MAKING AN IMPACT

A benchmark for excellence

From the vineyards of Stellenbosch to the spotlight in London, Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate has been honoured among the world’s leading property developments.

At the International Property Awards gala on 17 January, Harold Spies, CEO of Similan Group, accepted multiple awards on behalf of Newinbosch, including Best Sustainable Development in the World, Best Sustainable Development in Africa and Best Mixed Use Development in Africa. These accolades build on Newinbosch’s double 5-Star South African success at last year’s IPA Awards and reaffirm its position as one of Africa’s foremost sustainable neighbourhoods.

Sustainability here is embedded at every level of planning, design and delivery, from housing diversity and walkability to renewable energy systems and integrated food production.

Working closely with Green Building Council South Africa and Ecolution Consulting, the team has ensured rigorous third-party certification. As Spies noted: “Our focus was never on recognition. It was about delivering real benefits.” With Africa’s first 6-Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts certification and a renewable microgrid already in operation, Newinbosch is setting new benchmarks for resilient, people-centred living. www.newinbosch.co.za

Mastering the smart city

Waterfall City in Midrand has once again been recognised on the global stage, winning the Best Masterplan Africa 2025–2026 award at the International Property Awards ceremony (the world’s largest property awards programme) held at London’s Savoy Hotel.

Introduced in 2024 for large-scale developments exceeding 20 000m², the Masterplan category requires projects to integrate at least five uses, such as residential, retail, commercial, leisure and public service. Waterfall City’s urban framework impressed judges with its blend of sustainability, innovation and people-focused design.

CEO of Waterfall City Management Company Willie Vos said, “Being named Best Masterplan Africa 2025–2026 speaks to our commitment to creating a place where people love to be. [I am] proud of the excellent work that numerous teams involved in Waterfall City are delivering, and … of flying South Africa’s flag on the world stage.” www.waterfallcity.co.za; www.propertyawards.net

GBCSA Academy

GBCSA Academy provides impactful training through its flagship programmes – Green Star, EDGE and Net Zero – empowering professionals to drive sustainability. Start the year strong by securing your place in upcoming training sessions:

• Green Star New Builds V2: 09-13 February, 09h00-15h00 (Zoom)
• Green Star Existing Building Performance V1: Thursday, 12 February, 09h00-15h00 (Zoom)
• Green Star New Builds V2: 23-27 February, 09h00-15h00 (Zoom)
• Net Zero Accredited Performance V1: Thursday, 5 March, 09h00-15h00 (Zoom)
• EDGE Expert online webinar V3: Thursday, 19 March 2026 (Zoom)
• EDGE Auditor online webinar: Thursday, 26 March 2026 (Zoom)
• Shades of Green online webinar: Tuesday 31 March, 09h00-15h00 (Zoom)

www.gbcsa.org.za/academy/; www.gbcsa.org.za/contact

Young talent on the move

The National Business Initiative (NBI) recently celebrated more than 160 learners graduating from its Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) Initiative – a big step forward for South Africa’s artisan and green skills economy. Graduations at TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges brought together learners, educators, employers and local government in a shared celebration of skills, progress and opportunity.

The IRM programme combines classroom training with workplace learning, giving graduates the hands-on experience they need to find jobs, start businesses or grow careers in essential infrastructure fields. These graduations were delivered as a result of NBI’s strong partnerships with Absa, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the European Union (EU), House of Encouragement, Momentum and SAPPI.

Adding to the excitement, 100 young people with electrical qualifications were certified under the Solar PV Green Card Programme. This means they’re now officially recognised as solar installers, ready to join South Africa’s fast-growing renewable energy workforce. This achievement has been enabled through a partnership between Absa, the NBI and the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).
NBI’s Head of Economic Inclusion Gugu McLaren Ushewokunze says, “What we are seeing through these graduations is the strengthening of South Africa’s skills pipeline in action… when skills development is done with intention, it becomes a powerful engine for inclusive growth.” www.nbi.org.za

Building water security

After years of battling load shedding, South Africa’s focus has shifted to water security, with President Cyril Ramaphosa warning that it poses “a similar if not greater threat” to the country’s future. National water reliability sits at just 68%, while climate change, ageing infrastructure and high levels of non-revenue water add to the strain. Experts warn that by 2030, South Africa could face a 17% water deficit.

But there’s hope. Just as households and businesses embraced solar power, many are now adopting water wise practices. Rainwater harvesting tanks, private treatment systems, smart leak detection and data-driven management are gaining traction. Solar installations rose by double digits over the past few years, with private capacity expanding to 7GW.

The same momentum can tackle water challenges, says Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem – WSS (AMETI). “There is growing uptake of water resilience among private households, schools, businesses and public services. Many individual efforts can combine into a national trend that really gets meaningful results.” As World Water Day approaches on 22 March, water security stands out as both a national priority and a global concern. www.xylem.com

Branches go green

Nedbank has taken a bold step in cutting carbon emissions by partnering with Growthpoint Properties to use renewable energy certificates (RECs) across 26 branches nationwide.

The initiative, a first of its kind in South Africa, helps tenants in leased buildings offset Scope 2 emissions, which stem from purchased electricity. Branches from KwaZulu-Natal’s La Lucia Mall to Gauteng’s Woodmead Retail Park will now benefit from certified clean solar power generated at Growthpoint’s properties.

Charl de Kock, Nedbank Executive Head of Group Business Services, says, “Access to RECs through Growthpoint gives us an immediate, auditable way to reduce Scope 2 emissions. This removes a big barrier and supports our long-term climate goals.”

Growthpoint’s Head of Corporate Advisory Werner van Antwerpen adds: “Transparent carbon emission offsets are urgently needed, particularly for businesses in leased spaces. Growthpoint is proud to support our tenants in decarbonising their operations.” The collaboration sets a new benchmark for corporate sustainability, paving the way for wider adoption of RECs and strengthening South Africa’s green economy. group.nedbank.co.za; growthpoint.co.za