November 2011

Urban-Econ Development Economists was appointed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to compile a study in order to understand the state of non-organised strategic stakeholders in the 2nd economy and the potential of organising them to participate in policy formulation processes. The study aims to identify strategic stakeholders throughout the country as well as the existing communication channels used by the stakeholders. The study also aims to determine methods to improve policy participation, as well as representation and organisation of informal workers.

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October 2011

Urban-Econ Development Economists where appointed by Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality to conduct a Marula Beneficiation Feasibility study. The study aims to identify additional uses for marula products and test the feasibility of processing and developing such products in the market place. The study will aim to develop projects to expand the existing marula activities and to utilise maximum beneficiation from the marula fruit and tree in Ba-Phalaborwa.

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July 2011

Urban-Econ has been appointed by the City of Cape Town undertake a market feasibility to recommend the most optimal land uses for the Foreshore in the Cape Town CBD. The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is expanding eastwards and the plan is to add 10 000m² to the centre as well as retail, a hospital and tower. The project will regenerate Founder’s Garden connecting the centre to the Artscape Precinct. Given this proposed initiative by the City as well as other planned developments in the immediate area, the study by Urban-Econ needs to investigate the precinct as a whole and provide recommendations on what uses could be accommodated and within what timeframes.

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July 2011

The Department of Treasury has released a Request for Qualification and Proposals for New Generation Capacity under the IPR Procurement Programme (3 August 2011). The Request for Proposals specifies that the evaluation of bids will be done on the basis of two criteria, namely price and economic development. Urban-Econ in partnership with EScience, the Greene Group and the CSIR have developed a Wind Energy and Economic Optimisation model (WECEOM) that allows the identification of the optimal composition of a wind farm with respect to the Localised Cost of Electricity (LCoE) and Socio-Economic Impacts considering wind tower technology. EScience and the CSIR have conducted research on slip-formed concrete towers versus steel towers and the effects thereof on the LCoE. Their research suggests that in certain instances, slip-formed concrete towers become more cost effective than steel towers. This then allows achievement of higher energy efficiency for the entire wind farm. Using imported steel versus locally manufactured concrete add another aspect to the equation. This means that given the current composition of the DOE evaluation criteria, the use of the WECEOM could aid potential developers in identifying the composition of a wind farm that would make their bids more attractive.

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July 2011

Urban-Econ Development Economists was appointed by Eskom Holdings Limited to update the macro-economic and regional impact assessment study for the proposed wind energy project (Sere-Wind) that is to be established in the Western Cape Province to the North-West of Vredendal. The purpose of the impact assessment study was twofold: Firstly, the study needed to assess its contribution towards the achievement of strategic government objectives. Secondly, it involved quantification of its potential economic impacts, i.e. the ability of the project to stimulate the development of provincial and local economies, as well as to improve the standard of living of the affected households.

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July 2011

High levels of unemployment in the country compared to other countries require active policy interventions from South Africa’s government. In 2010, the Presidency has released the New Growth Path Framework where government set a target to create five million jobs over the ten year period. R&D activities play a pivotal role in stimulation economic growth through an increase in knowledge and innovation productions, and ultimately the improvement of competitiveness of the country. In this context, the Department of Science and Technology, as the overseer of Science and Technology mandate that also includes R&D activities, was tasked with the identification of mechanisms and interventions that could be implemented to stimulate decent job creation in the country. Identification of such mechanisms, though, firstly requires a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between R&D and employment creation throughout the economy. Urban-Econ was appointed by the DST to conduct a study to develop a conceptual framework describing job creation along the Research, Development and Innovation Value Chain and advise the government department with respect to interventions that could be employed to realise the potential and maximise job creation along the value chain.

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July 2011

The purpose of this study is to identify rural nodes within the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality (PDM) that face a number of challenges and to identify viable interventions to develop these areas. The rural node identification process entailed a comprehensive approach and consisted of inter alia, the identification of specific criteria and applying this criteria to the various sub-places within the district municipality. Once the rural nodes were identified, viable interventions were identified to support and develop these nodes. The interventions identified were informed by case study reviews, policy reviews and through a macro-analysis of the district municipality. The outcome of this study has been the compilation of a comprehensive and detailed plan to enable the development of rural areas within the Bojanala PDM. (See attached map.)

