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Catchwords is born out of one of the original real estate and retail property marketing and communication agencies in South Africa. We think strategically, stand for simplicity and work with agility.
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Now is the time for the property sector to re-think risk
The construction industry is a powerhouse, reshaping skylines and revitalising communities. But beneath the scaffolding, a growing threat is emerging. 24 Oct 2024 Read more

Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust launches national Future at Work Initiative
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is thrilled to announce the launch of its Future at Work Initiative, a dynamic programme designed to bridge the gap between education and the workplace by providing undergraduates with real-world corporate experience. 18 Oct 2024 Read more

Premium industrial assets hit the market in Cape Town
Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL Capital Markets offers the market two adjacent logistics assets in the prized location of Brackengate Business Park 8 Oct 2024 Read more

Emira’s biodiversity project creates a brighter future for Gauteng, sustaining nature’s workforce
Gauteng features more sweet-scented and bright yellow flowers this year, heralding the end of winter and welcoming the start of spring. 17 Sep 2024 Read more

Property investments will be more attractive once interest rate cuts start to roll
From September this year, several central banks globally are expected to deliver their first interest rate cut in many years. US Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell, was the latest to offer his blessing for the start of interest rate cuts, recently telling an audience of economists and policymakers that “the time has come for policy to adjust”. 11 Sep 2024 Read more

Inclusive leadership in real estate: A pathway to better cities
As August comes to an end and the conversations surrounding Women's Month transition to those about heritage, the pressing question remains: How do we maintain the momentum of gender inclusivity, ensure the sustainability of our achievements, and continue to build a South Africa that genuinely mirrors our country’s rich diversity? 29 Aug 2024 Read more

Lango concludes c.US$200m Africa real estate acquisition from Hyprop and Attacq
In one of the largest real estate transactions in Africa over the past year, Lango Real Estate Limited has agreed to acquire the Africa (ex-South Africa) retail real estate portfolio ultimately owned by JSE-listed REITs Hyprop Investments Limited and Attacq Limited. 13 Aug 2024 Read more

In a first for South Africa, Growthpoint gears up for certified renewable energy rollout to offices
Pioneering a greener future for South Africa, Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT), the country’s leading real estate investment trust (REIT), is set to transform the commercial real estate landscape by introducing a clean, green energy benefit scheme called e-CO2 at 10 of its properties in Sandton, Johannesburg. This significant milestone is the next step in the rollout of its innovative renewable energy transition – a first for South Africa. 7 Aug 2024 Read more

Milestone as Growthpoint boosts Clur index
South Africa’s largest primary JSE-listed real estate investment trust (REIT), Growthpoint Properties, has added its substantial portfolio of retail properties to the Clur Collective asset management support platform and integral shopping centre index. By sharing its significant data set, Growthpoint is supporting the retail property sector to create better shopping centre experiences for consumers and retailers alike, while simultaneously enhancing its own innovative and sustainable property solutions. 1 Aug 2024 Read more

Growthpoint begins construction on CT green office refit for Ninety One
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has commenced construction on a green office refurbishment of its 36 Hans Strijdom Building, the Cape Town headquarters of Ninety One (JSE: NY1), in a move that reinforces both companies’ commitment to the Cape Town CBD and to sustainability. 26 Jul 2024 Read more

From startup to key industry player in five years: Internal Developer's (ID) rise in workplace design and build
In the business of workplaces, where innovation meets functionality, Internal Developers (ID) has emerged as a formidable force. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this dynamic turnkey, Design + Build firm has charted an extraordinary journey from a fledgling startup to a key industry player in five short years. With a portfolio of high-profile projects for global giants and local leaders alike, ID's rise is a testament to resilience, creative ingenuity and diligent delivery. As it marks this milestone, ID continues to redefine the standards of workplace design-and-build. 22 Jul 2024 Read more

The power of lease audits: savings, compliance, strategic delivery, and more
The lease stands as the cornerstone of occupier-landlord relationships in commercial real estate. Yet beneath the surface of these meticulously drafted documents lies a complex web of financial obligations and legal stipulations that can easily become tangled. The more leases an organisation has, the higher the risk of costly trip-ups. 5 Jul 2024 Read more

MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index 2023
The MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index for 2023 continued to support the investment case for sustainable, resource-efficient real estate. Released annually since 2016, in conjunction with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and sponsored by Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT), the index provides an independent, globally consistent view on the investment performance of green-certified and non-certified offices. 4 Jul 2024 Read more

