World-class real estate and a palpable sense of confidence are what stand out in South African cities. So says a delegation of high-powered governors from the Washington-based Urban Land Institute (ULI) which is touring South African cities and engaging with development and investment heavyweights along the way.

“What surprised us the most was the perception versus the reality of our press concerning the political situation in South Africa,” observes ULI Foundation Governor Jon Q. Reynolds. “The feeling we get from everyone we have spoken with here is confidence and a belief that the present system will succeed.”

Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront made a particular impression.

“What we least expected to see was the world-class waterfront development in Cape Town. In Johannesburg, although not unexpected, the Apartheid Museum was certainly a powerful and moving experience. We are all surprised and pleased with what we are experiencing,” says Reynolds.

The Urban Land Institute is a land use organization with over 30,000 members world-wide. Its mission is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land to enhance the total environment.

“We believe that an informed dialogue on best practices in global real estate will promote a better, safer built environment,” explains ULI president Rick Rosen.

One aspect of that dialogue is a major global infrastructure that initiative the ULI is currently initiating. It’s something that South Africa should be part of, says Rosen.

“Since South Africa is designating 6%-7% of its Gross National Product to improving the country’s infrastructure, having information on patterns of development and best practices in other countries might be beneficial,” adds Rosen.

The ULI delegation is being hosted by SAPOA, with which it has a long-standing relationship.

“Our relationship with the ULI goes back many years. We believe that their visit to South Africa is important in many ways and we’ve organized key inner city tours and panel discussions on various topics,” says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.

“But we also believe that it is important for the ULI to see our former township areas and realize that we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of: Neil Gopal
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