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July 2011

Urban-Econ is currently involved with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Programme (EMP) for the proposed development of an 80MW Photovoltaic Solar Field at Grootvlei, near Balfour in the Mpumalanga Province. The solar photovoltaic (‘PV’) technology proposed for the project will utilise approximately 3 ha of land for each megawatt (MW) of power generated. The study included a survey analysis of a sample of 100 households located within Grootvlei, to determine the population dynamics of the receiving environment and to also identify the local skills available within the area. The clientwant to ensure that the proposed development will contribute to the local community, especially the previously disadvantaged individuals, as this is one of NERSA’s Regulatory Rules on Selection Criteria for Renewable Energy Projects, as promulgated in February 2010.

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June 2011

The overall objective of the Investment Strategy is to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders at all levels of government to efficiently and effectively undertake investment promotion and facilitation activities in the province, and to ensure that all these activities are further coordinated with provincial mandates, and sufficiently prioritised by provincial and local government. The study comprised of two phases: the Situational Analysis phase and Strategy and Implementation Plan phase. The first phase comprised of a comprehensive assessment of the KZN economy in order to identify the challenges, competitive and comparative advantages, and potential opportunities within the province, as well as undertaking case studies on various international best practice Investment Promotion Agencies. The outcome from the first phase was in the form of a number of challenges that the province needs to address in order to meet the objectives of the strategy. The second phase responded to these challenges by presenting a number of strategic thrusts aimed at addressing these challenges. The strategic thrusts are: Achieving Inclusive Institutional Coordination, Focussed Investment Promotion, Promoting Information and Research Synergies, Creating an Enabling Environment, and Skills and Resource Requirements. Each strategic thrust identified a number of cross-cutting outputs, which were then converted into an implementation framework.

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June 2011

The purpose of the iLembe 5- Year Review was to undertake an assessment of the progress achieved in iLembe during the past 5 years. The main focus of the review was the extent to which backlogs, development planning, and infrastructural development have been addressed during the period under review. The review also considered the impact of government’s policy in general, and the impact of the IDP on its citizens. The review focuses on four key themes, namely: Development Planning, Infrastructure and Service Delivery; Local Economic Development; Public Participation and Good Governance; and Financial Viability and Management; with Urban-Econ undertaking the local economic development component. The review was guided in the main by the ten and fifteen year review reports, as well as the development indicators that are released by the Presidency on yearly basis. The review was limited by a lack of resources, and accordingly had to make use of secondary data and information as a comprehensive consumer satisfaction survey could not be undertaken.

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June 2011

This project was undertaken as a joint venture between Urban-Econ and Summit Ridge Trading. The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of the system of retail markets in eThekwini, and to develop a framework for the establishment of a fresh produce system in eThekwini. The study included primary research in the form of trader surveys, customer surveys, management surveys, and physical infrastructure and facilities survey. This data was used to determine the feasibility of each market in terms of structure, functionality, composition, infrastructure and facilities, management and financial viability. Thereafter the project undertook the development of a market framework for the system of fresh produce markets in eThekwini, which included the presentation of 3 market framework options. The report concluded by presenting a number of recommendations for each of the markets, as well as a number of general recommendations that apply to the entire system of retail markets in eThekwini.

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June 2011

Currently, the wholesale industry is largely owned and dominated by big groups and also a number of independent wholesalers. In the whole distribution chain the majority users of goods are largely independent black retailers and stokvels /clubs. These stokvels and clubs spend millions on groceries in December in these wholesalers. The notable aspect of this is that there is no wholesale ownership by blacks/entities that are owned and controlled by the disadvantaged individuals. Over and above, many cooperative members, spaza shops, tuckshops and shop owners in the townships and rural areas buy their groceries from the retailers. To remediate to the above trends, the KZN DEDT plans to undertake a feasibility study that will lead to the establishment of the wholesale cooperatives where clubs/ stokvels, tuck shop/shop owners, and cooperative members can purchase merchandise from and where small cooperatives producers and manufacturers can supply their respective goods.

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June 2011

Transnet Strategic Projects requested that we develop a high level initial impact assessment for the proposed new dig-out port in Durban south. The study built upon the engineering modelling developed for the site and provided strategic input to the decision makers at national government level reviewing the economic viability and desirability of the project in the long term. The proposed dig-out port will provide a massive injection into the KZN regional economy as well as support the N3 corridor growth to Gauteng.

