Boraine helped create the partnership, a joint initiative of local government and the private sector, along with the SA Property Owners' Association.

His experience as city manager will stand him in good stead. As former special adviser to Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi, his political credentials are impeccable.

His main challenge will be maintaining the momentum of the partnership and retaining the confidence of business.

Boraine has worked with the private sector in formulating new council policy that made possible the creation of City Improvement Districts, which helped to rejuvenate the city centre and tackle inner-city developments.

He will remain chairman of the South African Cities Network, which promotes the exchange of information, experience and best practices on urban development and city management.

Cape Town executive mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo has worked with Boraine before. She said she was pleased he accepted the position, "not just for his experience, but also for the values which he considers important: the need to be inclusive, to unite the city and make everyone feel welcome on the city's streets .

"He carries with him the context of our past as well as the experience to take the partnership into the future," said Mfeketo.

Boraine's experience includes contributing to the drafting of sections of the constitution relating to co-operative government and local government. He was also an electoral officer with the Independent Electoral Commission during the 1999 and 2000 elections. Before that he was deputy director-general of local government in the constitutional development department.

Boraine said he was "very excited" by the opportunity to run what was seen as one of the most successful urban renewal initiatives in SA. "Having been involved in the conceptualisation of the partnership, I have watched its progress and success keenly. In many ways, this is a homecoming for me," he said.

"The success of the central city is critical for all Capetonians. It remains the single most important economic and social centre and has the potential to develop even further with the correct amount of focus, energy and dedication.

"Some of the more recent investment announcements, particularly in the historic central business district, augur well for the continued success of the partnership. There are many challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to tackling them in partnership with all the stakeholders in the central city," he said.

Boraine takes over from Michael Farr, who has been appointed head of communications of SA Breweries.