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Archives for November 13, 2025

Growthpoint celebrates 2025 SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards

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Growthpoint celebrates 19 awards at the 2025 SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards

Eight Growthpoint shopping centres across four provinces recognised for marketing excellence

Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has been recognised with 19 awards across eight retail centres at this year’s South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) Footprint Marketing Awards, which honour excellence and innovation in retail property marketing.

 The SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards acknowledge campaigns that demonstrate creativity, strategic insight and measurable impact within the shopping-centre industry. They recognise marketing that drives real business results across twelve award categories – from community engagement and retailer productivity to digital innovation and sustainability.

This year’s programme attracted 276 entries, with 135 awards presented to campaigns that set new benchmarks for success. For Growthpoint, the results underscore both the strength of its marketing talent and the consistency of its national retail strategy.

“While some of our centres regularly entered the awards in the past, this year we actively encouraged every retail marketing team in our portfolio, whether in-house or agency, to enter the Footprint Awards across a full range of our centres,” says Gavin Jones, Head of Retail Asset Management at Growthpoint Properties.

Jones adds, “We wanted to showcase the innovation and impact that our amazing teams deliver every day at centre level. We chose the SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards as a respected forum that honours excellence and raises retail property marketing to new heights. Seeing so many of our centres and their teams recognised on a national stage reinforces that decision and highlights the strategy and creativity that runs across our portfolio.”

The judging process is both rigorous and industry-led, involving a panel of more than 30 experts from across the retail, marketing and property sectors in South Africa and abroad. Judges include marketing directors, asset managers, agency leaders and international retail specialists who evaluate each entry for its creativity, execution, strategic alignment and measurable results. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that the Footprint Awards recognise marketing excellence that genuinely advances retail performance and community engagement.

Diverse campaigns, national recognition

 Growthpoint’s awards span shopping centres in four South African provinces and multiple marketing disciplines, celebrating initiatives that go beyond traditional retail promotion to foster community engagement, local enterprise development and experiential retail.

Among the highlights:

  • Brooklyn Mall (Pretoria) achieved nine awards across multiple categories for its Ballet & Bubbles, Curated Collection – 67 Blankets and Denim by Design Welcomes Levi’s campaigns. Brooklyn Mall led the achievements with nine awards, making it one of the most decorated centres in this year’s programme.
  • Festival Mall (Kempton Park) was recognised for its Retail Academy community initiative.
  • Waterfall Mall (Rustenburg) received Silver and Bronze awards for Grow Your Small Business, promoting local entrepreneurship.
  • Northgate Shopping Centre (Johannesburg), Longbeach Mall (Cape Town) and Musgrave Centre (Durban) were all honoured for campaigns that strengthened community ties and revitalised their retail environments.
  • Alberton City Shopping Centre earned a Bronze award for A Queen Taking Her Throne, celebrating local talent and creativity.
  • Co-owned Vaal Mall (Vanderbijlpark) secured three Bronze awards for its “All White” themed lifestyle event and campaign.

 Together, these results demonstrate the depth and diversity of Growthpoint’s marketing excellence across South Africa’s retail landscape.

“These results reflect great marketing but also show how our centres create experiences that connect people, support retailers and contribute positively to local communities,” adds Jones. “We’re proud to see our teams driving initiatives that combine commercial success with genuine social impact.”

 

Government embraces green building standards

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In a landmark announcement at the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Convention on 11 November 2025, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson outlined an ambitious vision that positions government buildings at the forefront of South Africa’s sustainability transformation.

Leading by example

During his keynote address on the opening day of the convention, Minister Macpherson announced that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has formally joined the Green Building Council South Africa as part of its wider reform programme, marking a pivotal shift in how government approaches its role as the country’s largest landlord. This move signals a new era of accountability and leadership in sustainable building practices across thousands of state-owned properties.

“As the largest landlord in South Africa, responsible for thousands of state-owned buildings, we recognise both the burden and the opportunity of our portfolio,” stated Minister Macpherson. “We have a duty to lead by example. Our goal is not only to transform our buildings but also to redefine how we operate as a public institution, by innovating, setting new standards and creating markets that support a sustainable economy.”

The announcement comes at a critical juncture for South Africa’s built environment. With buildings accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the minister’s commitment underscores the urgent need to transform how structures are designed, constructed and operated.

Creating markets and economic opportunity

The economic implications of this policy shift are substantial. Minister Macpherson highlighted that the construction sector created 130 000 new jobs in the third quarter of 2025. This represented just over half of all net new jobs created in the quarter. The commitment to pursue 4-star and higher green certifications for new government building projects and precinct developments under DPWI’s control is expected to accelerate job creation while establishing green building as the new standard.

“Imagine how many more could be created if every government building were energy efficient and all new projects met at least a 4-star green rating,” the minister challenged the audience, emphasising that sustainability represents not just an environmental imperative but a powerful economic driver.

