Celebrating the next generation of construction industry leaders
The CDA’s Contractor Training Class of 2025 On 29 August, DAG’s Contractor and Developer Academy (CDA) hosted a milestone celebration to mark the graduation of its 2025 Contractor Training cohort. The programme plays a vital role in advancing DAG’s mission to build equitable, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhoods. Since its launch in 2017, the CDA has […]
Building more than homes: the CDA champions township transformation
For many years, small-scale developers have been building rental apartments in their backyards in townships. These developers provide affordable rental accommodations for households that cannot afford inner-city property prices, individuals waiting for government housing, and those who earn too much to benefit from a subsidy. These developers also play a vital role in the township […]
DAG Makes Compliance with the Property Development Industry Accessible
DAG’s Contractor and Developer Academy (CDA) has been supporting emerging contractors’ and developers’ capacity to deliver affordable housing developments. The CDA’s regular interaction with communities through information sessions further equip those within the property development industry by informing participants of the regulatory frameworks that need to be adhered to when constructing and developing rental flats. On […]
Understanding the Proposed By-law Amendments: What It Means for Township Developers and Landlords
On August 24th, 2024, the Development Action Group (DAG) hosted an important information session at their office, bringing together micro-developers and homeowner landlords to discuss proposed amendments to the City of Cape Town’s Municipal Planning By-law, 2015 (MPBL). This event organized through DAG’s project, Contractor and Developer Academy (CDA) marked a big win in the […]
Backyard Housing Safety: How to Protect Your Home From Floods and Fires
Enabling Grassroots Solutions to the Urban Housing Problem
By Ivan Turok, Chuma Giyose, Claudia Hitzeroth, Zama Mgwatyu and Andreas Scheba The tragic loss of 78 lives when fire engulfed a downtown Johannesburg building illustrates the challenge of housing a bulging urban population in safe, dignified conditions. While the apartheid government resisted urbanisation and refused to build liveable neighbourhoods for black people, the ANC government and metropolitan authorities have been […]
Mayco greenlights subsidies for micro-developers in low-income areas
The City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee today adopted the creation of a Development Charges Fund to support micro-developers building affordable housing in lower income communities. The fund will subsidise development charges for small-scale rental unit developments to stimulate the affordable housing market and attract investment in targeted areas. Following Mayco approval, the item will […]
The Importance of Micro-Developers for Affordable Housing Provision
At a time when the government is increasingly questioning the sustainability of its housing subsidy programme, the importance of supporting and providing incentives to the rental sector in township areas has become more apparent than ever before. In the past 18 months, the City of Cape Town has developed initiatives to support and create an enabling environment […]
Backyard Dwellers Have Inadequate Access to Basic Services on Private Land
“Municipalities can and must provide basic services to backyard residents who live on private land.” - Eerste River community leader. The backyard sector has been providing housing solutions to thousands of families without the necessary recognition and support from the government. Even though this sector plays an essential role in housing provision in South African cities, […]
Backyard Matters: Empowering Communities through Collective Advocacy
Introduction:Backyards are more than just spaces behind houses; they are vibrant communities but face numerous challenges. Working together and speaking with one voice can make a significant difference. In May this year, community representatives from Bellville South, Maitland Garden Village, Mitchell’s Plain, Eerste River, Manenberg, Bluedowns, and Bonteheuwel joined the Development Action Group (DAG) on […]