Enhanced portfolio performance boosts Dipula’s first half
Dipula Income Fund (JSE: DIB) delivered a healthy set of results for the six months to 29 February 2024, reporting improved operational and financial metrics, as well as strategic gains in a period that marked the first phase of its new solar photovoltaic initiative roll-out. 3 Jul 2024 Read more

admyt accelerates parking innovation in Cape Town
admyt, a pioneer in digital parking solutions, proudly announces its expansion into office and mixed-use properties across Cape Town in collaboration with Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT). This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in admyt's journey towards a ticketless future and reaffirms both firms’ dedication to reshaping parking experiences for tenants and users. 11 Jun 2024 Read more

Emira announces strong operational results and good strategic progress backed by active capital recycling
Emira Property Fund (JSE: EMI) reported strong operational results, strategic delivery, and capacity-enhancing active capital recycling for its financial year ended 31 March 2024. It declared a full year dividend per share of 117.02c. Its net asset value per share increased by 2.2% to 1,733.10 cps over the twelve months. 3 Jun 2024 Read more

Workplaces that adapt to an evolving workforce are key to attracting next-generation talent
Optimising office environments for multi-generational teams has been a part of workplace dynamics for decades. Yet the rise of Generation Z in the workplace has increased the importance of accommodating different values and work styles as this radically different generation becomes more active in the global economy. Getting this right will be the differentiator for companies looking to attract and retain top talent in future. 3 Jun 2024 Read more

Johannesburg: data centre hub for big operators in South Africa
Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL says operators seek sites to the north and east of Johannesburg, in well-located nodes with power supply, while in the smaller Cape Town market data centres are expanding, and there’s growing interest in Nigeria and Kenya. 8 May 2024 Read more

Growthpoint student accommodation REIT thrives, adding R1.5bn of assets in 2 years
Two years since launching, Growthpoint Student Accommodation REIT has introduced R1.5bn in new investment to this alternative property sector, added 4,000 new beds for students and created a strong pipeline of future developments. Its demonstrated execution has expanded its portfolio value to approximately R3.5bn, representing 12 residences with 9,000 beds in three South African cities – Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. With two new developments in the ground, it expects to increase its beds to 10,400 for the 2025 academic year. 30 Apr 2024 Read more

A rallying cry from the South African real estate sector
In the eye of a storm, the South African commercial real estate sector has proven to be a linchpin of our nation's economic and societal fabric. Its pulse is the pulse of South Africa. 19 Apr 2024 Read more

Parkdene Boulevard redevelopment bolsters growth of Boksburg node
Construction has commenced on the redevelopment of Parkdene Boulevard, a retail centre in the burgeoning suburb of Parkdene in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. It is set to open in October 2024. The 32,000sqm centre is being upgraded by Abland Property Developers and Retail Africa, which are both known for their innovative development approach, and is a collaboration with partners Nedbank CIB and the Ellerine Group. 12 Apr 2024 Read more

Growthpoint Healthcare adds Johannesburg Eye Hospital to its portfolio
Growthpoint Healthcare REIT has successfully completed the R106.4m acquisition of the Johannesburg Eye Hospital in Northcliff, which has transferred to become the ninth asset and the second specialist healthcare facility in its portfolio. 5 Apr 2024 Read more

Emira boosts its liquidity with R1.1bn Cape Town property portfolio sale
Emira Property Fund (JSE: EMI) has agreed to sell basically all its wholly owned Cape Town properties in a sizeable R1.1bn transaction, which will create significant and immediate liquidity for Emira to pursue its strategy. 4 Apr 2024 Read more

SAMRRA unlocks data for investment into the multifamily residential property asset class
Multifamily residential rental property is set to become a mainstay of the South African intuitional investment landscape, driven by the consistent performance of this real estate asset class, its low volatility, and its foreseeable returns. This is according to the first research of its kind into residential property investment and fundamental performance in South Africa and globally. 3 Apr 2024 Read more

Development of Cape Town’s The Rubik nears completion
Cape Town's skyline is reaching new heights as The Rubik, a dazzling luxury apartment complex in the heart of the CBD, has reached the peak of its vertical ascent. With 27 levels of premium living and commercial spaces, The Rubik’s modern glass exterior promises residents and businesses unrivalled views of the city – from shimmering ocean to majestic mountain vistas. 25 Mar 2024 Read more