Professional development and capacity building

In a move that demonstrates genuine commitment, Minister Macpherson announced that departmental professionals across the property and infrastructure portfolio are being trained as GBCSA accredited green building practitioners. Notably, the minister himself will personally enrol in the GBCSA programme.

“If we want a credible green public sector, we must start with knowledge and accountability,” he emphasised.

From policy to performance: Measurable action

The minister acknowledged that while the 2018 Public Works Green Building Policy laid the foundation, implementation has lagged. Under his leadership, this is set to change with concrete, measurable commitments:

  • A new Property Performance Report will measure space utilisation, efficiency and resource use.
  • An annual State of Public Works Green Building Report will cover energy, water, waste management and socioeconomic impacts, including job creation.
  • The measures announced aim to integrate sustainability into project design from the outset.
  • Existing properties will be certified under GBCSA’s Existing Building Performance programme and prioritised for green upgrades.
  • Solar panels will be installed on suitable government building roofs.
  • Time-of-use meters will be introduced to track and manage water and energy consumption.

“What we don’t measure, we can’t manage,” stated Minister Macpherson.

Implications for the REIT sector

The government’s green building commitment creates significant implications for South Africa’s real estate investment trust (REIT) sector. As government sets new standards, it raises the bar for the entire property industry.

Joanne Solomon, CEO of the SA REIT Association and a GBCSA board member, noted the alignment between this government initiative and the sector’s existing trajectory. “In November 2024, in partnership with Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, we launched the SA REIT Sustainability Disclosure Guide aimed at establishing sustainability standards and best practice benchmarks for the real estate sector in South Africa,” Solomon reflected. “Minister Macpherson’s announcement reinforces the critical importance of the sustainability journey our members have undertaken and validates the leadership role that REITs have played in advancing green building practices.”

REITs have already made substantial investments in solar power and water supply infrastructure, continually enhancing their buildings to reduce carbon footprints.

Building South Africa’s sustainable future

Minister Macpherson specifically highlighted partnership with the private sector as essential to unlocking the potential of underutilised government properties. “Many government-owned buildings across cities are vacant or underutilised, missed opportunities that we intend to unlock through redevelopment models that combine green design, social inclusion and economic return,” he stated.

The minister’s vision extends beyond individual buildings to encompass broader economic transformation. “For every 1% of GDP invested in infrastructure, we can unlock up to 1.5% in economic growth, higher still if the infrastructure is green and future-ready,” he noted.

Minister Macpherson acknowledged the GBCSA for its leadership, calling the initiative “not just a technical exercise, it’s a national mission.”

“Together, we can reimagine our buildings not as static structures but as symbols of progress, inclusion and sustainability,” Minister Macpherson concluded. “Let’s build a South Africa that is more sustainable, more resilient and more hopeful. That is how we win.”

The 18th Green Building Convention took place from 11-13 November 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, under the theme “Stepping up to next”. Macpherson’s address formed part of a wider programme of thought leadership that included Dr Adenike Akinsemolu, founder of The Green Institute and Urban Surfer eco entrepreneur Sifiso Gumbi.

Emira’s capital recycling supports half-year gains

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Emira Property Fund (JSE: EMI) reported a stable set of results for the six months ended 30 September 2025 reflecting consistent strategic execution and disciplined capital allocation toward higher-yielding, value-accretive opportunities.

 Emira declared a cash-backed final dividend of 64.40cps, 3.2% higher than the prior half year. Its net asset value per share increased 1.4% over the six-month period that saw the company make measurable progress on each of its key objectives and deliver improved operational metrics. The half-year results indicate that Emira continues delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.

James Day, CEO of Emira Property Fund, credits the positive results to the steady outperformance of Emira’s South African assets, supported by a stable and gradually improving environment, driven by steady interest rates, reduced load shedding and moderate inflation. Additionally, its US portfolio remains robust, and Emira’s strong entry into the Polish real estate market is yielding returns.

Emira is a South African Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with a diversified portfolio across sectors and geographies. In South Africa, it holds direct commercial – retail, industrial, office – and residential property portfolios. It also recently acquired stake in listed REIT SA Corporate Real Estate. Internationally, Emira invests indirectly through equity interests alongside specialist co-investors. In the US, it holds influential stakes, ranging between 45% and 49%, in 10 dominant, grocery-anchored centres with US-based partner The Rainier Group. In Poland, Emira has a 45% equity stake in DL Invest, a Luxembourg-headquartered developer and long-term investor in industrial and logistics centres, mixed-use offices, and retail parks located across Poland.

“Our diversified portfolio of direct and indirect property investments supports resilient returns across market cycles. Emira continues to be well-capitalised with a prudently managed financial position, and our capital recycling strategy continues to strengthen the balance sheet,” says Day.

Interest cover improved to 2.7 times and the loan-to-value ratio improved to 35.6% from 36.3% over the six months. In October 2025, GCR reaffirmed Emira’s long-term and short-term credit ratings of A(ZA) and A1(ZA) respectively, with a stable outlook, reflecting a diversified funder base and trusted funding relationships.

