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The unusual Ponte City that towers over Hillbrow has had a chequered history. Once home to the elite hip white city folk, it fell into disrepair. It became a vertical slum, notorious for its crime-infested corridors. But it has been given a new lease of life, and is an example of workable urban regeneration.

When it comes to their competitiveness, South Africa's biggest cities fare well against other emerging metros. But they have a tough battle to reach the same levels as some of the world's most developed regions. Yet Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay and Durban have plenty of strengths in their favour.

When it comes to their competitiveness, South Africa's biggest cities fare well against other emerging metros. But they have a tough battle to reach the same levels as some of the world's most developed regions. Yet Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay and Durban have plenty of strengths in their favour.

When District Six residents were forcibly removed from their homes in the 1960s and 70s, going back seemed an impossible dream. Now, former residents and their descendants are moving back home, to return the area's streets to their former vibrancy.

Visionary property developer Jonathan Liebmann – who styles himself a true urbanist – is looking for local partners to take his Maboneng model of mixed use urban development to Accra. The Maboneng Precinct in Joburg is building a new way to live in the inner city.

A mix of alternative building materials and reclaimed industrial building stock has turned Mill Junction from an eyesore into Cinderella. (Image: Citiq)   17 February 2014 The...

The old Premier Mill silos in Newtown have been repurposed, and now wear a four-storey hat of recycled shipping containers. The freshly made-over structure offers unusual accommodation for the city's large student population, and carries the hope that the new residents will bring their youth, energy and vibrancy back into the inner city.

By revamping and maintaining rental living space, the Johannesburg Social Housing Company is addressing a need for affordable, safe and clean housing in the city and surrounds.
• Drive to clear housing backlog

South Africa's post-apartheid transformation and the growth of a new middle class are fuelling demand for affordable homes. For private equity fund International Housing Solutions and its global investors, that means opportunity.

Human Settlements Minister Tokoyo Sexwale, speaking at the launch of the Cavendish Chambers housing project in downtown Johannesburg, sent out a stern warning to those who hijacked buildings that the government was coming after them.