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Apr 13, 2006:
WORLD-class real estate and a palpable sense of confidence are what stand out in South African cities, says a delegation of high-powered governors from the Washington-based Urban Land Institute (ULI).
The delegation is touring South African cities and engaging with development and investment heavyweights along the way.
“What surprised us the most was the perception versus the reality of our press concerning the political situation in SA,” says ULI Foundation governor Jon Q Reynolds.
“The feeling we get from everyone in the country we have spoken to here is confidence and a belief that the present system will succeed.”
Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront made a particular impression.
“What we least expected to see was the world-class waterfront development in Cape Town. In Johannesburg, although not unexpected, the Apartheid Museum was certainly a powerful and moving experience. We are all surprised and pleased with what we are experiencing,” says Reynolds.
The Urban Land Institute is a land-use organisation with more than 30000 members worldwide. Its mission is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land to enhance the total environment.
“We believe that an informed dialogue on best practices in global real estate will promote a better, safer built environment,” says ULI president Rick Rosen.
One aspect of that dialogue is a major global infrastructure that the ULI is initiating.
“Since South Africa is designating 6%-7% of its gross national product to improving the country’s infrastructure, having information on patterns of development and best practices in other countries might be beneficial,” Rosen says.
