As a pioneer in social housing, the JHC has faced many challenges and learnt many lessons. Over the years, we have scored a number of firsts and have earned a reputation for innovation. These milestones mark our progress over the past 21 years.
1995:
Johannesburg Housing Company officially established
1996:
JHC buys first building for social housing in the inner city: San Martin, Joubert Park
1997:
First conversion from office to residential: Tower Hill, Hillbrow. First new-build residential development in the inner city in 30 years: Jeppe Oval, Jeppestown
1998:
First slum clearance and upgrade: Douglas Rooms, Troyeville
1999:
First Community Development Department established by a social housing company. Then CEO, Taffy Adler, named Gauteng Housing Person of the Year by the Institute for Housing of South Africa. JHC’s new-build fully occupied within 17 days of opening: Carr Gardens
2000:
First crèche opened in a JHC building: Douglas Village, Troyeville. First commercial loan for an inner city social housing project from Absa for Elangeni, breaking the redlining of property loans in the inner city. First conversion of a hotel to residential: Landrost, CBD.
2001:
First residential landlord to formulate an HIV/AIDS Charter. JHC named Gauteng Housing Developer of the Year by the Institute for Housing of South Africa. JHC converted to a Section 21 company, a not for profit company.
2002:
First upgrade completed under the City of Johannesburg’s Better Buildings Programme: Lake Success, Hillbrow. Opening of JHC’s new-build: Elangeni, CBD. Opening of JHC’s new-build: Tribunal Gardens, Fordsburg
2003:
First residential landlord to introduce a Hardship Assistance Programme for tenants. First public-private partnership in residential development, structured by JHC for Brickfields Housing Project; funding and equity investments from public and private sectors lead to the formation of the Brickfields Housing Company. JHC reaches financial breakeven; for the first time operational income covers all operating costs. JHC restructures to incorporate Brickfields Housing Company and Makhulong A Matala as a non-profit, public benefit organisation.
2004:
First Customer Service Survey for tenants in a social housing company. First residential neighbourhood improvement programme: eKhaya Neighbourhood, Hillbrow.
2005:
JHC creates a new residential neighbourhood in the inner city: Brickfields, Newtown.
2006:
JHC wins the international BSHF UN Habitat Award for practical, innovative and sustainable housing solutions. JHC wins the inaugural Govan Mbeki Award as Social Housing Institution of the Year, presented by the then National Department of Housing.
2007:
Then CEO, Taffy Adler, named South African Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the Schwab Foundation.
2008:
JHC wins Johannesburg Development Agency’s Halala Joburg! Award. JHC wins the Govan Mbeki Award from the then National Department of Housing. JHC wins the SA Institute of Architects' President Awards: Elangeni, CBD.
2009:
Elize Stroebel is appointed the new CEO of JHC. Makhulong A Matala wins the JDA’s Halala Joburg! Award for Caring Joburg. eKhaya Neighbourhood wins the SA Property Owners Association Award for innovative excellence in property development. eKhaya Neighbourhood wins the JDA’s Halala Joburg! award for Sustaining Joburg: past, present and future.
2010:
Makhulong A Matala wins the National Housing Award under the Community Development Category from the SA Housing Foundation. eKhaya Neighbourhood receives a commendation from the SA Institute of Architects in the inaugural AfriSam – SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture for recycling and upgrading in the neighbourhood, undertaken for JHC by Savage & Dodd Architects.
2011:
JHC and Makhulong A Matala win the JDA Halala Joburg! Award Sustaining Joburg for its food gardens and recycling initiatives.
2012:
JHC opens two buildings bought and renovated in 2012: Lethabong Mansions, CBD and Ukhamba Mansions, Berea, the first JHC building in Berea.
2013:
JHC opens another refurbished building: Umndeni Gardens, Fordsburg.
2014:
JHC achieves its target of R1-billion balance sheet and reduces its cost to income ratio by 10%
2016:
On 21 December 2016 JHC officially turns 21. JHC launches its social media platforms to mark the occasion.
2017:
JHC opens an addition to the Brickfields neighbourhood: Heritage View, Newtown.
2019:
JHC opens its Newtown (Majestic) and Park Station Walk-in Centres: as part of its customer-centric approach, JHC moves out of 53 Main street, and opens these two Walk-in Centres to be more conveniently located to tenants.
2020:
JHC takes on the management of non-owned buildings for the first time with the official opening of Kempton Village in November 2020. There has been high demand for this building, offering social housing rental units at affordable rentals and is already 80% occupied. Kempton Village is well situated, close to OR Tambo airport and amenities.