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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.

Hyprop Foundation Launches Charity

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 Hyprop Foundation Launches Charity Drive Honouring Nicole Greenstone’s Life, Supporting Animal Welfare

Initiative Aims to Celebrate Nicole’s Legacy through Community Action and Compassion for Animals.

The Hyprop Foundation’s Warm Woodrock charity drive is currently underway, calling on the public to support animal welfare in loving memory of Nicole Greenstone. Nicole, a cherished colleague and friend, passed away in August 2024. She is remembered not only for her professionalism and warmth but for her profound compassion for animals, which has shaped her life.

This initiative, established by the Hyprop Foundation, was created to keep Nicole’s legacy alive by supporting animal shelters that reflect her values. With this in mind the foundation’s Warm Woodrock project will support Woodrock Animal Rescue, a Gauteng-based shelter known for its hands-on approach to animal care, rehabilitation, and rehoming.

Running until the end of August, the drive invites the public to donate blankets, pet food and essential supplies for dogs, and cats. Branded collection bins are located at five Hyprop shopping centres: Hyde Park Corner, Clearwater Mall, Woodlands Shopping Centre, The Glen Shopping Centre, and Rosebank Mall.

“Our goal is simple,” says Leonie Prinsloo from the Hyprop Foundation. “We honour Nicole by championing a cause she held close to her heart, giving vulnerable animals a second chance at life. Nicole’s compassion was a beacon of hope for both people and pets. By participating in this initiative, you can turn her legacy of kindness into real, life-saving action.”

Each centre is also hosting a live caricature artist on select weekends. Visitors who drop off donations receive a free, personalised sketch of themselves and their pet, a small thank you for helping make a difference. Upcoming caricature artist appearances include 16 August at Clearwater Mall and 23 August at The Glen Shopping Centre.

“Nicole poured her heart into helping those who needed it most, especially animals with no voice of their own, adds Prinsloo. “By supporting Warm Woodrock, you honour Nicole’s legacy and give hope and a future to animals in desperate need. Help us give animals the love and care Nicole gave so freely. Your support truly makes a difference.”

Woodrock Animal Rescue, established in 1992, is one of South Africa’s oldest independent pro-life animal shelters. It is home to hundreds of rescued animals and relies entirely on public support to operate. The partnership with the Hyprop Foundation brings much-needed supplies, awareness, and funding to its mission.

Donation guidelines and a QR code linking directly to Woodrock’s website are available at each collection point, offering digital options for those unable to donate items in person.

The Hyprop Foundation, Hyprop Investments’ Corporate Social Investment arm, is committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities surrounding its shopping centres. The Hyprop Foundation focuses on education and skills development, community upliftment, and enterprise development, and strongly believes in building a better future by investing in people, places, and the planet. Warm Woodrock is a testament to the Hyprop Foundation’s commitment to making a real difference. Partnering with Woodrock Animal Rescue brings its value of compassion and community to life.

Join us in honouring Nicole’s legacy and making a real difference for animals in need. Visit any participating Hyprop retail centre or scan the QR code at donation bins to find out how you can support Warm Woodrock.

Growthpoint x Fuel Switch

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Growthpoint x Fuel Switch: a new benchmark in the global green economy that opens REC markets for SA Inc

 Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) is giving a massive boost to Africa’s first open blockchain-enabled Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) exchange, Fuel Switch, while unlocking certified clean energy trading for tenants when its e-co2 green energy initiative goes live on October 2025.

Wheeled green energy is available for daily business in South Africa from October

Growthpoint’s e-co₂ will deliver its first green electrons to 10 Sandton office buildings in October, with hydropower wheeled over the national grid from the Boston Hydroelectric Plant, newly developed in the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme in partnership with Serengeti Energy. The e-co2 roll-out puts Growthpoint well ahead in bringing certified renewable energy into daily business use. e-co2 wheeled green electricity is cost competitive for Growthpoint tenants and has a zero-carbon footprint, so they can save money and advance their sustainability goals.

Growthpoint has a long-standing track record in sustainable property innovation. For e-co2, the company signed a 195GWh Power Purchase Agreement with Etana Energy in 2023, securing a mix of hydro, wind and solar power. This energy underpins Growthpoint’s pioneering e-co₂ solution, which delivers wheeled renewable electricity directly to commercial buildings and their tenants.

