Alley Roads (or “the Group”), a leading black-owned affordable housing developer, has appointed two seasoned independent non-executive directors to its Board.

Ms. Fatima Newman, Chief Executive of EasyHQ, a division of EOH Group joins with effect from 1 August 2024.

Ms. Newman has extensive experience across various sectors with proficiency in conflict resolution, turnaround expertise, financial services, corporate and investment finance, risk, compliance, regulatory and governance, stockbroking and asset management.

Moreover, she has experience in dealing with a large range of strategic business issues, such as growth and entry into new markets and extensive due diligence work. Ms. Newman has championed several human capital projects for optimal business growth and performance and brings strong ethics and governance experience. 

Mr. Gilberto Pereira Martins, an experienced professional in the public and private infrastructure sector joined with effect from 1 May 2024.

Mr. Martins has extensive experience in strategic leadership and management, financial management planning, development, turnaround strategies and re-engineering of procurement processes in the private and public sectors.

An experienced architect, Martins has served on various Boards in the public and private sector. He is currently a member of the Ekurhuleni Municipality Appeals Tribunal and Lead Administrator at Emfuleni Local Municipality.

Ivan Pretorius, founder and COO of Alley Roads commented: “We are excited to welcome Fatima Newman and Gilberto Martins to the board of directors. Their appointments will further deepen the governance and financial oversight capacity of the Board, especially at a time where Alley Roads is positioning for significant growth.”

Pretorius said the group is growing with the addition of new apartments to the portfolio, alternative power solutions and the launch of the first retail development.

Alley Roads’ portfolio comprises over 7 500 affordable apartments and student accommodation. Rental prices range from R4 000 to R6 500 per month, catering to lower-to-middle income households with an average monthly salary of R20 000.

Early this year, the group launched its first retail development, Riverstone Mall in Meyerton, situated on the outskirts of the established town that has limited formal retail offering.