Improved South African portfolio metrics

 Emira’s South African direct property portfolio comprises 56 properties, valued at R9.3bn. The portfolio’s fair market value, adjusted for disposals, increased 1.2%. The commercial portfolio of 41 assets is balanced across urban retail (50%), office (23%) and industrial (14%), driven by improved performance metrics across all sectors. The residential portfolio (13%) comprises 2,203 units across 15 properties owned by Transcend Residential Property Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on quality, value-oriented suburban rental units.

“Commercial portfolio valuations were positively influenced by improved sentiment in the South African market and more resilient underlying fundamentals,” notes Day.

 Commercial vacancies decreased to 3.8% from 6.4% over the six months mainly due to a single industrial tenant reoccupying its space. Vacancies in all sectors were well below national sector benchmarks, signalling sustained tenant demand for Emira’s properties and effective leasing strategies. Office vacancies in the primarily P- and A-grade portfolio continued showing improvement, closing at 8.0%, down from 8.4%. Retail vacancies remained low, although slightly up at 4.8% from 4.2%, while in the high-demand industrial portfolio, vacancies reduced to 0.4% from 7.9%. Weighted average rental reversions improved in all sectors and rose into positive territory, up by 0.6%, in the retail portfolio.

Residential portfolio occupancies were higher at 98.3%, excluding units for sale, ahead of the Rode national average of 94.4%, with solid underlying demand supporting performance and contributing to consistent, modest rental growth.

Growth-backed capital recycling

 Emira’s capital recycling strategy includes selectively divesting non-core or mature assets, which creates liquidity to invest in high-yielding, value-accretive opportunities. During the six months, Emira disposed of a non-core industrial property and 1,144 residential units for total proceeds of R746.3m. A further R405.7m of properties were under sale agreements when the period closed.

Emira allocated R33.4m to targeted upgrades in its commercial portfolio and R10m in the residential portfolio. “These investments protect and prolong asset value, maintaining quality standards, occupancy appeal and compliance,” notes Day.

Deploying liquidity achieved through its disposal programme, through on-market transactions Emira acquired a 6.4% equity interest in SA Corporate during the period for R497.1m, which at 30 September 2025 was valued at R523.7m based on the share’s closing spot rate.

Emira’s equity stake in SA Corporate contributed R13.0m to the period’s distributable income.

“The SA Corporate investment aligns with Emira’s strategy of investing in quality, undervalued assets. It’s well diversified and defensive property portfolio, anchored on resilient retail and residential assets, offers strong fundamentals and reliable cash flows,” comments Day. Emira has since invested a further R187.9m in SA Corporate, taking its total equity interest to 8.7%.

International strategy reinforced by performance in the US and Poland

 International investments are 37% of Emira’s portfolio, by value, with 14% in the US and 23% in Poland.

Emira’s US portfolio opened the period with 11 assets of R2.7bn (USD145.4m). After the successful sale of University Town Centre following an approach by a co-investor, creating the opportunity to unlock liquidity at a small premium to book value, the US portfolio closed the period with 10 investments totalling R2.2bn (USD129.6m). Two properties, Moore Plaza and Dawson Marketplace, are under contracts for sale. The US portfolio held its value, which is expected to remain steady for the full year.

The US investments continued to perform well supported by sound property fundamentals and a high-quality tenant base. Strong leasing activity and consistent tenant demand improved vacancy levels to 2.8% from 4.6%. New leases were signed at an average lease duration of 7.0 years, extending the portfolio’s weighted average lease expiry to 4.6 years from 4.2 years. Rental reversions remained slightly positive at 0.4%.

Emira’s US equity investments contributed R89.8m to its half-year distributable income.

In August 2024, Emira began its investment in DL Invest and it held its full 45% stake in DL Invest for the entire period. “We’re encouraged by DL Invest’s performance since our investment, especially its strong execution of strategy. Emira’s investment has laid a solid foundation for the strategic, long-term collaborative partnership with DL Invest, which also positions Emira to access potential future opportunities in Poland,” Day notes.

DL invest has established a strong position in the Polish market through its integrated business model, diversified portfolio and consistent financial performance. Its portfolio of 39 income-generating properties was valued at EUR687.5m at 30 September 2025. The portfolio comprises 67% industrial and logistics, 22% mixed-use/office and 11% retail parks. It maintained a total vacancy of 3.0% and a stable weighted average lease expiry of 5.2 years. DL Invest’s land and properties under development had a combined carrying value of EUR189.8m, providing a growth pipeline. During the period, DL Group successfully listed EUR350m Eurobond on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, following a successful issuance oversubscribed by institutional investors.

Emira earned EUR3.62 million (R74.9m at the average EUR/ZAR exchange rate) from DL Invest for the period, which was added to distributable income.

Long-term value from strategic capital deployment

“We will continue to direct recycled capital towards meaningful, value-accretive opportunities to grow value for all shareholders,” concludes Day.