But the real breakthrough lies in how this energy is certified, tracked and monetised for Growthpoint’s tenants. To deliver this capability as part of a growing suite of high-impact business-enabling tenant benefits, Growthpoint partnered with Fuel Switch, a blockchain-based energy tech platform and recent winner of the Agence Française de Développement’s Digital Energy Challenge.

Partnering for innovative green energy certification

Fuel Switch’s platform certifies the electricity as green using IoT, blockchain and AI, providing independent third-party verification in an innovative manner. Once certified, the green energy benefit is recorded on a digital certificate.

Each REC confirms that one megawatt-hour of renewable energy has been generated and supplied to the national grid. The RECs are stored on the blockchain as a digital asset. Each is time-stamped and linked to a renewable energy source.

Think of it like this: when a solar panel generates electricity, it creates two things – actual power, and a certificate that says, “this power came from a clean, renewable source”.

Certified green energy: a valuable new currency for business

 Corporates have come under increasing pressure to meet net-zero and ESG commitments. On top of this, sustainability reporting is increasingly carrying the same weight and scrutiny as financial reporting.

RECs can be redeemed for certified reduction of Scope 2 Carbon emissions. Fuel Switch integrates directly with South Africa’s national REC registry, zaRECs, as well as the global I-REC standard governed by the I-TRACK Foundation. Its blockchain platform provides an immutable record for each REC from issuance to retirement, which ensures auditability aligned with global ESG standards.

What’s more, with South Africa’s constrained economic growth, businesses are under immense pressure to grow and find new revenue streams. RECs can be monetised by selling them on the voluntary REC market where rights to green electricity are sought after.

Large companies — Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta — are a driving a surging demand for RECS as they seek to reach 100% renewable electricity for their operations.

Until now, Africa’s participation in the voluntary RECs market has been limited. High costs, slow manual processes and opaque trading made it accessible to only the largest-scale projects.

That changes in October 2025.

When e-co2 goes live, Fuel Switch will enable Growthpoint tenants of all sizes to access this new market.

 Green energy trading made simple for Growthpoint tenants

What makes this collaboration unique is the functionality pioneered and developed by the partnership, which integrates Fuel Switch directly into Growthpoint’s property portfolio, green energy data and IT systems. The innovation lies in blockchain smart contracts that use IoT devices and business logic to bring all stakeholders together with a digital handshake.

As e-co2 rolls out from October, participating tenants in select Growthpoint buildings will have their smart electricity meter consumption data automatically sent for verification, and the corresponding RECs will be issued directly into secure digital wallets. These wallets are free for Growthpoint tenants and accessed through the Fuel Switch Exchange platform, allowing tenants to access, manage and deploy their RECs based on business needs. They can redeem them to lower emissions or sell them for additional revenue.

This makes Growthpoint the first to offer a commercial-scale, wheeled renewable electricity solution where renewable energy use is certified at the building level and the benefits are made available to tenants in a verified, auditable format.

Fuel Switch’s elegant innovation behind the scenes

Fuel Switch explains that an elegant system of automated actions executes predetermined smart contract rules embedded a secure blockchain data base. The result? Green energy that is independently certified with the highest level of trust and transparency and direct access to an evolving trading market that is usually inaccessible to all but the biggest players due to high participation costs.

With Fuel Switch, transactions that previously took weeks can now settle virtually instantly. Its smart contract technology is a much more cost-effective way to transact leading to marginal fees. Its infrastructure is capable of handling over 10,000 transactions per second, and it is already trusted by major corporates in South Africa.

Democratising the green economy

Werner van Antwerpen, Growthpoint’s Head: Corporate Advisory, says the platform opens new doors, “It is a game-changer for how businesses can participate in clean energy markets and carbon reduction reporting. By combining our e-co2 wheeled green electricity property portfolio with Fuel Switch’s blockchain technology, we’re opening the green energy market to businesses of all sizes, creating measurable environmental impact and generating real financial value.”

 Gideon Maasz, COO of Fuel Switch, adds: “Our mission is to make participation in the green economy easier, quicker, more cost effect and more transparent. Our partnership with Growthpoint accelerates this goal. With blockchain as the backbone, every REC is verifiable, tradeable, and audit-ready, fully aligned with evolving IFRS sustainability reporting standards.”

