BACKGROUND

Frankenwald is the large track of land situated between Kelvin, Alex, Marlborough and Buccleuch.

Alfred Beit donated Frankenwald to the Colony of Transvaal a century ago, to be used for Education in Perpetuity. This was formalised in a Deed of Gift. The property and obligation were transferred to WITS University by an Act of Parliament.

In 1987, WITS submitted an application to the Transvaal Provincial Administration for Frankenwald to be zoned “Special” for Educational and Scientific research purposes and ancillary uses.

Subsequently WITS has taken the decision to develop the land. Their objective is to maximize the value of the site so that an ongoing income stream can be created for the university in order to support and sustain the university for future students who require access to funding.

In 2016 WITS sent out an EOI (Expression of Interest) for the Development of Frankenwald. The Brief given by WITS was for proposals of a “Mixed Use Development” which entails commercial, retail, educational and housing. The City of Johannesburg and Gauteng Province of Human Settlements have entered into discussions with WITS.

The Frankenwald Development Committee (FDC) was established with representatives of Alex, Buccleuch and Kelvin. The purpose of this committee is to research, collate data, collaborate and disseminate information to our communities and provide an avenue for two-way communication and clarity to all affected parties. The committee has done well to engage with Wits.

CURRENT STATUS

FDC recently held a positive and constructive meeting with WITS and in summary the outcome is as follows:

• WITS noted the concerns of the communities represented by FDC, in relation to the type of development on Frankenwald and in particular the densities of the residential component and the sustainability of the development.
• WITS advised that they have appointed a preferred bidder and are in the proces of finalising the proposal for the Mixed Use Development of Frankenwald.
• WITS have undertaken to engage all stakeholders in the development process. 
• The development will take cognisance of all legal requirements that need to be met including sustainability, education, environmental issues, public facilities etc. 
• WITS are of the view that the development will not be in breach of the Alfred Beit Deed of Gift (through which the Frankenwald Property was bequeathed to WITS).
• WITS will engage with government; however the ultimate development will be of mixed use (housing and commercial).

WITS are in the process of finalising their development proposal for Frankenwald. FDC has requested to be party to the development process and are awaiting their response. When the proposal is finalised and once the plans have been submitted (Town planning and
Development Process), we as BRA, FDC and as individuals will be able to respond.

As always there is a threat of land invasion.  During the second week of January and on 21st March 2018 there were attempts that were prevented by speedy response by the SAPS, CPF, Wits and residents. WITS (Security) are constantly monitoring the situation and with the vigilance of the surrounding community, especially Kelvin residents,  we have managed to avoid illegal invasions of the site.