Events News

‘Living intentionally’: Gauteng Partnership Fund x YIPA Guest Lecture featuring Dr Sisa Ngebulana

Dr Sisa Ngebulana delivering his keynote address at Wits.

The Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF), in collaboration with the Youth in Property Association (YIPA) hosted a sold-out guest lecture on the 28th of July 2022 at Wits University’s School of Architecture Planning’s John Moffat building.

The event formed part of the GPF’s 20th anniversary celebrations which saw both organisations bring key stakeholders under one roof to empower youth in the built environment.

The GPF is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and is mandated to serve as funding and implementing agent for integrated sustainable human settlement developments in the province. One of its various products is the Empowerment Entrepreneur Property Fund, which was designed to promote the participation of historically disadvantaged individuals and companies in the affordable rental property market. Of particular focus for this programme are first-time property developers, especially women and youth.

Award-winning property mogul, founder, and former CEO of Rebosis Property Fund and YIPA Patron, Dr Sisa Ngebulana, delivered a keynote address marked by a standing ovation.

Between the two companies, approximately 22 students receive bursaries annually, a school is built every three years, and churches have also been built. Ngebulana mentioned that he is also overseeing the development of “about 55 000 apartments across six different cities around the country”.

He urged the youth to “always aspire to make a difference. Never settle for just living”.

The programme, which was moderated by YIPA’s Vice Chairperson for Gauteng, Priscilla Nthai, also featured esteemed academic Dr. Sitsabo Dlamini, award-winning property developers Dandy Matamela, the Founder and Group Chairman of Muma Architects and Property Investments; and Tshepo Lekgau of Tshellaine Holdings, who participated in a panel discussion on making a career in the property sector; as well as the GPF’s Investment Officer, Shiraaz Lorgat.

We are a country of great contradiction. We are beset by many ills and shortcomings. But we are also a country of great potential. To be in a room packed with driven young people was reassuring because we want to see a vibrant and transformed property sector that can come up with unique and innovative solutions to our housing crisis. We are grateful to have had many of our key stakeholders join us tonight to celebrate our milestones and look ahead to what we hope to achieve as an organisation”, commented GPF CEO, Ms. Lindiwe Kwele.

YIPA CEO, Lwandle Matsinya, spoke briefly about the initiatives and programmes available through the organisation. He added: “When we think of our members and youth, we always say we want to enlighten, empower, and encourage the youth to actively participate in the property industry and the broader South African landscape. Our core pillars are education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.”

The GPF has planned various seminars and project site tours throughout its anniversary year to revisit and showcase some of the organisation’s milestones over the past two decades.