The City of Johannesburg’s Economic Development MMC Nomoya Mnisi unveiled the Orlando eKhaya and Power Park Housing projects, in Soweto, on May 23.

Originally launched in 2001 under then-Mayor Amos Masondo, the Orlando eKhaya and Power Park projects were among the city’s earliest large-scale initiatives to revitalise Soweto.

Spanning about 24 ha, the combined developments will deliver about 5 964 residential units, aimed at providing access to affordable housing in a central urban precinct.

The site is along major transport routes such as Chris Hani road, and key public amenities including Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus  and several commercial centres.

To date, the private sector has committed over R439-million in investments to the Orlando eKhaya and Power Park precincts.

Several developments are either complete or in progress.

This includes 850 beds already occupied in student housing, with an additional 1 450 currently under construction.

648 Financed Linked Subsidy Programme housing units are under development, with 136 already occupied.

A combined 1 740 social housing (Erfs 47and 48) units are planned – both sites are zoned, proclaimed and have bulk service connections installed.

Over 2 000 RDP housing units are planned across several erven, including Power Park Ext 2 and Orlando eKhaya Erfs 22, 23 and 24.

Speaking at the event, Mnisi highlighted the symbolic and practical importance of the developments.

“This unveiling is not just about buildings – it’s about restoring dignity, promoting social inclusion and creating real opportunities. We are reaffirming our collective resolve to confront and reverse the spatial injustices of our painful past.

“We are saying to the people of Soweto: you matter, your future matters and your place in this city is central to its growth and progress.”

Norman Ntabane, executive director from Raubex Building, one of the private partners involved in the development, hailed the launch as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform historically neglected areas of Soweto.

“Through a successful public-private partnership, the Joburg Property Company (JPC) has secured significant private-sector investment in a location that was once overlooked. This unlocks opportunities for economic development, community upliftment and sustainable urban growth in Soweto.”

JPC acting CEO Musah Makhunga said the housing development illustrated the city’s strategic vision to manage urbanisation while addressing key socioeconomic challenges.

“Phase 1 focuses on purpose-built student accommodation, with around 2 300 beds already completed. Importantly, 848 of these beds will be made available at no cost to students, ensuring access to education and safe accommodation for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Makhunga.

The Orlando eKhaya and Power Park precincts form part of the City of Johannesburg’s broader spatial and socioeconomic strategy.