Dipula and REO’s innovative approach to tenant installation
Dipula Income Fund’s (JSE: DIB) new lease with EOH for the Montrose Place at Waterfall Park in Midrand’s Vorna Valley has led to an innovative and high-impact corporate social responsibility project. The entire 4,000sqm building was fitted out by REO, using small contractors who not only completed the entire build project but also tailor-made the furniture in the basement of the building. 12 Mar 2024 Read more

Charting uncharted waters: A quintet of challenges for South Africa's built environment
In an era marked by unprecedented change and complexity, the "Global Risks Report 2024" by the World Economic Forum unfolds a sobering landscape of the next decade. As we navigate through the tumultuous waves of swift technological advances, economic instability, climate change and escalating global conflicts, the fabric of international unity is being tested like never before. 28 Feb 2024 Read more

Growsmart 2024 launches across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape
Growsmart, the nationally acclaimed educational initiative by Growthpoint Properties, has launched its 2024 programme in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. This marks the fifteenth consecutive year of Growsmart's commitment to advancing quality education and enriching the lives of learners in Grades 4 to 6. 28 Feb 2024 Read more

Empowering the future: A young woman's rise to leadership in property at Boxwood
Boxwood Property Fund appoints Sarah Divaris as COO. 16 Feb 2024 Read more

Gigabytes vs GIGO-bytes: The recipe for data quality in 2024 and beyond
This is an article about cake. Cake made from the finest ingredients, baked using the best recipe, and so beautifully presented that, from a single glance, you just know it will make your day. Because whose day is not improved by good cake? 14 Feb 2024 Read more

Growthpoint Properties issues R1bn 10-year bond
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has issued a R1bn senior unsecured bond with a 10-year maturity. The offering came after strong investor interest in long-term Growthpoint debt, which the sole arranger, Standard Bank, successfully executed as a private placement of R1bn. 12 Feb 2024 Read more

Source: Supplied. Estienne de Klerk, SA chief executive officer of Growthpoint Properties.
Growthpoint Properties has entered into a milestone Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Etana Energy for 195GWh of renewable energy a year, representing 32% of its total current annual electricity consumption (612GWhs in FY23). 30 Jan 2024 Read more

Emira concludes the acquisition of Transcend
Emira Property Fund (JSE: EMI) has finalised a scheme of arrangement resulting in Transcend Residential Property Fund becoming wholly owned by Emira. 30 Jan 2024 Read more

Emira plants for the years ahead
Eco-friendly, green and relaxing – trees and plants benefit everyone. They bring more biodiversity to big cities, reduce CO2 emissions, feed people and attract pollinators that are vital for food security and environmental sustainability. 16 Jan 2024 Read more

The first units are snapped up at Growthpoint’s Arterial Industrial Estate development
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has let the first two of six units in phase one of its new Arterial Industrial Estate development in Cape Town to Jotun, one of the world’s leading paints and coatings manufacturers. 20 Dec 2023 Read more

Proparco and 27four support Divercity to expand access to affordable housing in South Africa
Proparco, the French development finance institution, and 27four, a South African investment manager, led R550m investment in Divercity Urban Property Group alongside reinvestment from its existing shareholders. The investment is intended to fund portfolio growth and balance sheet optimisation. 18 Dec 2023 Read more

Iconic Eyethu Theatre revival opens to a warm community welcome
Soweto landmark gets a new lease on life with a Heritage Hall and community shopping centre 30 Nov 2023 Read more

Improved numbers drive Dipula's solid performance
Dipula Income Fund (JSE: DIB) delivered a defensive performance for the year ended 31 August 2023 with increased property values, higher occupancy levels and improved rental renewal growth. 16 Nov 2023 Read more

The critical impact of buildings on ESG goals
Real estate choices have a material impact on achieving ESG goals, particularly climate change reduction, according to leading provider of corporate real estate services in Africa, Cushman & Wakefield |BROLL. 8 Nov 2023 Read more

Atterbury proudly unveils Village Walk in Pretoria East
Village Walk, Atterbury's latest retail development in Pretoria East, has opened to the public after much anticipation. Village Walk connects two of Atterbury's already successful retail precincts in the suburb of Hazelwood: The Village - an eclectic food, drink and leisure hub - on 16th Street and The Club precinct which sits between Hazelwood and Dely Roads. 8 Nov 2023 Read more

Game-changing proptech: Lisa smart leasing platform launches in South Africa
Dutch-based technology platform Lisa BV will launch its smart leasing platform in South Africa after acquiring its core leasing technology platform from Inospace, South Africa's largest last-mile logistics operator. 11 Oct 2023 Read more

