“Digital tools can democratise property data, unlock new investment pathways and reduce barriers for small and emerging practitioners. By so doing, I have little doubt that the continued transformation imperative will be a successful one.

"Undoubtedly, strong and capable institutions constitute the backbone of transformation, consistent with the priorities of the 7th administration of building a capable, ethical and developmental state.”

Partnerships

DHS, these three institutions will together continue to assist us in shaping a Property Sector Research Blueprint to guide future policy, investment and capacity development.

With their inputs and guidance, Simelane says they do not doubt that the country will be able to successfully navigate a complex and dynamic property environment, create a sustainable basis for inclusive growth and align with all interested stakeholders in cementing a just, resilient, and professionalised property sector.

“The Department of Human Settlements fully supports a collaborative approach of this nature. As a government, we are reimagining our relationship with regulators, researchers and the private sector, not as separate actors but as the co-designers and co-creators of feasible solutions to identified issues.

"It is in this way that we can unlock sustainable property markets, create decent jobs, and ensure that intended transformation outcomes translate into tangible benefits for ordinary South Africans.” 

The minister called on the property sector to work together to ensure that the industry not only drives economic growth but also serves as a vehicle for social justice, equity, and transformation. 

The first day was led by programme directors Xolile Nomadolo (PPRA) and Nandipha Siziba (NMU), and featured opening addresses from Ms Thato Ramaili, CEO of the PPRA; Queen  Gungubele, PPRA board chairperson; Dr Muki Moeng, deputy vice-chancellor: Learning and Teaching, NMU; Siphokazi Iris Lusithi, MEC for Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape and Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, the CEO at the National Research Foundation. 

The participants explored the role of research in shaping a sustainable and inclusive property market, strategies to accelerate women and Black economic empowerment, and how the property sector can be leveraged as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth. 

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