City launches development forum
Johannesburg – The City of Joburg has launched its Development Planning Forum, which aims to explore collaborative approaches to development issues within the City.
The project was launched by Development Planning MMC Lawrence Khoza last week at the Joburg Theatre, attended by planners and practitioners. They discussed development planning policies, strategies and scales of development, among others.
MMC Khoza announced that the City of Johannesburg has entered into partnership with the South African Planning Institute. Planners in both private and public sector will gain new insights and share knowledge on policies and new strategies by participating in the forum.
“The work of this platform is expected to contribute towards achieving the City’s vision to attract investment and grow the economy that will reduce unemployment in the City,” Khoza said.
The inaugural meeting focused on bulk development contributions in municipalities.
Judy Nkosi from National Treasury presented the draft National Legislation – The Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill. Currently, the National Treasury is rolling out stakeholder engagements regarding the draft bill.
The bill, among others, establishes an unambiguous, fair and consistent basis for municipalities to recover development charges for all new land development projects that require statutory approvals through the municipal land use planning system.
The draft City of Johannesburg Development Contribution Policy was also presented to the forum. It will be used as a guide document to ensure that all new developments across the City of Johannesburg comply with the provisions and requirements of the draft Amendment Bill.
The executive director for development planning in the City of Joburg, Amolemo Mothoagae said the forum will provide a shared understanding of development drivers and trends of the City.
“It will also assist to share knowledge and experience to promote responsiveness and efficiency of City’s policy, planning and regulatory provision functions as they relate to development in the City.”
The forum comprises stakeholders such as professional planners; planning schools; architects; developers, South African Association of Consulting Professional Planners (SAACPP); South African Planning Institute (SAPI); South African Affordable Residential Developers Association (SAARDA); South African Council for Architectural Professionals (SACAP); Institute of Architects; South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA); Council for Built Environment; Johannesburg City Improvement District Forum; Johannesburg Inner City Partnership Forum, and Johannesburg Owners and Property Managers Association.
