Macpherson says releasing vacant state properties for redevelopment will create over 160k jobs
Macpherson announced the policy move to release public properties for redevelopment during Wednesday's debate into the State of the Nation Address in parliament.
- Dean Macpherson
- Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI)
- State of the Nation Address (SONA)
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson during the SONA debate in Parliament on 12 February 2025. Picture: Phando Jikelo/Parliament of SA
CAPE TOWN - Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson says releasing vacant state properties for redevelopment will create over 160,000 jobs.
He said these properties will also bring in almost R200 million in rental income for government.
Macpherson announced the policy move to release public properties for redevelopment during Wednesday's debate into the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in parliament.
READ: Department of Public Works invites proposals for 24 state-owned properties across SA
Macpherson said state-owned properties have stood vacant for too long, attracting crime and decay.
He said in a 'major policy shift', his department has released public properties for requests for proposals, inviting both the public and private sectors to submit ideas.
"In our first round, we will release 31 properties for redevelopment, valued at R1.4 billion. This is estimated to generate up to R10 billion in private investment, create over 165,000 jobs, and generate close to R200 million in rental income for the South African government.
Macpherson said in Tshwane they handed over state-owned land and will soon convert what he calls 'eyesores' such as the barracks in eThekwini into mixed-use developments.
He said this is where the first new skyscraper will be built in the Durban CBD in 20 years.