80% sold out: The Rubik Cape Town CBD luxury apartments
The luxury apartments of The Rubik in the Cape Town CBD are enjoying brisk sales with an impressive 80% already sold, leaving only a limited number available. The 27-floor building's impressive glazed façade will afford mesmerising views across the city, from ocean to mountain. Its structure has reached full height, and the development is running to schedule for residential occupation from March 2024. 4 Oct 2023 Read more

Strategic upgrades enhance Dipula's retail assets
Dipula Income Fund (JSE: DIB) is strategically refreshing a number of its retail assets to provide modern, accessible appealing shopping experiences for both retailers and customers. Its ambitious plans for advantageous upgrades and capital expenditure in its predominantly retail portfolio are already taking shape. 3 Oct 2023 Read more

Cost, talent and ESG are the primary drivers of corporate real estate decisions in South Africa
Cost, talent and operational excellence are currently the top three drivers of strategic corporate real estate (CRE) decisions globally. This is according to the 2023 What Occupiers Want annual survey compiled by Cushman & Wakefield in partnership with CoreNet Global. In South Africa, however, environmental social and governance (ESG) priorities rank third, after cost and talent, according to Natasha Bruwer, who is managing director of occupier services at Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL and chair of CoreNet Global Sub-Saharan Africa Networking Group. 3 Oct 2023 Read more

API Summit 2023 explores a new horizon for African real estate
The African continent's most influential property gathering, the 14th annual Africa Property Investment (API) Summit, including the API Hospitality and API Proptech forums, will be held live from Johannesburg at the Marriot Hotel, Melrose Arch, on Tuesday, 10, and Wednesday, 11 October 2023. 26 Sep 2023 Read more

Growsmart Western Cape champions for 2023 are announced
And the winners are... Literacy: Delft South Primary School, Cape Town | Mathematics: St Agnes Primary School, Cape Town | Story writing: Helderkruin Primary School, Cape Town. 19 Sep 2023 Read more

Divercity kicks off leasing of Barlow Park's affordably luxury living apartments in Sandton
Divercity Urban Property Group has commenced leasing for its highly anticipated rental apartments at the Barlow Park mixed-use development. 19 Sep 2023 Read more

Emira's strategic selling of The Bolton residential units makes good progress
Emira Property Fund (JSE: EMI) is over the halfway mark in selling the 282 apartments in its groundbreaking office-to-residential conversion, The Bolton in Rosebank, Johannesburg, as it continues its ongoing programme of strategic capital rotation. 19 Sep 2023 Read more

Hotel construction commences to add the final touch to Growthpoint's historic Longkloof precinct
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) is moving ahead with its final improvement to the historic Longkloof precinct in Cape Town - the development of the Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof hotel. 6 Sep 2023 Read more

Woman to woman, we need female mentors
Isn't it funny, even mildly frustrating, how the word mentor starts with men? 30 Aug 2023 Read more

Make offices 'just right' for childfree women (and everyone else) with Goldilocks thinking
Too big, too small, just right! Too hard, too soft, just right! If even that young trespasser and thief Goldilocks understood the importance of things being customised to suit the individual preference, then workspaces can do the same. 27 Aug 2023 Read more

Do we really want more of the same? Now is our chance to change it
Much of our built environment has historically been designed for men, by men. Yes, progression has been made in more recent years and decades, but certain standards and assumptions are entrenched and their effects linger on. 15 Aug 2023 Read more

When office walls are gender barriers
Making office spaces work well for women is vital in ensuring companies are more equitable, and therefore more welcoming for their female staff. However, on a purely pragmatic level it makes perfect business sense too. A 2020 McKinsey report into workplace diversity found that corporations that were more diverse and inclusive were 35% more likely to outperform than their competitors. 8 Aug 2023 Read more

We still live in a made-up man's world where real women don't fit
Reference Man was the mythical standard for humanity in the 1970s, and his influence is still felt in offices and urban environments to this day, ensuring anyone who doesn't fit this mould simply doesn't fit - particularly women. 2 Aug 2023 Read more

Natasha Bruwer is named acting chair of CoreNet Global sub-Saharan African Networking Group
Natasha Bruwer has been appointed acting chair of the CoreNet Global sub-Saharan African Networking Group (SSANG), bringing nearly two decades of hands-on experience in global corporate real estate to the role. 28 Jul 2023 Read more

McDonald's opens highly anticipated drive-thru at La Lucia Mall
La Lucia Mall, the premier shopping destination located in the upmarket suburb of La Lucia, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has an exciting new addition to its dining experience. McDonald's, the global fast-food favourite, has opened its doors, bringing its iconic and mouth-watering menu to La Lucia. 19 Jun 2023 Read more