 While both e-co2 and the Fuel Switch integration support Growthpoint’s long-term environmental goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its portfolio by 2050, the implications are much, much bigger. These solutions are built around Growthpoint’s tenants — thousands of businesses, big and small, in all sectors of South Africa’s economy.

More than that, understanding that a vibrant and healthy green energy market is crucial for energy security and job creation, the development Fuel Switch has undertaken with Growthpoint will expand the green economy for others too. As an open platform, Fuel Switch can be used by any business or individual, globally.

Spear REIT’s Acquisition of Maynard Mall

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Spear REIT Expands Western Cape Retail Footprint with Acquisition of Maynard Mall

Spear REIT Limited (JSE: SEA), South Africa’s only regionally focused REIT, has announced the acquisition of Maynard Mall, a 25,969m² convenience shopping centre located in Wynberg, Cape Town. The R455 million transaction further reinforces Spear’s hyper-local investment strategy, targeting high-growth nodes across the Western Cape.

The acquisition aligns with Spear’s objective to grow its portfolio of well-located, high-quality convenience retail assets within the Western Cape. Maynard Mall, centrally located in Wynberg, Cape Town, is a convenience-orientated community shopping centre anchored by Shoprite, with a strong tenant mix comprising 70% national retailers — including Ackermans, Absa Bank, Clicks, Capitec Bank, KFC, Hungry Lion, Nedbank, Pep, Sportscene, and Zone Fitness — as well as essential services such as the Department of Home Affairs and local traders. The centre caters to both daily and weekly shopping needs, drawing from a broad residential catchment area and the commuter market, with an annualised footfall of 6 million shoppers.

“This acquisition is a pivotal extension of our retail footprint in Cape Town’s established Wynberg node,” said Quintin Rossi, CEO of Spear REIT. “It deepens our exposure to resilient consumer retail trade and enhances our income stability profile, supported by a weighted average lease expiry of 57 months.”

The anticipated transfer date is 1 January 2026, with the acquisition being funded through a combination of cash from Spear’s recent R 749 million capital raise and secured debt facilities. The transaction is set to deliver an initial yield of 9.55%, with an additional R20 million earmarked for medium-term capital expenditure. Spear has identified asset enhancement capital expenditure measures of up to R 20 million to be carried out over a three to five-year period to enhance the value proposition of Maynard Mall. These items include the potential increase in the self-storage offering, future expansion of the PV solar installation, modernisation of selected lifts, escalators, HVAC equipment and mechanical installations. Assuming the full asset enhancement capital expenditure is accounted for on the transfer date, the post capex, stabilised yield would be 9.15% – 9.3%.

“Spear has actively pursued growth opportunities in Cape Town’s convenience retail sector — on terms that aligned with its strategic and financial criteria; requiring management to remain patient, selective, and firmly committed to its investment strategy,” Rossi continued. “Today’s announcement gives credence to our approach.”

The transaction is subject to the approval by the Competition Commission. Once implemented, Spear’s retail portfolio will increase to approximately R1.4 billion in value, comprising 81,205m² in gross lettable area.

In addition to Maynard Mall, Spear recently announced the acquisition of Consani Industrial Park for R437 million. Following the implementation of both transactions, Spear’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is projected to be 28%, well below the company’s target range of 38%–43%, providing sufficient capacity for future growth opportunities.

These recent transactions follow the successful integration of Spear’s R1.15 billion Western Cape portfolio acquisition in October 2024, which expanded the group’s asset base to R5.5 billion and delivered 97% occupancy at FY2025 year-end. Following the implementation of the Maynard Mall and Consani Industrial Park acquisitions, Spear’s total asset base is expected to increase to R6.6 billion. Notably, Maynard Mall also includes a 924 kWp solar plant, supporting Spear’s sustainability strategy by contributing to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

“Building on our strong FY2025 performance and positive momentum into FY2026, we remain focused on executing our Western Cape strategy — targeting high quality assets in established nodes underpinned by robust leasing and real estate fundamentals,” concluded Rossi.

Spear will continue to focus on measured growth across the Western Cape, with a focus on retail, commercial, and industrial assets that align with its long-term investment strategy.

