TTPod 3.4: Capacitating the Small-Scale Rental Market: a Conversation with DAG's CDA team

Talking Transformation

After a lengthy break, the TTPod returns with an in-depth discussion with members of DAGs Contactors and Developers Academy (CDA).

We explore the genesis of the initiative and how the NGO identified a gap and need to support entrepreneurs and artisans providing affordable rental units in urban areas. This has increasingly been referred to as the small-scale rental market and has expanded the scope, permanence and quality of rental options within the township property sector.

The transformation of both the physical space and densities associated with this type of development has grown over the last decade and is rapidly adding to the options and choices for tenants and households unable to access traditional public sector housing delivery means.

With opportunity comes challenges of governance and infrastructure and the team reflect on how the programme has evolved to meet the needs of both those identifying opportunities (the developers) and those building the units (the contractors).

The enthusiasm and passion of Programme Director: Chuma Giyose and Project Officers, Kamogelo Shika and Claudia Hitzeroth is infectious and makes for an engaging introduction to the phenomenon.

Our episode marks the first of a series of conversations with those active in the small-scale rental sector. We hope to extend the conversation to programme participants and a panel discussion where listeners can ask their own questions to the team.

I have worked with the team as an embedded researcher between 2020 and 2021 when I was studying and was completely inspired by the efforts of the team and the potential of the sector. I hope the conversation and scope of the episode and series inspires our listeners and increases the awareness of the small-scale rental market.

Recorded: Monday 5th June, 2023