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June 2011

The KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism commissioned a tourism feasibility and business plan for the Khula Node and the wider Dukuduku in-situ resettlement area in Dukuduku, just outside of Mtubatuba. The project area is adjacent to the iSimangaliso Wetlands, and there are numerous exciting community owned tourism businesses operating in Khula taking advantage of the natural and cultural heritage in the region. The project involved the identification of existing (for upgrade) and new (for development) tourism businesses; in addition, coordinating the area management aspects of the region and the alignment to the KZN Corridor Development Fund projects in the area.

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June 2011

Urban-Econ Eastern Cape has been appointed by the Mandela Bay Development Agency to undertake extensive property market research to determine the viability of establishing commercial activity in the immediate surrounds of the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The purpose of the study is to undertake a detailed property market demand assessment, culminating in the identification of suitable property development concepts for the precinct surrounding the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – a legacy project that came about as a result of the city’s hosting of eight FIFA World Cup 2010 matches. Urban-Econ is leading a multi-disciplinary team of consultants which includes architects, urban designers, civil and transport engineers as well as financial specialists. The findings of the study will assist the municipality in drafting Request for Proposals (RFPs) with the intention that Property Developers will utilise the findings to propose commercial development interventions within the Stadium Precinct. In future it is hoped that the stadium will become a vibrant tourism and entertainment and sporting destination.

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February 2011

Urban-Econ conducted a market feasibility analysis for Curro Private School in 2010. The purpose of the market research was to determine whether a demand existed to establish a private school in Mossel Bay to provide an educational facility for the households in the Garden Route. The outcome of research conducted indicated that there is a demand for an additional education facility specifically in income level targeted by the Curro Private Schools. The Curro Market Research Report was used as an indicator in the decision making process and it is very pleasing to announce that the Curro Mossel Bay Private School has been opened in January 2011.

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February 2011

Urban-Econ Development Economists was appointed to undertake an independent evaluation of the Community Wireless Mesh Networks in the Government Broadband project. Broadband connectivity can be a significant contributor to economic development of an area as it provides access to knowledge, customers, and suppliers. Government realised the challenges faced by rural and poor areas in the country with respect to access to broadband networks, and as a response initiated a project aimed at establishing Community Wireless Networks (CWNs). The purpose of the project is to stimulate sustainable rural economic development through Local Enterprise Development in broadband infrastructure in the selected areas. Urban-Econ’s responsibility is to evaluate the progress of the project to this date and provide recommendations that can be implemented to improve its design and execution.

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February 2011

Urban-Econ Western Cape, together with KND Projects, have been appointed by Wesgro, on behalf of the Cape Town Boatbuilding Initiative (CTBi), to conduct a benchmarking study of the local boat building industry. The boat building industry is a priority sector in the Western Cape Province and City of Cape Town. The study involves assessing local businesses against industry related key performance indicators. In order to determine specific business process areas for improvement, comparisons between the performances of individual firms will be made against one another and international best practice. Furthermore, the sector value-chain will be mapped and similarly assessed and compared to international best practice. The study will be used to assist businesses directly, by sharing the results with them and recommending measures to improve performance. Additionally, the CTBi, together with national, provincial and local role players, will use the results to inform ongoing support programmes as well as the potential development of a boat building hub.

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February 2011

Urban-Econ has been appointed by the Waterfall Investment Company to conduct a market research study for the residential component of the 10-billion rand worth mixed-use project called the Waterfall Development in Midrand. The Waterfall development is a 2,200ha development which links four of Johannesburg northern suburbs. The market feasibility study is conducted for the residential component situated to the east of the N1 which comprise of rental, bonded and senior citizen housing (retirement village). The proposed residential phase consists of approximately 4,000 units. The research results will used by the developers to define the development concept, to determine the take-up rates and to plan the phasing of the development. It is foreseen that the residential component will commerce in 2011.

