As a means of expediting the realization of our social responsibilities, KCT signed a Land Availability Agreement on the 20th of August 2004 with the City of Cape Town. This agreement granted KCT the rights to develop the 70 ha of land now known as the Khayelitsha Business District (KBD).

I am extremely pleased to report that today a R200 million community retail centre is operational and fully let! This was made possible partly through a loan facility agreement between KCT and Rand Merchant Bank, who stepped up after the conventional financial institutions expressed unease at investing in so-called volatile communities like Khayelitsha. We are grateful that RMB took the opportunity to become involved in this massive upliftment project!

In order to ensure that further potential investors see Khayelitsha as an investment opportunity, the national government spearheaded the accessibility of state facilities to the local community. As a result, the Home Affairs and Social Services Departments established offices in the KBD. A Khayelitsha Magistrates Court has also been established and is fully operational.

KCT has also partnered with Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and will be leasing a portion of KBD land to PRASA as an income-generating initiative. Private sector formations have come to the party and contributed to the construction of various community assets, including a public swimming pool, a multi-purpose community centre, a cricket oval, a basketball court and many more facilities for the community to enjoy!

CEO Khayelitsha Community Trust