Zingiswa Mndayi
The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Councillor Nomoya Mnisi, officially unveiled the Orlando eKhaya and Power Park Housing projects in Soweto on Friday, 23 May 2025, reaffirming the City’s commitment to spatial transformation and inclusive urban renewal.
Originally launched in 2001 under then-Mayor Amos Masondo, the Orlando eKhaya and Power Park projects were among the City’s earliest large-scale initiatives to revitalise Soweto into a thriving metropolitan hub.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Mnisi highlighted the symbolic and practical importance of the developments. “This unveiling is not just about buildings – it’s about restoring dignity, promoting social inclusion, and creating real opportunities. We are reaffirming our collective resolve to confront and reverse the spatial injustices of our painful past. We are saying to the people of Soweto: you matter, your future matters, and your place in this city is central to its growth and progress.”
Norman Ntabane from Raubex Building, one of the private partners involved in the development, hailed the launch as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform historically neglected areas of Soweto. “Through a successful public-private partnership, the Joburg Property Company (JPC) has secured significant private sector investment in a location that was once overlooked. This unlocks opportunities for economic development, community upliftment, and sustainable urban growth in Soweto.”
Spanning approximately 24 hectares, the combined developments will ultimately deliver around 5 964 residential units, providing access to affordable housing in a well-located urban precinct. The site is along major transport routes such as Chris Hani Road, and key public amenities including Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus, and multiple commercial centres.
To date, the private sector has committed over R439 million in investments to the Orlando eKhaya and Power Park precincts. Several developments are either complete or in progress, including:
- Student Housing: 850 beds are already occupied, with an additional 1 450 currently under construction.
- FLISP Housing: 648 units are under development, with 136 already occupied.
- Social Housing (Erfs 47 & 48): A combined 1 740 units are planned; both sites are zoned, proclaimed, and have bulk service connections installed.
- RDP Housing: Over 2 000 units are planned across several erven, including Power Park Ext. 2 and Orlando eKhaya Erfs 22, 23, and 24.
Musah Makhunga, Acting CEO of the Joburg Property Company, said the housing development illustrates the City’s strategic vision to manage urbanisation while addressing key socio-economic challenges.
“Phase 1 focuses on purpose-built student accommodation, with around 2 300 beds already completed. Importantly, 848 of these beds will be made available at no cost to students, ensuring access to education and safe accommodation for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Makhunga.
The Orlando eKhaya and Power Park precincts form part of the City of Johannesburg’s broader spatial and socio-economic strategy, which aims to:
- Deliver affordable basic services
- Promote sustainable transport
- Create green public spaces
- Tackle urban inequality
- Drive inclusive economic development
Through projects like this, the City of Johannesburg is building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous urban future for all its residents – starting with Soweto.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
