Backyard Real Estate: Harnessing the Potential for Township Development - HSRC Seminar

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) seminars

18 November 2020

Online seminar

Overview: Backyard housing is booming across many South African townships. Enterprising households and small-scale developers are investing in solid single- and double-storey flats. This is boosting the supply of decent rental accommodation and offering opportunities to kick-start the recovery and create jobs from the bottom-up. Yet, the informal and unregulated character of these developments creates risks for public infrastructure, neighbourhood stability and sustainable environments. This webinar organised by the HSRC brings together key role players to debate the main policy issues arising from this new phenomenon: How can backyard real estate be leveraged to bolster township economic development? How can backyard developments contribute to more live-able township environments, rather than overcrowded and insanitary conditions? The Covid-19 crisis demands urgent efforts to bolster township economies and increase the supply of affordable housing. Presenters will discuss ways of strengthening linkages across the housing value chain, scaling-up construction activities, widening access to external finance, streamlining onerous regulations and increasing the skills and capacity of township enterprises. The webinar will also explore the desirability of precinct-based approaches, mixed-use developments and formalisation strategies to maximise the public benefits and transform townships into more liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods. The webinar will conclude by reflecting on the lessons learnt and provide suggestions for the way forward.

PRESENTERS

Mr Jak Koseff, Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government

Mr Charles Rudman, City of Cape Town

Ms Claire du Trevou, Bitprop

Mr Zama Mgwatyu, Development Action Group

Mr Paul Jackson, TUHF (TBC)

Mr Neville Chainee, National Department of Human Settlements

FACILITATORS

Prof Ivan Turok, Dr Andreas Scheba, Dr Justin Visagie, HSRC-UFS SARChI Chair collaboration

For more information: http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/events/seminars/backyard-real-estate-webinar