Latest news with #SarahMabotsa
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tshwane slaps 713 properties with penalty rates over illegal land use
In a bid to ensure the legal use of land, the metro has referred over 700 properties for penalty rates and taxes. Sarah Mabotsa, MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, said the suburbs where the illegal land use activities have been identified range from Arcadia to Zwavelpoort. 'The non-permitted land use activities range from unauthorised commercial activities in residential zones, through to illegal construction and land encroachments. The implications of these violations on the city and its residents are significant, as they can lead to loss of revenue, inability to access critical servitudes, offer unfair land-use activity and commercial advantages to transgressors.' They can also increase the costs of policing for the city, and have potential safety and legal liabilities.' The areas or farms she listed include: – Alphenpark – Annlin – Arcadia – Ashlea Gardens – Atteridgeville – Bon Accord – Booysens – Brooklyn – Capital Park – De Onderstepoort – Derdepoort – Die Wilgers – Eersterust – Elandsfontein – Eldoraigne – Ga-Rankuwa – Garsfontein – Haakdoornboom – Hartebeesfontein – Hazelwood – Kameeldrift – Kleinfontein – Kudube – Laudium – Magalieskruin – Montana – Moreletapark – Olievenhoutsbos – Onderstepoort – Pretoria Central – Pretoria North – Silverton – Sinoville – Soshanguve – Sunnyside – The Reeds – The Willows – Waterkloof – Witfontein – Zwavelpoort She highlighted the financial magnitude of the properties under scrutiny, saying: 'The 713 properties have a combined municipal value of almost R1.4-billion, with the average property value being R1.9-million.' She explained that township establishment laws are designed to prevent chaotic urban sprawl and ensure that the city infrastructure keeps pace with development. 'For example, when an estate is established legally, the developers contribute to the cost of expanding roads, water, sewage and electricity services. Those costs are then passed on to property purchasers. When a development happens illegally, developer contributions could unfairly be expected to be paid for by all other ratepayers. Illegal developments can also place too much strain on available electricity or other services in an area,' she explained. This comes after the recent report tabled and approved by the metro, listing the properties that have been referred by the Department of Economic Development and Spatial Planning to the finance department for implementation of penalty rates and taxes. 713 properties worth R1.357 billion have been referred for penalty rates & taxes for illegal land use activity. — City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) July 3, 2025 She emphasised that several properties or farms relate to illegal township developments where landowners have not adhered to development planning laws and regulations. 'The city's Department of Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department's Built Environment and Enforcement Division receives numerous complaints related to contraventions of zoning, national building regulations and the city's outdoor advertising by-law. The recommendation to implement nonpermitted land-use rates is one mechanism we use to encourage landowners engaged in non-compliant land-use activities to correct their actions,' she said. She added that the equitable enforcement of laws is a priority to help curb the illegal use of land. 'We want our city to be safe, clean and work for everyone. I thank our law-abiding developers and property owners who work with the city and within the national building codes to ensure that land use activities are compliant and that buildings are safe for people to use and occupy.' She encouraged the legal development processes as they protect homeowners and residents. 'The processes ensure that homes are built on stable land and not in environmentally vulnerable areas. In some illegal estates, there has also been no formal subdivision of the land. This means that purchasers in illegal estates may not actually own the land that they live on,' she said. LISTEN: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
See - Sada Elbalad
03-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
South Africa's Tshwane Seeks Tourism-Led Growth Through Global Platforms, Local Innovation
Ahmed Emam The City of Tshwane is positioning itself as a key player in South Africa's tourism industry by leveraging high-profile international forums such as the C20 and G20 to attract global attention, reported by TV BRICS. The move underscores the city's broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and job creation through a vibrant tourism sector. According to local officials, including tourism advocate Sarah Mabotsa, tourism contributed an estimated US\$34 billion to the South African economy in 2024. Tshwane is aligning its efforts with this national priority by highlighting its modern infrastructure, robust hospitality sector, and proven capacity to host international events. A major milestone in this strategy was Tshwane's recent co-hosting of the 2025 Urban20 (U20) meetings alongside Johannesburg. The summit, which drew stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, was held under the theme 'Harnessing Tourism for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities.' Discussions emphasized the role of tourism in promoting equitable urban development. Central to Tshwane's tourism agenda is the promotion of township tourism. Initiatives like the Friends of Toloane in the Toloane Nature Reserve are being spotlighted as models of community-driven economic inclusion. These projects aim to bring tourism benefits to underserved areas while preserving cultural and natural heritage. Tourist safety, a key consideration for many travelers, was also a focal point of the U20 dialogue. Tshwane has recently been named the safest city in South Africa—a status bolstered by declining crime rates across nearly all categories. Officials believe this designation enhances the city's appeal as a secure destination for both domestic and international visitors. By combining strong safety credentials with global outreach and grassroots development, Tshwane is working to establish itself as a leading hub for sustainable and inclusive tourism in South Africa and beyond. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
