The weeks-long relentless heat wave hitting South Africa provides a direct contrast to what is happening to the rand: a tsunami.

There are signs that the South African listed property sector's strong run is ending.

The weak economy, deteriorating exchange rate and tighter consumer credit will all put pressure on retail sales this holiday season says Stephan le Roux, Retail Sector Divisional Director at South Africa’s largest JSE-listed REIT, Growthpoint Properties.

Growthpoint Properties has made an ambitious commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and green building, to coincide with Buildings Day at COP21 in Paris today.

Young environmental innovators from the University of Cape Town scooped both first and second prizes in the inaugural Growthpoint Greenovate Awards, which recognise innovation linked to environmental challenges.

“If everyone got free WiFi with every tree they planted, we wouldn’t have the problem of climate change.”

The City of Cape Town, in partnership with Eskom and the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), launched Cape Town’s Energy Efficiency Forum (EEF) in 2009 to assist commercial buildings and operations in improving their energy efficiency.

South Africa’s largest self storage property fund, Stor-Age Property REIT Limited (“Stor-Age”), successfully debuted on the JSE following a substantially oversubscribed pre-listing capital raise.

The biggest merger in the history of the South African listed property sector is going ahead, with Fortress Income Fund finalising the acquisition of Capital Property Fund.

A landmark new R157 million green office development by Growthpoint Properties in Umhlanga’s booming Ridgeside precinct is nearing completion and has become Durban’s first 5-Star Green Star SA rated building.