Spear Strengthens Industrial Portfolio with Key Acquisition

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Spear REIT Limited (JSE: SEA), South Africa’s only regionally focused Real Estate Investment Trust, has announced via SENS the acquisition of Consani Industrial Park, located in the established industrial hub of Elsie’s River Industria, Western Cape. The acquisition, valued at R437.3 million, marks another significant step in Spear’s ongoing expansion of its Western Cape industrial property portfolio.

Quintin Rossi, CEO of Spear, highlighted that the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to build a resilient and high-growth portfolio of industrial assets within the Western Cape, a region that continues to demonstrate strong economic fundamentals. “The Western Cape is the essence of our long-term growth strategy. We remain highly selective in our acquisitions, and Consani Industrial Park offers a prime location with a proven track record of stability and future growth potential. This asset adds meaningful scale, long-dated income profiles and quality to our portfolio and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the industrial sector.”

Consani Industrial Park, situated on a 10.64-hectare erf, comprises a total gross lettable area (GLA) of 80,657 m² and is multi-let to a diverse range of industrial tenants, underpinned by long-term lease tenures. The property is strategically situated within a secure and established industrial precinct that continues to attract large-format occupiers, due to its proximity to key transport routes, reliable energy infrastructure, and organic growth potential.

The transaction supports Spear’s broader strategy of acquiring income-producing assets in proven nodes, offering both yield enhancement and long-term value creation. The acquisition was concluded at an initial yield of 9.71%, with additional value to be unlocked through a planned R34 million capital investment program over the next five years, focused on operational optimisation and strategic enhancements.

According to Rossi, Spear’s regional focus has been instrumental in identifying and executing this strategic acquisition. “We have a hands-on, laser-focused team dedicated to driving our growth strategy. Our approach is to be patient and selective when choosing assets that align with our investment objectives. We are committed to ensuring that each acquisition is the right fit, delivering long-term sustainable income and value for our shareholders.”

The acquisition will be funded through a combination of debt facilities and available cash reserves, following Spear’s successful private placement, which was concluded in June 2025.

The addition of Consani Industrial Park further reinforces Spear’s strategic footprint in the Western Cape, a region characterised by robust demand, positive economic drivers and resilient real estate fundamentals.

“Spear remains committed to building a defensive portfolio that delivers both stability and future growth. Through measured expansion and active asset management, with a focus on retail, commercial, and industrial assets that align with our long-term investment criteria, we aim to create sustainable value. With the forthcoming addition of Berg River Business Park in Paarl and Consani Industrial Park in Elsies River Industria, both subject to competition commission approvals, we are confident that Spear’s continued investments across the Western Cape will deliver strong returns for our shareholders,” concluded Rossi.

Meet Emira’s New CEO: James Day

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Following the announcement of his appointment in May, James Day has formally assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Emira Property Fund (JSE: EMI), one of South Africa’s most established diversified real estate investment trusts (REITs). Day has served as a non-executive director of Emira since October 2023 and now moves into executive leadership with first-hand knowledge of the business’s strengths, priorities and market position.

“Emira is a business with strong fundamentals, a clear strategy and a highly capable incumbent executive team. It is positioned for continued, sustainable value creation,” says Day.

Day joins Emira’s leadership team alongside long-serving executives Ulana van Biljon, Chief Operating Officer, and Greg Booyens, Chief Financial Officer.

A Chartered Accountant with a strong foundation in finance and real assets, Day brings extensive local and international experience to the role. As a CA(SA), his career began in audit and finance with BDO/Grant Thornton in South Africa and the United States, and went on to include roles at Brookfield Asset Management and Elanor Investors Group in Australia.

Cape Town-born and bred, he returned to South Africa to work in the property sector, including as CFO of Botswanan-listed RDC Properties, which secured the successful takeover of Tower Property Fund during his tenure. Most recently, he served as Financial Director at Castleview Property Fund.

Outside the boardroom, Day enjoys the outdoors, travelling and long-distance running.

With an agile mindset and a focus on outcomes, Day brings a practical, adaptable and long-term approach to his new role. A systems thinker, he values foresight and risk mitigation, and works to cut through complexity and unlock performance efficiently and enduringly.

“What excites me about Emira is the strength of the team, the quality of the platform and the opportunity to keep delivering value by doing the foundational things right and sharpening our strategic edge where it matters most,” says Day. “Emira’s strategy remains consistent: keeping our capital productive through diligent asset management, disciplined capital recycling and continued value-accretive investment with the goal of meaningful stakeholder value creation.”