Sascha-Lee Joseph
Musawakhe (Musah) Makhunga has officially taken the reins as CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).
His appointment marks the start of a new era for the municipal entity responsible for managing the City of Johannesburg’s property portfolio. It also comes after a period in which Makhunga has already proven himself a steady and visionary leader.
“I’m deeply honoured by the trust placed in me. This appointment isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a recognition of the collective commitment of the people who make JPC what it is. Together, we’ve weathered challenges and laid the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive city,” he says.
Makhunga’s appointment follows a year of notable achievements. Earlier in 2025, he was recognised among South Africa’s Top 100 Public Sector Leaders at the prestigious SAIBPP 100 Awards by the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners. The accolade celebrated his leadership in transforming Johannesburg’s municipal property landscape and championing inclusive urban development.
“That recognition was never about me alone. It’s about the resilience, innovation, and passion I see every day at JPC. In the face of real challenges, our people continue to show up and that’s what service delivery looks like,” reflects Makhunga.
When Makhunga first took on the role of Acting CEO, JPC was navigating a complex transition. The organisation faced infrastructure backlogs, budget constraints, and pressing demands for transformation.
“It was a time for calm leadership and clear thinking. We had to focus on rebuilding systems, restoring confidence, and keeping our mission clear, which entailed managing the City’s property assets in a way that delivers tangible value to the residents of Johannesburg,” he says.
One of his first successes was the Office Space Optimisation Strategy, a bold move that relocated staff from the Metro Centre to modern office spaces in Newtown.
“That move was about more than buildings. It was about people ensuring our employees have safe, healthy, and productive work environments. The wellbeing of our staff must come first. We must lead by example when it comes to compliance and workplace safety,” he explains.
Since then, Makhunga has driven projects that extend beyond operational efficiency to include urban regeneration and heritage preservation. Under his leadership, JPC has prioritised the restoration of neglected municipal buildings such as the Randburg Civic Centre, and has refocused attention on Kliptown, the birthplace of the Freedom Charter.
For Makhunga, leadership is about people before processes. He has made it a priority to stabilise key leadership roles within JPC, nurture internal talent, and foster a culture of mutual respect and purpose.
“If we look after our people, they will look after the City. Everything starts with trust and shared purpose,” he says.
As Makhunga steps into his new role, his focus will remain steadfast: to create a Johannesburg that works for everyone.
“This City has heart and our job at JPC is to make sure that heart beats stronger through spaces that empower people, restore dignity, and tell stories of hope.”SOURCED FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