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February 2011

The Department of Transport (DOT) appointed Urban-Econ to investigate the feasibility of establishing a bicycle manufacturing plant aimed at the lowest end of the market. Bicycles are currently imported to be distributed through the Shova Kalula project in rural areas. One million bicycles are planned to be delivered by 2015; however, the existing constraints will not make it possible to achieve this target on time. Some of the major problems are however that bicycles need to be imported because they are not made of the required specifications. In this context, a need emerged to investigate the possibility of establishing a local manufacturing/assembly line that would manufacture bicycles of the desired specifications in South Africa. In short, the study will endeavour to answer the following key questions: Will the idea work and under what conditions will the project be viable?

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February 2009

Urban-Econ was appointed by the Gauteng Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works to formulate an Infrastructure Renewal and Investment Plan for the Province until 2025 with a view of transforming it into a competitive Global City-Region. Three categories of infrastructure were examined including social infrastructure (housing, educational facilities, health facilities, sport and culture facilities), economic infrastructure (transport infrastructure, IT, commercial property, and tourism infrastructure) and environmental infrastructure (water, energy, and sanitation).
Socio-economic projections were made for each main place in Gauteng providing a comprehensive province-wide information base of the existing and future demographic and economic situation in Gauteng. Various analytical tools were used to model these projections, including the use of methods triangulation. The key output of the study is the detailed infrastructure master plan for the Province indicating infrastructure components that will need to be established throughout the Province, as well as their capital requirements and timeframes.

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February 2009

Urban-Econ was appointed by the Department of Trade & Industry to manage and implement Project Khulis’umnotho whereby 17 District Municipalities Country are being assisted in building their capacity to develop credible LED plans.
The Districts that form part of this project are:

Namakwa Kgalagadi Ehlanzeni Amatole Xhariep Lejweleputswa Sisonke Bojanala Platinum Central Karoo

Pixly Ka Semeli Frances-Baard Nkangala OR Tambo Thabo Mofutsanyana Umzinyathi Dr Kenneth Kuanda Overberg

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March 2011

Urban-Econ was appointed by Liberty Properties to conduct a market feasibility study for a proposed mixed use development comprising of both retail and hotel components within Newtown, Johannesburg. The feasibility study assessed the potential of successfully implementing the proposed development based on the capacity of the local market and the specific characteristics and preferences of the market population. Subsequently the study informed the viability of the market to sustain a shopping centre and hotel in terms of the size, target market and optimum point of market entry.

Below is an article on Property24

Click here to view article.

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March 2011

Urban-Econ has formed a partnership with a company called First Business South Africa (FBSA). FBSA has worked extensively with the City of Cape Town (Local Areas of Economic Development) to develop a business methodology to promote the growth of the micro-enterprise business sector which incorporates the informal Spaza and traders markets. This collaboration extends to operate and manage, amongst others, the Bloekombos Uluntu Plaza Facility as a business entrepreneurial incubator and a locally owned consumer shopping centre. The business concept is to develop new business ventures with a variety of consumer products and services for the local consumer market of the area. As part of this process business training and mentorship to the surround business community will be undertaken as well as creating a sustainable consumer supply chain system for the local 2nd economy businesses trading in the area.

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April 2011

Urban-Econ Eastern Cape was commissioned by the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) to investigate the competitiveness of the ELIDZ’s current customer value offering and to develop recommendations on the value offering and value delivery mechanism. The study was conducted through a series of interviews with current tenants and benchmarking exercises on regional, national and international industrial locations. The study used a theoretical framework based on industrial location theory to identify key investment location factors that influenced investment decision-making. These location factors formed a reference framework for the analysis of findings and the provision of recommendations. The outcome of the study was a comprehensive analysis of the current value offering, a customer satisfaction study, an analysis of the current policy context of South African IDZs and recommendations on building a competitive investment destination and service.

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April 2011

Urban-Econ Western Cape Pty Ltd has been appointed by the Airport Company South Africa (ACSA) to undertake the macro-economic study of Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) so as to measure the viability and benefit of the current positioning of CTIA as well as the growth plan for CTIA. Based on this need, the following will be undertaken as part of this study.

• Analysing the CITA and its operational context - setting, spatial influence and benchmarking against other airports (size and characteristics)
• Measuring the current economic benefit to the Province of the Western Cape and City of Cape Town
• Understanding the future potential Benefit to the Province of the Western Cape and City of Cape Town
• Report to demonstrate benefits, sustainability and future prospects of CTIA in the economic arena of the Western Cape and City of Cape Town.

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