Today marks a historic milestone in the City of Johannesburg’s journey towards inclusive urban development as JOSHCO (Johannesburg Social Housing Company), the city’s leading social housing entity, officially commenced groundbreaking activities at Riverside View.
The MMC for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, accompanied by the Speaker of Council Cllr Margaret Arnolds, board chairperson of JOSHCO, Theodore Dlamini, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) management as he handed over the site to the contractor for the Phase 4 of Riverside View Social Housing Development.
The implementing contractor for these rental units is Valumax. Today’s event underscores JOSHCO’s unwavering commitment to transforming the housing landscape through innovative, accessible, and rapidly executed social housing projects.
The agency’s swift progression into Phase Four — encompassing four strategically located land parcels — demonstrates a proactive approach to urban development. MMC Mabaso has already turned the soil for the third land parcel, following the receipt of the development certificate, signaling strong momentum towards delivering on promises made to the community.
The first two phases of Riverside View were delivered in September 2023, and the third phase was launched in 2024, adding 184 units, creating local employment and supporting women-led business through the EPWP, with the completion aligned with the city’s strategic objectives.
Development has also commenced on the remaining two land parcels, a testament to JOSHCO’s efficiency and unwavering resolve to deliver quality affordable housing solutions. All projects are thoughtfully situated along main roads, ensuring residents have convenient access to transportation, amenities, and employment opportunities — a core principle guiding JOSHCO’s development strategy.
Phase 4 will deliver 744 housing units, with R53 million allocated plus approximately R291 million from the SHRA. The construction plan includes one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments. The first 64 units are planned for completion in April 2026. The final 172 units of Phase 4 will be completed in September 2026.
“Riverside View is one of the projects that does not give us sleepless nights. We pride ourselves every time when we see this project as it demonstrates what we are capable of delivering as a department.
“We took a decision in 2020 that we need to move out the inner city because most of JOSHCO’s project were based in the inner city. Not everyone wants to reside within the inner city. That is why we had to identify mega developments outside Region F. We are not saying we are neglecting the inner city, but we are accommodating those that do not want to reside in the inner city. Riverside View was one of the developments that were identified at the time,” Mabaso said.
He added that it is important for those who will benefit from JOSHCO’s rental stock to pay their rent.
“If we are unable to collect, we will not have money to invest in future developments,” Mabaso said.
As Johannesburg continues to grow, JOSHCO’s initiatives at Riverside View exemplify a model of rapid, sustainable, and community-oriented development. Today’s groundbreaking is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of progress, partnership, and a shared vision for a city where everyone has a place to call home.
Once completed, the Riverside View Development will deliver a total of 1108 quality rental units to Johannesburg residents.
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