IOL News
29-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Proof that caring governments can deliver
The City of Tshwane's Section 79 Utility Services committee is pleased with the progress of the Rooiwaal Wastewater Treatment Plant's refurbishment. Image: .Bongani Shilubane / Independent Newspapers The City of Tshwane's recent achievements during the last two Council meetings and today at Hammanskraal prove that caring governments can deliver spatial, social, economic and environmental justice for South Africa', says GOOD's Councillor Sarah Mabotsa, the Tshwane Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development and Spatial Planning. Today at Hammanskraal, the handover of Module 2 of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant means safe water is coming to more homes in Hammanskraal. The neighbourhoods of Kudube - Units 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and Unit D, Jubilee Tower, Jubilee Direct, Dominican Tower, and some areas of Majakaneng will benefit from Module 2's water supply. This expands the areas of Hammaskraal that have since January 2025 benefited from Module 1's water supply (namely Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens/Steve Bikoville and Babelegi Industrial area). In 2023, dozens of Hammanskraal residents tragically died from a cholera outbreak. The provision of safe, reliable water in taps is something most South Africans take for granted, and, finally, for the residents of Hammanskraal, in 2025, this is becoming a reality. Access to clean water and a healthy environment is a Constitutional right of every South African. This week, the City of Tshwane's Council also approved the multi-party coalition government's initiation of a public participation process to commence for the Urban Forestry Tree Protection By-Law. The City of Tshwane is known as the Jacaranda City, but these and many other trees in our parks, road reserves and other public open spaces are being vandalised and sometimes illegally removed. Trees and urban forests are proven to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and these green spaces provide important environmental assets for communities. We must protect and preserve our natural assets and ensure that the environment of the city is managed and enhanced for future generations. GOOD has also supported the transfer of 1,007 City-owned residences to a non-profit housing entity, Housing Company Tshwane, to provide more affordable housing in well-located parts of the city. The total municipal value of the 1,007 residential properties approved for transfer to the non-profit Housing Company Tshwane is approximately R92 million. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Housing Company Tshwane is a City-owned company that can offer homes for rent at less than the market rate. These below-market rentals provide housing to the so-called 'missing middle' segment of the market, to those households with a combined income of less than R22,000 per month. According to the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa, the City of Tshwane's residential market by value is the third largest in South Africa (after Cape Town and Johannesburg), and almost one quarter of Tshwane's households are tenants. The provision of affordable, well-located rental accommodation that is close to economic centres helps more workers to afford to live closer to their place of employment. The rental units transferred to Housing Company Tshwane are in the centrally-located suburbs of Capital Park, Silverton, Eloffsdal, Villiera, Wolmer, Daspoort, Danville, Claremont, Arcadia and Proclamation Hill. Bringing people closer to their jobs is an underlying principle of both spatial and economic justice and serves to reverse some of the cruel legacy of apartheid, which placed black, coloured and indian people very far from economic opportunities. The provision of more affordable rental apartments in centrally-located areas of the city means that more residents can afford to live close to their places of work. This will save hours of commuting time and reduce costly transport costs, meaning more money in their pockets and more time with their families. A reduction in transport distances is also good news for the whole city, as this tends to reduce air pollution from transport emissions (achieving some environmental justice) and shorter commutes help reduce traffic congestion. GOOD is proud to be part of the City of Tshwane's multi-party coalition government. The work for Spatial, Social. Economic and Environmental Justice for South Africans is central to the objectives of GOOD, as this is the pathway to a safer, more prosperous, equitable, inclusive and sustainable society. Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD City of Tshwane Councillor and MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane aims to boost economic growth by showcasing tourism at C20 and G20 meetings
MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, stated that the tourism sector is a crucial part of the South African economy, and the city aims to prioritise this sector to stimulate job creation and economic growth. Image: Supplied / City of Tshwane The City of Tshwane is set to leverage the C20 and G20 meetings in South Africa to showcase its capabilities, hospitality, and infrastructure in hosting international conferences. Member of Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said the tourism sector is a vital component of the South African economy, and the city aims to boost job creation and economic growth by prioritising this sector. She highlighted the importance of tourism, citing its significant contribution to the country's economy. "In 2024, tourism and travel contributed R618 billion to the South African economy – R117 billion from international visitors and R430 billion from domestic travel spending. Importantly, the sector also provided employment to 1.8 million people in South Africa," she said. The city recently co-hosted the 2025 Urban20 (U20) meetings with the City of Joburg at the CSIR in Pretoria, which brought together tourism stakeholders from across Africa and globally. The theme of the session was "Harnessing Tourism for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities". The meetings, Mabotsa said, offered a platform to explore how tourism can transform cities into more inclusive, resilient, and future-focused hubs. She emphasised that hosting the U20 meetings in Tshwane aligns with the city's focus on growing the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions component of the business tourism sector. 'At the same time, promoting township tourism, an example of which is the activities of the Friends of Toloane, aligns with our economic growth strategy's prioritisation of both the tourism and township economy sectors,' she said. The Friends of Toloane, under its director Thabang Rabotho, promotes environmental awareness and conservation within the Toloane Nature Reserve and has received notable recognition for its efforts. The City of Tshwane is confident that the entity's participation in the C20 and G20 meetings will help to promote its tourism sector and showcase its capabilities to a global audience. Rabotho said: 'Our youth are at the forefront of preserving our natural heritage, using their voices and actions to champion environmental justice in our communities. Through initiatives like the Toloane Youth Water Network, they are proving that young people are not just beneficiaries of change - they are leading it. In them, we see the future of a greener, more just Tshwane.' The issue of safety was also addressed at the U20 meeting, with Mabotsa noting that Tshwane has been recognised as the safest city in South Africa, as reported by the SA Cities Network Safe Cities 2024t. The city, she said, has seen further decreases in nearly all reported crime categories in 2025, as evidenced by the SAPS quarterly report for January to March 2025. Following the meetings, the city organised a trip for delegates to the Union Buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve. The Dinokeng project, a public-private partnership, has generated over 1,000 job opportunities and numerous small businesses that support or benefit from the reserve's tourism activities. Mabotsa promised that the multiparty coalition government will actively showcase Tshwane to the world, encouraging residents to proudly promote the city and encourage friends and family to visit. [email protected]
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
In-house services for city projects to save Tshwane millions
The metro has cut outsourcing costs by millions as in-house architects and surveyors drive major savings on clinics and community projects across the city, according to its economic development and spatial planning department. The savings announcement comes at a time when the mayoral committee has approved a policy that mandates all municipal construction projects to use in-house quantity surveyors and architects. This was aimed at tightening cost controls, mandating that internal services within the department's physical development services unit be prioritised over external consultants. 'The insourcing of these services for new building design projects, alterations, additions and as-built documentation has already begun to save the metro millions in fees that would otherwise have been outsourced,' explained MMC of Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa. Mabotsa said her department has skilled and equipped professionals. 'Physical development services of the department is staffed by qualified architectural professionals, quantity surveyors, and building works inspectors. [They] are equipped to manage projects from inception through to completion as per the six stages of a project described by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession.' Mabotsa said that until now, certain city departments contracted these services externally, resulting in high consultant costs for the city and often leading to inconsistent quality and misalignment with city-wide standards. 'By insourcing these services, the metro will reduce expenditure and also ensure standardised project quality and protect municipal interests,' she said. She added that savings of 10–20% on external consulting fees are typically achieved on smaller projects of up to R500 000 in value, and on larger projects of R20-million or more, savings are usually between 7% and 15% of the project cost. 'This insourcing has already saved the city R16.6-million on recent projects. The initiative to mandate insourcing of these services going forward will save the city many more millions.' She added that the initiative has earned praise from the city's CFO and gained strong support across departments. 'For projects like the Stinkwater Social Development Centre (R51-million), Gazankulu Clinic (R26.5-million), Rayton Clinic (R24-million), and Soshanguve Clinic (R18.5-million), the metro saved R3.6-million, R1.9-million, R1.7-million, and R1.5- million respectively in architects' fees alone,' she said. According to Mabotsa, all of the completed projects have had their building plans approved and occupancy certificates issued. She said other developments, such as the R50-million Mabopane Social Development Centre and the R61-million Lusaka Clinic, are currently underway or in planning, with assistance from the city's physical development services section. Savings of R3.5-million and R4.4-million in architectural fees are expected on these projects. 'Our insourcing initiative supports the Multiparty Coalition Government's commitment to financial stabilisation in Tshwane. By delivering projects faster and at a lower cost to ratepayers, we're cutting expenses and maximising the impact of our budgets,' said Mabotsa. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
