Valumax, in collaboration with the Ekurhuleni local municipality, is supporting a grassroots recycling initiative in Clayville to promote environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
This initiative, driven by a team of 30 to 40 dedicated residents, aims to tackle waste management while providing financial benefits to local volunteers. The recycling initiative was born from the collective effort of local volunteers.
“We were approached by volunteers from the local community who wanted to start a recycling initiative to lower waste and keep their spaces clean,” said Valumax Director Francois Bekker. “Our staff have arranged for the recycled material to be taken to Phambili Services, and they pay the volunteers directly.”
Valumax and the local municipality have played crucial roles in the initiative’s success. Valumax has provided a designated area in Clayville for sorting recycled materials and has coordinated with Phambili Services for material collection and volunteer compensation. The local municipality is enhancing the initiative’s support by hiring volunteers on a three-year contract, providing wheelie bins, and promising additional assistance with a skip for future volunteers.
The volunteers, who manage the recycling efforts independently, were self-selected and were responsible for cleaning the development three times a week. “They assist Valumax with cleaning our development on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The recycling initiative is their own doing,” Bekker explained.
While the initiative has seen promising progress, it has not been without challenges. “Challenges include the need for Personal Protective Equipment and tools. We are trying to assist in this area, but the plan needs to be finalised,” Bekker noted.
This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters a sense of community and ownership among the residents.
“By supporting the recycling efforts, Valumax and the Ekurhuleni municipality are helping to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for Clayville, demonstrating a model of successful community engagement and our company’s social commitments,” he said.
In a move to boost local entrepreneurship and economic growth, Valumax, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), recently concluded a comprehensive Business Development training programme for SMMEs in Clayville.
The five-day training saw the participation of 25 local SMMEs. The programme was designed to enhance the entrepreneurial skills and business acumen of these enterprises, aiming to drive sustainable development and create employment opportunities within the community.
Valumax Director Francois Bekker emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our goal is to empower local businesses to thrive and create jobs. By providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are investing in the future of Clayville and its residents.”
The training programme, which ran from 22 to 26 April at the Olifantsfontein Community Centre, was based on the renowned Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) curriculum. This curriculum focuses on starting and enhancing small businesses to create more and better employment opportunities, particularly in developing economies.
The programme covered essential business topics to equip local SMMEs with vital skills. Participants learned to create detailed business plans, identify critical information sources, and structure their plans effectively.
Marketing strategies emphasised market research and developing plans encompassing Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People. Various business structures were explored, including Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Limited Companies, and Cooperatives, alongside the business registration process. Employee management guidance focused on identifying staffing needs and managing employees efficiently.
Legal responsibilities and the importance of insurance in business operations were highlighted. Additionally, participants received detailed instructions on calculating costs and essential financial planning skills, including developing sales and cost plans and managing cash flow.
“The response from the SMMEs has been overwhelmingly positive,” Bekker added. “We’ve seen a significant increase in their confidence and ability to manage their businesses. This training is the beginning of our ongoing support to ensure their success.”
The participants were selected based on their business potential and commitment to creating jobs within the community. Valumax and its partners will continue to provide support through mentorship programmes, access to additional resources, and assistance navigating the business landscape.
The certification ceremony is scheduled soon, marking a significant milestone for the participants. These certificates symbolise their commitment to improving their businesses and contributing to the local economy.
Bekker highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, saying, “By investing in these SMMEs, we are not just supporting individual businesses; we are fostering economic growth and sustainable development in Clayville. This initiative aligns with our mission to build thriving communities and reduce unemployment,” Bekker concluded.
When MEC Lebogang Maile recently handed over the keys to 164 government-subsidised homes at the Clayville Mega Project next to Tembisa, one of the smart new RDP units was earmarked for Granny Baloyi, a struggle veteran who has waited almost 30 years for a home of her own.
Baloyi’s granddaughter, Basani Baloyi, was thrilled by their new home, which had park views, a nearby shopping complex, and internet connectivity.
“Forgive my never-ending smile,” Basani said. “I just can’t believe we are finally moving into our very own home. My grandparents and I have only ever lived in shacks. My grandmother prayed for this day, and it’s finally here.”
