As the world observes Urban October 2025, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) is reaffirming its commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable city through the development of the Main Reef Roodepoort Urban Development Framework (UDF).
Urban October — a global initiative led by UN-Habitat — encourages cities to take collective action toward a better urban future. It begins with World Habitat Day and concludes with World Cities Day on 31 October, reminding us that cities are central to achieving sustainable development goals in the face of rapid urbanisation.
With nearly 70% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, the need for well-planned, sustainable human settlements has never been greater. The City of Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, is responding to this call through the Main Reef Roodepoort UDF — a strategic initiative developed in partnership with the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).
Located in Region C, the Main Reef Roodepoort area includes Matholesville township, Matholesville informal settlement, and surrounding mining lands. The area forms part of Johannesburg’s historic Witwatersrand mining belt, now under pressure for human settlement development.
Once approved by the City Council, the Main Reef Roodepoort UDF will serve as an official policy framework to guide future urban development and land use. The framework aims to transform the former mining landscape into a thriving, integrated urban environment — one that harmoniously blends mining heritage with sustainable development, ensuring robust economic growth, enhanced human settlement, and enriched community life.
The UDF sets out six key objectives:
· Developing green corridors and open spaces for recreation and ecological integrity.
· Enhancing movement networks to improve access and connectivity.
· Delivering diverse, well-located housing to meet the needs of all income groups.
· Establishing community facilities and services that support social wellbeing.
· Providing adequate infrastructure to unlock economic development.
· Promoting economic nodes and mixed-use developments to create jobs and stimulate growth.
“The Main Reef Roodepoort Urban Development Framework embodies our mission to reshape Johannesburg into a city that reflects both its proud heritage and its sustainable future,” says Themba Mathibe, the CEO of the Joburg Development Agency.
“Through this framework, we are laying the groundwork for inclusive neighbourhoods, modern infrastructure, and economic opportunities that will uplift communities for generations to come.”
The draft framework has been finalised, and a report is being prepared for Section 79 Council approval — the next step in formally adopting this visionary plan for the city’s western area.
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