The iconic Mantis No 5 boutique hotel in Gqeberha is heading to auction, attracting international investor interest and highlighting growing demand for ultra-luxury hospitality assets. Positioned within the globally recognised Mantis Collection, the property reflects a broader shift towards experiential, high-value tourism. As boutique hotels outperform traditional models, the Eastern Cape is emerging as a compelling investment frontier offering strong growth potential and attractive entry pricing.

South Africa’s infrastructure challenge is not a lack of funding or planning, but a systemic failure in delivery, speakers at the CESA Infrastructure Indaba 2026 emphasised. Persistent underspending, skills shortages and weak project execution continue to constrain progress. Industry leaders called for stronger collaboration, early engineering input and institutional reform, warning that without improved capacity, governance and accountability, infrastructure will struggle to deliver meaningful economic growth and development.

Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is investing R230 million in the Quay 7 Superyacht Marina, strengthening its position as a global maritime hub. The facility will meet rising demand for long-stay berthing while supporting local marine manufacturing and services. With growing pressure in traditional yachting regions, the development positions Cape Town as both a luxury destination and a strategic technical base within the international superyacht circuit.

Day two of the CESA Infrastructure Indaba 2026 highlighted water and rail as critical enablers of economic growth, with strong emphasis on planning, private investment and infrastructure resilience. Leaders warned that failing water systems and underfunded rail networks threaten long-term capacity and performance. The message was clear: integrated, forward-looking infrastructure—grounded in local realities—is essential to unlock growth, improve reliability and secure sustainable development across South Africa.

Entries have officially opened for the Reside Awards 2026, South Africa’s leading recognition platform for excellence in the residential property sector. The awards ceremony will take place on 21 May 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre as part of the Reside Summit. With more than 40 categories spanning design, development, construction and leadership, the expanded programme highlights innovation, sustainability and impact across the country’s residential real estate value chain.

Johannesburg Property Owners and Management Association (JPOMA) has called for urgent, city-wide intervention following two transformer-related incidents in Johannesburg’s inner city that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. Disputing the City’s account, JPOMA cites systemic infrastructure decline and Treasury data reflecting financial mismanagement, warning that deferred maintenance has created predictable public safety risks requiring immediate, funded remedial action.

Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) has warned of a deepening national infrastructure maintenance crisis, urging decisive action during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address. Speaking at CESA’s annual media briefing, president Vishal Haripersad said years of underinvestment, reactive asset management and skills shortages are now being felt daily, cautioning that funding alone will not reverse the decline without structural reform.

A2X Markets has approved Heartwood Properties Limited for a secondary listing, with trading set to commence on Monday, 2 February 2026. Heartwood will retain its primary listing on the Cape Town Stock Exchange, while gaining access to institutional investors through A2X Markets. The move broadens market access, supports liquidity and aligns with Heartwood’s focus on transparency, efficiency and long-term shareholder value.

Geoff Jennett, former CEO of JSE-listed REIT Emira Property Fund, has been appointed as a non-executive director to the board of Heartwood Properties Limited. With 35 years’ experience in financial management and property leadership, Jennett brings deep strategic insight as the Cape Town Stock Exchange-listed developer enters a growth phase supported by a R325-million development pipeline and improving investor sentiment.

Galetti Group is going global with the launch of Galetti Auctions Dubai in February 2026, bringing its fast, transparent auction model to one of the world’s most dynamic property markets. Managing Director Jenna Robertson says Dubai’s commercial sector is entering a new cycle, with capital flowing and buyers demanding certainty and speed. With strict timelines, qualified bidders and no renegotiation, Galetti aims to help sellers unlock true market value.