Chris van Gass

Cape Correspondent

CAPE TOWN — A private property developer has launched a venture to link an upmarket property development in Kommetjie with that of lower-cost housing, giving both the poor and rich segments of society access to the 280ha development.

The development provides for a prestige wine estate as well as a 15,5ha middle-income housing development, plus the development, in conjunction with the Cape Town City Council, of 650 units in the township of Ocean View for the poor.

Developers are under pressure to come up with inclusive projects. President Thabo Mbeki railed in August at “pro-rich” developments that he said took all the best land for the wealthy.

Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu last month called for a moratorium on land sales to prevent development projects that did not benefit the poor.

It is estimated by authorities that a housing backlog of between 2000 and 2500 houses exist in the Kommetjie area.

Part of the venture involves the sale by the developer for a nominal fee of 180ha of land that falls above urban development line to national parks authority SANParks, to become part of the Table Mountain National Park.

John Bos, a director of developers JBB Properties, said the neighbouring communities of Ocean View and Masiphumelele would benefit from jobs created in the construction project.

“The proceeds of the sale of that land will be used to identify and service more affordable housing for the poor,” said Bos.

He said title deed conditions of the prestige 75ha Kompanjiestuin vinyard Estate in the development will require 1% of sales value to be paid into a community trust that is expected to yield over R10m in the next 10 years. Trust money will be used to meet community requirements.

JBB also announced a black economic empowerment deal in which Lindikhaya Sipoyo, CEO of diamond company Imbewu Minerals and former head of Parliament’s information office, will take a 25% equity stake in the company.

Sipoyo said the aim of the company was to bring the benefits of property development to impoverished communities.

He said the company would work with government to contribute to job creation and housing. It would “actively offer government progressive, yet profitable, options for housing development, a process already under way with the Kommetjie project”, he said.

Sipoyo said an agreement between the developers, the city and the community, represented by a mayoral committee, is expected soon.