ADVERTORIAL
SAARDA the future of affordable housing
The South African Affordable Residential Developers Assocition ( SAARDA ) is a body for developers and stakeholders in the affordable housing sector .
All photos by SAARDA
SAARDA members , which include attorneys , town planners , engineers , contractors , estate agents and mortgage originators , are motivated to undertake and resolve challenges as a collective to streamline processes ( and challenges ) they are exposed to on an ad-hoc basis .
Over the past decade the affordable housing sector has gone from strength to strength , which is evident in reports that indicate a higher capital growth towards properties sold in this sector . We are all aware that South Africa has been challenged in the past couple of years , not only on the political front but also through its economic challenges , especially with our country ’ s downgrade in the financial sector , yet the affordable housing sector has experienced successes . The word ‘ collective ’ may compel a strong stance , but SAARDA has only one goal – to be the voice and support body for all stakeholders in the affordable housing sector , and to ultimately provide not only environments
From the left are : Norman Cleaver ( Cosmopolitan ), Nthabiseng Mehale ( NHBRC ) and Marie Marais . for communities to thrive , but also to stimulate the local economy and social growth .
Since SAARDA ’ s newly established board and membership in 2013 / 2014 , it has managed to place SAARDA at the forefront as being recognised as the only affordable housing developer association during the National Human Settlements Indaba and Exhibition that was held in October 2014 . During this event SAARDA pledged to Minister Lindiwe Sisulu its commitment to meeting the housing needs of South Africans .
In addition , SAARDA ’ s footprint is extended through recognition from all six major financial institutions that currently provide enduser and developing finance in the affordable housing market .
This recognition has strengthened the relationship between SAARDA and the major banks to increase support and work together to innovate and grow the affordable housing sector . They have also established sturdy working relationship with the NHBRC , provincial and local authorities on a daily basis .
SAARDA held its first annual awards ceremony at the end of 2017 , which gives recognition to various stakeholders that make a difference through their hard work and persistence to reach the highest achievement . Nominees went through an independent judging process and recognition of their achievements . The winners include :
• Developer of the Year – Caliber Properties
• Emerging Developer of the Year – Krism Developers
• Makro Developer of the Year – Cosmopolitan Projects
• Financial Institution of the Year – First National Bank rep resented by Marinda Barnard
• Local Authority of the Year – City of Johannesburg represented by Councillor Elliot Sithole
The past four to five years have presented many challenges for the affordable housing sector and the illusion that all is well is not accurate .
STANDARD OF SERVICES In 2005 , the Minister of Housing , Mthembi Mahanyele issued two volumes of Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design . This document , referred to as the ‘ Red Book ’, is viewed as the industry standard towards installation of infrastructure . The challenge lies with local authorities and their view of accepting engineering designs . SAARDA has managed , although on a very limited scale so far , to convince officials to broaden their interpretation when infrastructure designs are presented for council approval , while not jeopardising the quality of services , but rather accepting the standard of designs that are applied for .
Nthabiseng Mehale ( NHBRC ) and Marlise Taljaard ( Caliber Properties ).
BULK CONTRIBUTIONS This has always been a controversial topic . The majority of municipalities do not differentiate if a property is developed for
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JULY - AUGUST 2018
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING