Tshwane council approves strategic land transfer for new housing project in Danville

The City of Tshwane council has decided to transfer a prized plot of land in Danville, Pretoria West, valued at R4.66 million, to the Gauteng Provincial Government at no cost.

the city’s strategic move aims to unlock a new era of development in the area, paving the way for a mixed housing project and the establishment of the Elandspoort Extension 3 township. 

The land was previously under threat of invasion, but the council's swift action has ensured its redevelopment for the benefit of the community.

In July 2024, the city obtained an eviction order to remove a group of people who were illegally selling off portions of the property and facilitating the erection of temporary structures in the area.

Local councillor Mpati Ramphile said the proposed development will bring about economic growth and improve the lives of his ward's residents. 

He revealed that back in 2016, the plan was to create 2,000 service stands and build high-rise buildings, but unfortunately, the project stalled when the political administration changed after the municipal election.

“When the DA took over, they changed the entire plan and ensured that this plan did not proceed. Their aim was to sell this property to a private developer.”

He said the property is at risk of illegal occupation once more, which could derail the planned development.

The recently approved council report confirms that the property is earmarked for a mixed housing development by the Gauteng Provincial Government.

According to the report, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has already appointed two service providers to prepare the groundwork for the project, including lodging spatial planning applications for the township establishment of Elandspoort Extension 3.

The property, originally owned by the defunct National Housing Board since 1984, was meant to be transferred to Tshwane following the board's dissolution. 

However, a clerical error saw it mistakenly transferred to the City of Joburg in 2016.

The Gauteng Provincial Government was informed that the City of Joburg could not legally hold property in Tshwane's jurisdiction. 

The error was finally rectified, and the property was officially transferred to Tshwane on May 15, 2024.

DA councillor Mandla Nhlapo said the property was stuck in a never-ending cycle of red tape, citing a transfer error that dates back to the National Housing Board's dissolution.

“Now that the error has been rectified, this presents an opportunity to unlock genuine development potential for the residents of the greater Danville,” he said.

ActionSA councillor Kgositsile Kgosiemang expressed support for the proposed development, hailing it as a solution to the city's housing crisis. 

“This project will help put roofs over people's heads,” he said, adding that there is an escalating risk of land invasions and lawlessness in the area.

The council report said: “The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements intends to develop the property for mixed housing development, inclusive of RDPs, affordable housing, and first-time owner projects.” 

It is envisaged that the transfer transaction will also increase the city's revenue base, avoid the cost implications of the eviction processes and unprecedented litigations on illegal occupation of the properties.

“The project of development by the province will also assist in lowering the burden of the city entity, Housing Tshwane Company, on their programme of constructing residential units for low- and medium-income households to access housing opportunities,” said the council report.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za