After more than a decade of careful planning, the much-anticipated R27 billion Southern Farms Mega City Project has officially broken ground at the Bushkoppies Site Camp in Region G of the City of Johannesburg. The ceremonial site handover, which took place on 9 May 2025, marks the beginning of a transformative 10-year initiative designed to address Johannesburg’s housing backlog while driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents in the city’s southern region.
This massive undertaking will see the construction of 43,000 housing units, directly tackling the City’s long-standing housing shortages. “This project is about dignity,” said Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, the MMC for Human Settlements. “It restores faith by ensuring our residents are seen, valued, and housed decently.” The Southern Farms project is not only about providing homes; it is about creating a sustainable, thriving community where residents can enjoy a higher quality of life and the resources they need to prosper.
Building More Than Just Homes: Creating a Complete Community
Beyond just shelter, the Southern Farms Mega City will offer a host of essential amenities designed to build a connected, liveable community. These will include clinics, schools, taxi ranks, roads, and other critical infrastructure—ensuring that the development is more than just a housing project but a fully integrated and sustainable neighbourhood.
The project aims to ensure that communities will thrive long after the homes are completed. Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso further emphasised, “This development is not just about housing; it’s about creating a community that is equipped for the future, with schools, clinics, and businesses that will contribute to the well-being and success of future generations.”
The Southern Farms project will focus on inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of the development extend beyond housing. By offering local residents access to critical services, the City is ensuring that these communities are connected and well-equipped to succeed in the long run.
Economic Empowerment and Job Creation: Opportunities for All
One of the key components of this development is economic empowerment. Cllr Nomoya Mnisi, the MMC for Economic Development, highlighted the importance of involving the local community—particularly youth, women, and people with disabilities—in the economic opportunities that the project will create. “We want to see communities not just housed but thriving,” Mnisi said, stressing that the project would not only provide jobs during construction but also create long-term opportunities in the post-construction phase.
The initiative is designed to promote local job creation and skills development, with a focus on fostering entrepreneurship and empowering small businesses. This aligns with the City’s broader goal of creating sustainable economic opportunities for all residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
A Call for Community Support and Vigilance
As construction begins, officials are urging the community to protect the integrity of the project. “Protect the development, support the appointed developer, and refrain from any activities that could hinder progress,” the City officials said, stressing the importance of maintaining order and security during the development process.
Ensuring that the project is free from land invasions and illicit activity is crucial to keeping the project on schedule and ensuring that the intended benefits reach the community. The City is working closely with the developer to ensure that the project is implemented smoothly and effectively.
Ensuring Fair and Transparent Allocation
In terms of housing allocation, Cllr Mabaso reaffirmed that only those who are on the verified housing database would be eligible for a home. “No one will receive a house unless they are on the verified housing database,” he stressed. The City is committed to transparent profiling and will ensure that housing allocation is fair, equitable, and based on need.
A Vision for a Dignified, Inclusive Future
In his remarks, Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero highlighted the long-term impact that the Southern Farms Mega City project will have on Johannesburg South. “Southern Farms is a bold statement that every resident of Joburg South deserves dignity, opportunity, and progress. We’re building more than homes—we’re building an inclusive future.”
As work commences, residents of Joburg South are optimistic about the possibilities that this new development will bring. The promise of new homes, jobs, and economic growth has sparked a sense of excitement and hope for the future. With a shared vision of prosperity, the Southern Farms Mega City project represents a new chapter for Johannesburg’s southern suburbs, one that promises to bring lasting change to the lives of thousands of residents.
In conclusion, the Southern Farms Mega City is more than just a housing project—it is a cornerstone of Joburg’s long-term vision for inclusive growth, dignity, and opportunity for all its residents. As the City continues to expand and evolve, initiatives like this will ensure that all Johannesburg residents, regardless of background, have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
