In downtown Tshwane, buildings that were once dormant and dilapidated are finding new purpose.
Empty municipal properties, previously symbols of neglect, are now being refurbished and offered as affordable spaces for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMEs).
The initiative is set to promote entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for local residents to participate in the mainstream economy.
The City of Tshwane began refurbishing its properties for business through the Know Your Way In workshop programme, which teaches residents how to apply for the municipality properties for free.
In Atteridgeville, Ward 68, the City of Tshwane began this effort on 4 September 2025, conducting a free workshop in Region 3 to teach residents how to apply for leases of municipal properties or land.
This first step ensured residents understood the proper legal procedures for accessing city-owned assets, providing them with the tools to participate in the programme effectively.
“It is very important that our residents know the proper legal steps to leasing City-owned properties,” said Kholofelo Morodi, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, City of Tshwane.
“As a follow-up to Know Your Way In, this under utilised public asset in Atteridgeville Ward 68 that is dormant and dilapidating, is one of many that we are encouraging residents and businesses to apply to lease and utilise it for economic activity.”
Following the workshop, the initiative continued with the Know Your Way Inspection, which took residents into the streets to view the properties firsthand. This phase allowed participants to inspect the facilities, ask questions, and gain a tangible sense of the opportunities available. The circulation of information was central to this stage, bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring residents could confidently take the next steps.
Affordable access to central locations has long been a barrier for small businesses.
High commercial rents often push entrepreneurs to the periphery, limiting growth and visibility. By opening municipal properties at reasonable rates, Tshwane is removing this barrier and creating spaces where businesses can thrive, hire locally, and contribute to safer, more vibrant neighbourhoods.
Fashion designer Thandi Mokoena plans to move into a refurbished shop in Atteridgeville.
“I operate from my garage with only neighbourhood clients. Now, maybe I can move here, I can get walk-ins from professionals, students, and city residents with ease. It will feel like I’m part of the real economy,” she said.
An informal Twitter session between the youth and City of Tshwane Mayor of Tshwane Dr Nasiphi Moya highlighted the urgent need for accessible business spaces in the city. One home-based beauty salon owner explained the struggle of finding commercial space.
“There are hardly any properties left for us to rent as many are occupied by foreigners. This property refurbishments would really help us. I offer beauty and makeup classes but lack a place to operate.”
Urban development experts highlight that these interventions go beyond business support, citing that abandoned buildings often create unsafe “dead zones” in communities.
The next free lease application workshop will be held on the October, 4 2025 in Region 4, Tshwane.
