Annual Reports

Reap What You Sow

“The return of people to the city is the key to urban regeneration. Thus JHC and its fellow social landlords take the Centre Stage.”

In my comments last year I expressed confidence in the growing effort to reclaim Johannesburg . This year, I am gratified to be able to report that my confidence was not misplaced as we are, indeed, gradually winning the war to regenerate the inner city.

It is enormously gratifying that in my eighth, and last, year as Chairman of the Johannesburg Housing Company, I can report that the company has achieved a position of financial sustainability – where its operational income covers all operating costs. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a non-profit organisation such as JHC and one which makes it quite exceptional among the many social institutions active in South Africa.

A testing year it was indeed for JHC. What with our raising the bar through the massive undertakings of the new Brickfields project, the renovation of Rondebosch and the problematic Stanhope Mansions! I would like to commend the staff and the Board for their commitment in taking on the social and political risks involved in providing homes for low-income people in the city and creating new urban communities.

Brickfields in Newtown, the refurbishment of both Rondebosch and Stanhope in the central city, have come to symbolise the courage that has become synonymous with the JHC.

Chairman’s Report

Almost every day we are confronted by news headlines that, to any outsider, and many insiders, describe Johannesburg as a city in siege to a host of criminal syndicates. While it is true that the level of crime in Gauteng is unacceptably high, as the province’s Premier and Police Commissioner have acknowledged, a brief tour of JHC’s buildings in the inner city would paint a refreshingly different picture.

Chairman’s Report

The introduction of new housing legislation over the past year is indicative of our national government’s growing recognition of the valuable contribution that the development of rental and social housing can make in meeting the country’s enormous housing needs. The new Rental Act and in particular the passing of the Social Housing Act and the Housing Development Agency Act mark important milestones in post- 994 policy which, until recently, had retained an emphasis on home ownership as a critical pillar of our emerging democracy.

Chairman’s Report

The year 2009 into 2010 was, none the less, a tough one for many people and organisations the world over.

In this changing economic environment – and despite the challenges it is facing – JHC continues to perform well. This is a tribute to the commitment of staff and management, and to the systems and procedures that JHC has put in place over the years. In managing
occupancy levels and rent collection, JHC’s systems have been tested over the past year – and, with a few adjustments and due focus, they have served us well.