EDITOR ’ S COLUMN
Keep warm , fatten that ‘ missing middle ’
With the winter season officially in motion keeping warm and staying indoors is the ideal scenario , but we ’ re here bringing you another strong edition of SA Affordable Housing .
Truth be told , I wouldn ’ t want to be doing anything else because the sector has so much to offer and there ’ s nothing better than being on-site and seeing yet another win for the ‘ missing middle class ’.
My editor and I were pleasantly surprised when we came across the Fourleaf Estate , which is Africa ’ s first green affordable housing estate on page 34 ! This project proves that being environmentally friendly is not only for the elite . With women ’ s month approaching , five women give us a glimpse into their industry journeys , and how they are changing the way things are done ( page 29 ).
As RDP housing is given more attention , the design has changed , Raubex Building shares more about this on page 31 . Addressing the growing housing backlog is a hot topic and although much is being done from the public and private sector , it may not be enough . Harry Gey van Pittius , member of SAARDA , advocates for the Spatial Planning and
Land Use Management Act to be updated ( page 18 ) because current specifications may deter potential developers . As if finding an investor to fund a development project isn ’ t difficult enough , the ACT may further shy away investors . We speak to developers and institutions about the complexities that lie within securing funding for a project on page 24 .
It ’ s always great fun to fill our pages with news and events that emphasise the work being done in our industry . The # TotallyConcrete Expo ( page 14 ) was one such event . The who ’ s who in the game gathered to showcase what they currently offer the market .
I hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as I enjoyed putting it together . Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more news and updates .
Ntsako Khosa Writer ntsako @ interactmedia . co . za