The Clayville Mega Project, developed by Valumax in collaboration with the Gauteng Provincial Government, the City of Ekurhuleni, private sector banks, and other financiers, aims to provide a mixture of 30% government-subsidized housing and 70% privately funded homes. Its strategic location on the boundary between critical areas such as Midrand, Ivory Park, Tembisa, and others, and its direct connection to major freeways like the N1 and R21, position it as a hub of economic activity and growth. This is a crucial factor in its appeal to both residents and investors.
Granny Baloyi expressed her satisfaction with her new surroundings, which she received in April. “It’s so peaceful here; I can sit or even sleep on my lawn,” she remarked. “It’s safe for the kids to play outside; there are ample street lights, and the playgrounds are secure. I’m delighted that my grandchildren have a safe environment to grow up in.”
This initiative aligns with the Government’s Breaking New Ground (BNG) Policy introduced in 2004, which advocates for residential developments close to employment opportunities and recreational areas.
“Valumax has been at the forefront of building integrated communities for over three decades,” said Valumax Director Francois Bekker. “Our projects, guided by the BNG policy, ensure that residents have easy access to industrial areas and employment hubs like Steyn City. Ultimately, we are developing the most efficient ways of solving the country’s housing backlog.”
Bekker also highlighted the investment benefits for those purchasing properties within the development. “We’ve seen property values in our projects such as Clayville, Thorntree View in Soshanguve, and Riverside View outside Fourways increase significantly, offering substantial returns to our investors in a short period,” he added.
Once completed, the Clayville Mega Project will yield approximately 12 000 mixed-housing units. Currently, 3 232 fully subsidised (BNG) houses, 2 541 bonded houses, and 92 sectional title units have been successfully allocated to beneficiaries. This not only begins to address South Africa’s critical housing shortage but also features shops, playgrounds, and other amenities, fostering a holistic community atmosphere.
Valumax is proud to congratulate the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development on the handover of 164 subsidised houses to qualifying residents at the Clayville Mega Housing Project in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.
The ceremony on 26 April, presided over by Lebogang Maile, the MEC for the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development and representatives from the City of Ekurhuleni, marks a significant milestone in providing affordable and quality housing to deserving beneficiaries.
The Clayville Mega Project, developed by Valumax, is a hallmark of urban renewal and community development within the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Ideally located on the boundary between several key areas such as Midrand, Ivory Park, Tembisa, and others, the project enjoys strategic proximity to major freeways like the N1 and R21. This positioning is vital as it connects the development directly to the bustling Midrand CBD and the broader N1 Development Corridor.
Once completed, the Project will yield approximately 12 000 mixed-housing units. Currently, 3 232 fully subsidised (BNG) houses, 2 541 bonded houses, and 92 sectional title units have been successfully allocated to beneficiaries. This initiative addresses South Africa’s critical housing shortage and contributes substantially to the local economy by subcontracting 33 local SMMEs and creating over 240 job opportunities.
Francois Bekker, an executive director of Valumax, said the company was committed to enhancing the lives of South Africans through sustainable housing solutions and robust community development.
“This project underscores our dedication to delivering top-quality housing and showcases our ability to collaborate effectively with governmental and local entities,” he said. “We are delighted to see the tangible results of our collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. Each key handed over represents a family’s dream realised and a step forward in our commitment to building communities.”
The handover event included a tour of the facilities, where MEC Maile inspected an additional 200 houses nearing completion. This visit highlighted the project’s progress and the comprehensive planning and execution that define the partnership between Valumax and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements.
Upon completion, the project aims to include a mix of multi-storey RDP units, single-residential FLISP units, and multi-storey First Home Finance Subsidy Programme (FLISP) units. RDP houses are fully subsidised by the government and provided free of charge to qualifying low-income families. FLISP is a government subsidy for all low – to middle-income households earning between R3 501 and R22 000 per month. These households have the financial means to secure a mortgage but still find it challenging to afford the full price of a house.
These efforts underscore Valumax’s commitment to addressing South Africa’s housing crisis by providing diverse housing solutions to meet the needs of various income groups. Bekker notes that the Clayville development, like all its mega housing projects, is not just about housing; it’s about creating a vibrant, sustainable community. Planned social amenities such as primary and secondary schools, a library, parks, a community centre, a shopping centre, business stands, and places of worship will enrich residents’ lives.
“Valumax is proud to lead such a transformative initiative, reinforcing our dedication to improving urban spaces and enhancing the quality of life for countless South Africans through thoughtful, inclusive urban planning and development,” Bekker concluded.
