HDA and YIPA Youth Engagement Session 2025: Empowering Youth for Inclusive and Sustainable Housing Development
Johannesburg, South Africa — 10 July 2025
The Housing Development Agency (HDA), in strategic partnership with the Youth in Property Association (YIPA), successfully hosted the Youth Engagement Session on Inclusive and Sustainable Housing Development on 10 July 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg. The event brought together young professionals, students, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities in the property and human settlements sectors and to amplify youth leadership in shaping South Africa’s housing landscape.
Held under the theme “Empowering and Engaging Youth for Inclusive and Sustainable Housing Development,” the session provided a dynamic platform for emerging leaders to connect, learn and contribute to discussions about youth participation across the housing value chain. Attendees included young professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and representatives from government, industry and civil society.
“As we work to build an integrated and sustainable housing ecosystem, partnering with YIPA allows us to elevate youth voices and ensure that the next generation is fully equipped to influence the future of human settlements in South Africa,” said an HDA representative. The collaboration reinforced the agency’s mission to promote inclusion and unlock opportunities for historically marginalised groups, particularly youth, in the property and housing sectors.
The event featured insightful discussions on the role of youth in property development, pathways into the sector, and strategies to overcome barriers such as access to finance, mentorship and technical skills. Key segments spotlighted emerging opportunities for young professionals, the importance of cross-sector partnerships, and practical guidance on growing careers and enterprises within the built environment.
“This engagement underscores the need for intentional and sustained focus on youth,” said a YIPA spokesperson. “By creating spaces where young leaders can engage with industry experts and public sector organisations like the HDA, we are building a future where youth can meaningfully participate in and shape the built environment.”
The session also offered networking opportunities and encouraged collaboration between youth participants and established industry players, reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, transformation and inclusive growth in the property and housing development ecosystem.
About the HDA
The Housing Development Agency is a national public entity established to identify, acquire, prepare and develop land for integrated, sustainable human settlements across South Africa. The HDA works with government, communities and industry partners to accelerate housing delivery and promote spatial transformation.
About YIPA
The Youth in Property Association (YIPA) is a youth-driven organisation focused on increasing the active participation of young people in the property sector through education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership development. YIPA’s initiatives aim to strengthen youth presence and influence within the built environment.
