Kliptown

One of the oldest residential districts in Soweto, Kliptown was first laid out in 1891 on land which was part of a farm called Klipspruit, named after the rocky stream that runs nearby. The area became a multiracial settlement, home primarily to informal settlers it soon fell into disrepair. As recently as five years ago the area was still very depressed. However, the Kliptown area has huge historical significance. Kliptown’s square is a National Heritage Site, named after anti-apartheid activist Walter Sisulu, and the regeneration project has seen the development of a museum, a monument, a market and a hotel.

The City of Johannesburg tasked JOSHCO with spearheading a comprehensive, residential programme in Kliptown including a first phase of 478 rental units for qualified applicants who earn between R1 500 and R7 500 per month. The apartments range from bachelor units to one, two and three bedroom units, lofts and live-and-work units. The latter allow residents the opportunity to establish businesses and home offices to capitalise on passing trade. The apartments are situated on the square and are visually very striking. Interiors are clinically clean, open plan and spaciously laid out. In addition to being conveniently located close to services, the development offers recreational facilities such as a basketball court, children’s play area, centralised parking, laundry areas with wash lines, a drying yard and landscaping that makes use of indigenous trees and lawns.

JOSHCO maintains the buildings, gardens and surrounds and has provided residents with 24-hour access control as well as secure parking. A total of 1 400 units is ultimately envisaged for the Kliptown project. In addition to the 478 units already constructed and occupied, and where JOSHCO provides the full range of housing management services, a further 930 townhouses are presently under construction by provincial government and will in the near future be taken into management by JOSHCO and sold to successful applicants on installement sale. The Kliptown development lends itself to affordable, mixed-income living and proves that you can successfully have a mix of different income levels in one area.