Key infrastructure projects shaping commercial property growth in Gauteng and the Western Cape
Infrastructure acts as the backbone of thriving commercial property markets, enabling accessibility, facilitating trade, and attracting both investment and long-term tenants. Upgraded roads, expanded public transport, and strategically positioned economic zones not only drive tenant demand but also fuel capital appreciation. 3Cube Property Solutions explores how key infrastructure projects are creating industrial and commercial property growth in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Gauteng’s infrastructure projects
In 2025, Gauteng is continuing to solidify its status as South Africa’s commercial powerhouse. In August 2025, the Gauteng Provincial Government issued a statement announcing that it was undertaking an upgrade to Garsfontein Road to support the development of Mooikloof Mega City. This large-scale housing and commercial development forms part of a strategic initiative designed to provide lower-income communities with better access to essential lifestyle services. The roads upgrade project is projected to take 30 months, and will see the current two-lane Garsfontein Road transformed into a four-lane carriageway.
Plans are afoot for the expansion of the Gautrain network, with proposed new routes including Little Falls Station to Jabulani Station in Soweto via Roodepoort. The planned expansion also includes routes from Cosmo City Station to Samrand Station and Lanseria Station. However, this project has faced criticism over its financial sustainability, with lowering ridership numbers being cited.
Western Cape developments driving accessibility and growth
Cape Town’s ongoing infrastructure expansion is solidifying the city’s position as a central commercial and logistics hub. For starters, Cape Town International Airport expansion is on the cards from 2026 to 2029. This renovation will include a new runway, expansion of the domestic and international terminal, and the addition of extra aircraft contact stands. Over and above this, ground has been broken on the construction of the new Cape Winelands Airport.
Air travel isn’t the only form of transportation set for an upgrade in the Mother City. Cape Town Harbour upgrades are set to alleviate congestion and help our agricultural sector to expand its global reach. The plan includes the construction of new warehouses and other back-of-harbour services and facilities. New cranes and other harbour equipment will also be purchased.
These enhancements to Cape Town International Airport and port infrastructure – as well as the addition of a new airport – bolster the Western Cape’s global trade capacity and assist connectivity. Both these factors are key attractors for commercial tenants and investors seeking strategic locations.
Enhancing connectivity with MyCiTi expansion in Cape Town
The MyCiTi bus rapid transit system is one of the Mother City’s most widely used modes of transportation. The network’s Phase 2A rollout is currently underway, with the aim of linking town centres in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with Claremont and Wynberg. City of Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis explains that the aim of the MyCiTi bus expansion is to mitigate the burden of travel expenses for commuters. In an article penned by the SABC, Hill-Lewis states that there are lots of Cape Town residents who spend at least 30% of their income on public transport. MyCiTi provides a mode of transportation more affordable than minibus taxis.
These upgrades not only reduce congestion but also enhance accessibility, making surrounding commercial areas, like office parks and retail clusters, increasingly attractive for commercial and industrial property investors.
The role of special economic zones (SEZs) in attracting investment
First things first: what is a special economic zone (SEZ)? According to the Department of Trade and Industry, it is a specific area set aside for economic activities and supported through special arrangements. These special arrangements may include laws and systems that differ from those applicable to the rest of the country. For example, incentives may include lower corporate tax and create VAT exemptions on exports from within the zone. These special economic zones in South Africa promote commercial property growth in Gauteng and the Western Cape by creating desirable nodes for business.
Various SEZs are dotted across Gauteng and the Western Cape, offering a package of advantages designed to stimulate investment, job creation and export-oriented growth. A few examples include the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, with its focus on green technology and renewable energy, the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone, focusing on oil, gas and maritime industries and the OR Tambo International Airport SEZ in Gauteng.
The benefits on offer for businesses within SEZs include tax and financial incentives, trade and export advantages and less red tape in certain circumstances. This focus on favourable operating conditions attracts investment, both nationally and globally. Together with key infrastructure projects, SEZs are a key driver of commercial property growth in Gauteng and the Western Cape and properties for sale in these precincts are sought after.
Capital appreciation: the link between infrastructure and property values
Major infrastructure upgrades in Gauteng and the Western Cape are directly boosting demand for industrial and commercial property investments in these regions. In Gauteng, projects such as road upgrades and the presence of special economic zones are positioning the province as South Africa’s leading hub for manufacturing, automotive and export-driven industries.
Similarly, in the Western Cape, port enhancements, robust energy infrastructure and investment in special economic zones have created strong incentives for businesses to establish operations here.
The improvements across both provinces not only enhance supply chain efficiency but also make industrial and commercial properties in both Gauteng and the Western Cape more attractive to investors seeking long-term returns.
Together, Gauteng and the Western Cape exemplify how infrastructure is the catalyst behind commercial property appreciation and rental yield growth. If your business needs to capitalise on the opportunities being created in these provinces, get in touch with 3Cube Property Solutions today.