South Africa is facing a huge housing backlog, with many people still living in shacks. A prominent South African businessman and housing expert, called for a transformative approach to affordable housing development.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/ Independent Media
At the Brand SA G20/B20 flagship event held at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, Rali Mampeule, a prominent South African businessman and housing expert, called for a transformative approach to affordable housing development.
Speaking to an audience of industry leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives, Mampeule emphasized the importance of integrating industrial factories into affordable housing projects.
His proposal aims not only to provide homes but also to enable communities to manufacture their building materials and create sustainable job opportunities. Mampeule’s address at the event, which was attended by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenneth Itiseng and the Mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, was a crucial part of the forum designed to shape South Africa's Nation Brand.
The event, under the theme "Forging Partnerships to Advance Global Competitiveness," focused on how public-private partnerships can address South Africa's economic challenges and leverage its diverse assets for sustainable growth.
"A return on dignity," as Mampeule described it, refers to a vision of creating affordable housing solutions that empower local communities. He argued that for every housing development in South Africa, there must be a corresponding industrial infrastructure to support the manufacturing of building materials locally.
“Mayor, as we build these mega projects, we must establish industrial factories next to the developments so that locals can manufacture their building materials and create jobs for themselves,” said Mampeule.
This approach, he believes, will enable communities to not only build homes but also develop the skills necessary to sustain long-term economic growth. Mampeule's vision aligns with the objectives of the South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF), which has already contributed to over 68 000 housing opportunities across the country over the past five years.
The $1 billion fund has also made significant investments in digital infrastructure, with initiatives like Metrofibre Investments bridging the digital divide in South Africa. The fund’s upcoming project is particularly notable. Mampeule announced plans to invest in a national hardware chain store aimed at stimulating the local manufacturing of building materials.
This initiative will not only provide resources for housing developments but also train locals to build their homes and supply materials to hardware suppliers. This step is expected to create a ripple effect, fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and skill development in the surrounding communities.
This concept of integrating industrial development into housing projects is not a new one, though it has received increased attention due to its potential for large-scale impact. According to a recent report by the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR), industrialisation has long been seen as a cornerstone of economic development in emerging economies, with housing and infrastructure projects often serving as a vehicle for industrial growth.
By encouraging the creation of local manufacturing capabilities, South Africa can reduce reliance on imports, promote self-sufficiency, and create a cycle of economic growth that benefits all levels of society. Mampeule’s call for industrialized housing development is also supported by international development experts, who argue that local manufacturing not only drives economic growth but also reduces environmental impact.
A study by the World Bank on affordable housing in Africa highlights the importance of locally sourced building materials in reducing carbon footprints while fostering sustainable economic ecosystems.
The Brand SA G20/B20 event underscored South Africa’s evolving role as a global player, capable of shaping international discourse on inclusive growth.
By focusing on practical, community-driven solutions like those proposed by Mampeule, the forum reinforced South Africa's potential to harness both its local innovations and global partnerships for long-term, sustainable development.
As the country faces numerous economic and infrastructure challenges, initiatives like Mampeule's could pave the way for a future where economic growth and dignity go hand in hand.