South Africa's hotspots for hyperscalers
Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL facilitates data centre growth in Africa's emerging markets 16 May 2023 Read more

ID leads the way with exceptional office design for Thebe Investment Corporation
Internal Developers, a division of Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL, has completed the exceptional turnkey office design and fit-out for Thebe Investment Corporation's new head office at Inanda Greens Business Park in Sandton. 24 Apr 2023 Read more

Local and cross-border retail trading shine at Limpopo's Musina Mall
Musina Mall, the dominant shopping centre in Limpopo's heritage-rich town of Musina, is notching up excellent performance and continues to increase its trading metrics, shopper appeal and convenience. 12 Apr 2023 Read more

Cushman and Wakefield | BROLL secures new facility for Edward Snell and Co. with Growthpoint
In a significant industrial property deal, Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL has arranged the development of a new 28,380sqm distribution facility for South Africa's largest independent spirits group, Edward Snell & Co. by South Africa's largest REIT, Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT). 28 Mar 2023 Read more

Ballito Junction to enhance its offering with a major upgrade to cornerstone section
Ballito Junction, the popular regional mall on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast, has announced plans to upgrade the original section of the mall, bringing it in line with the rest of its premier shopping experience and enhancing its offering to the community. 15 Mar 2023 Read more

How long can your business go without grid power?
How long can your business operate without Eskom grid electricity? Two hours? Two days? Two weeks? More importantly, how long should it be able to operate without electricity? This is one of the most important questions businesses in South Africa should be asking right now, advises Jason Griessel, head of Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL Strategic Risk Services. 7 Mar 2023 Read more

Growthpoint's Trade Park Phase 2 to meet growing demand for industrial space in KZN
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has broken ground on Phase 2 of Trade Park, a prime industrial park in the Mount Edgecombe industrial precinct in KwaZulu-Natal, north of Durban. This R180m development is in response to overwhelming demand for, and a genuine scarcity of, quality A-grade warehouse facilities in the region. 6 Mar 2023 Read more

Vaal Mall gets a powerful infrastructure boost
Vaal Mall, the shopping capital of the Vaal Triangle, situated in the heart of Vanderbijlpark, is upgrading its infrastructure to include a solar-first power and backup energy system and a convenient new link road into the mall directly from the R57 Golden highway. 3 Mar 2023 Read more

Growthpoint powers SA business through load shedding
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) is going to great lengths to ensure its buildings and tenants' businesses remain powered up during South Africa's electricity crisis resulting from Eskom's more frequent and longer load shedding outages. 10 Feb 2023 Read more

Fairvest completes renewal of Pretoria office building, 2Twenty Madiba
Fairvest Limited (JSE: FTA & FTB), which is a diversified REIT, has completed an aesthetic refurbishment of the landmark offices at 220 Madiba Street in central Pretoria. The upgrade of this asset secures its future relevance, appeal and competitiveness in an up-and-coming city node. 9 Feb 2023 Read more

Emira's signs major deal with international contact centre at Newlands Terraces in Cape Town
Office occupancies in Cape Town and Durban could well be seeing an upswing - welcome news in markets that have suffered from rising vacancies in the wake of corporate downsizing and restructuring in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 24 Jan 2023 Read more

IFC Partners with Growthpoint Properties Ltd. to support green buildings in South Africa
To promote more sustainable and resource efficient buildings in South Africa, IFC today announced an investment in a green bond issued by Growthpoint Properties Limited that will help the company finance energy and water efficiency improvements in its existing commercial properties. 14 Dec 2022 Read more

Emira is embedding ESG values in the foundations of property ownership
Emira Property Fund (JSE: EMI) is making practical moves to further integrate environmental, social and governance action into its investment and operating decisions. 8 Dec 2022 Read more

New and improved retail variety opens at La Lucia Mall, just in time for the festive season
La Lucia Mall on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal now offers even more lifestyle shopping variety with the introduction of Seattle Coffee and Tafelberg Furnishers and the stunning upgrade of its Food Lover's Market. 6 Dec 2022 Read more

Greenovate Awards 2022: announcing the winners
University of Cape Town (UCT) continued its dominance at the Greenovate Awards 2022. UCT students triumphed to take the top spots in both the property and engineering categories of the awards, which encourage, enable and reward innovative solutions for a more sustainable built environment by young talent. 28 Nov 2022 Read more