July 24 2024 13:00
SAHARA CEO, Debbie Tagg
The Residential Investment & Development Summit (Reside) has announced the launch of the Southern African Home and Residential Alliance (SAHARA). This occurred at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Local Government Showcase Conference which was held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday July 16.
SAHARA is a collaborative not-for-profit organisation (NPO) umbrella body of member organisations.
The group gathers stakeholders in the residential property market of Southern Africa, such as social housing, affordable housing, student accommodation, retirement villages, estate living, multi-family homes, Airbnb, BnB, long stay, and short stay accommodation providers. Our platform encourages collaboration among government bodies, developers, financiers, contractors, suppliers, legal entities, and educational institutions to address crucial issues and develop united, practical solutions.
SAHARA will lobby the state to create better policy development around housing across South Africa.
“SAHARA has been established in response to industry demand to consolidate the impact of existing stakeholder bodies, by complementing and supporting their organisational efforts. Each of the member organisations bring unique strengths and perspectives to the table. By uniting under the SAHARA umbrella, we can harness these strengths and work together towards our shared objectives,” said Reside Chair and SAHARA CEO, Debbie Tagg.
“By conducting research, creating policies, providing education, organising symposiums, and hosting conferences, we aim to enhance the delivery of dignified homes and accommodation facilities. Our objective is to support fair housing opportunities and sustainable development practices, enhancing the quality of life by ensuring that all community members have access to secure, affordable, and dignified living spaces,” she said.
Tagg spoke at the second annual Reside Summit which took place from July 16 to 19 at Sandton Convention Centre. Tagg said the residential sector was “the cornerstone of any society as it provides shelter, security and a sense of belonging”.
“The residential sector faces many challenges including affordability, rapid urbanisation, sustainability, demand and changing demographics. To address these challenges requires concerted, collaborative efforts and this is the reason for the launch of SAHARA,” she said.
“SAHARA aims to weave together the threads of our individual member organisations to create a stronger, more vibrant residential sector for Southern Africa,” she said.
Councillor Xolani Sotashe, Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Urban Agenda National Working Group at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) said South Africa the has highest rates of urbanisation, at about 63%, among emerging economies globally. It also has a high housing backlog, with approximately 3 309 informal settlements and increasing illegal land occupation.
“Government cannot address the housing challenge alone – hence we value partnerships between the public and private sector. As SALGA, we had already started venturing into bringing the two sectors together in the human settlements space, in particular residential property development aimed at collaborating to address challenges in the housing sector. Our key area of focus in the delivery of housing is the lower end of the market through subsidised housing in affordable rental housing,” said Sotashe.
Sotashe said partnerships between the public sector and private sector entities, such as SAHARA, are important in addressing challenges in the residential property sector.
SAHARA said its membership benefits would include:
Collaborative Networking: Engage with a diverse network of professionals and organisations across the residential sector. Share insights, challenges, and solutions in a collaborative environment.
Resource Sharing: Access a central repository of resources, including research, policy guidelines, and best practices, to enhance operations and decision-making.
Advocacy and Representation: Benefit from a unified voice in policy discussions and advocacy efforts.
Innovation and Research: Participate in joint research initiatives and innovation projects aimed at addressing the pressing issues facing the sector such as affordability and sustainability.
Professional Development: Gain access to training programs, workshops, and seminars designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of your team members.
Conference Organisation: Benefit from coordinated conference planning and execution, allowing for impactful events that bring together key stakeholders.
Coordinated Efforts: Enjoy streamlined coordination among different organisations, facilitating joint projects and initiatives that have a greater collective impact.
Funding Opportunities: Access information on grants, funding sources, and financial support available for residential projects and initiatives.
Market Insights: Receive regular updates and reports on market trends, demographic changes, and economic factors affecting the residential sector.
Sustainability Initiatives: Participate in sustainability programs aimed at promoting environmentally friendly practices within the residential sector.
Policy Development: Contribute to the development of policies that support the growth and stability of the residential market.
Strategic Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships with other member organisations to leverage combined expertise and resources.
Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to ensure that housing developments meet the needs and preferences of residents.
Technology Integration: Access the latest technological advancements and digital tools that can enhance operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.
Crisis Management: Benefit from shared resources and strategies for managing crisis, such as natural disasters or economic downturns, that impact the residential sector.
Marketing and Promotion: Gain support in marketing and promoting residential projects, helping to attract investors and residents.
Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about regulatory changes and compliance requirements, ensuring that your operations meet legal standards.
Quality Standards: Implement and uphold high-quality standards across residential projects, fostering trust and satisfaction among residents.
Health and Safety: Access guidelines and best practices for maintaining health and safety standards in residential developments.
Cultural Exchange: Promote cultural exchange and understanding among residents, fostering inclusive and harmonious communities.
“SAHARA is committed to transparency, inclusivity and mutual support. We believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of unity. By working together as member organisations, we can create a future where every resident in Southern Africa has access to safe, affordable and sustainable housing,” said Tagg.
alistair@propertyflash.co.za
