Stephen Brookes’ Balwin invests $6 million in roads to drive Mooikloof growth   

Balwin Properties (Balwin), a Johannesburg-based residential property developer led by South African businessman Stephen Brookes, has completed a R100 million ($6.07 million) road project in eastern Tshwane aimed at improving access to one of the city’s fastest-growing residential corridors. 

The new  K147 Zwavelpoort Road link project is a 2-kilometer dual carriageway connecting Atterbury Road and Garsfontein Road. The route is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve commuter movement and support future development across the rapidly expanding Mooikloof area.

 Once administrative processes are completed, the road will be handed over to the City of Tshwane as part of its public infrastructure network.

New link to ease traffic pressure 

The project was conceived in 2019 as part of broader infrastructure planning for the area. Construction began on May 6, 2025, and was completed on June 5, 2026. 

During the construction phase, the development created about 400 direct and indirect jobs. Brookes said the road provides an important alternative route within the city’s transport network. 

“This road introduces a vital new connection within the Tshwane road network and will play a meaningful role in reducing pressure on existing routes,” he said. 

“It will help relieve congestion currently experienced on Solomon Mahlangu Drive and De Villebois Mareuil Drive, which are key north-south routes used to access the N1 and R21 respectively.” 

The new connection is expected to benefit residents of Mooikloof Eco Estate, Greenkloof, Mooikloof Ridge, The Hills and surrounding communities, as well as commuters travelling from Olympus, Moreleta Park and Zwavelpoort. 

By linking two major arterial roads, the project is also expected to improve public transport accessibility and traffic flow across the eastern Tshwane node. 

Supporting Tshwane’s long-term growth 

The K147 forms part of the approved infrastructure requirements tied to ongoing urban development in the area. It is also a key component of Balwin’s plans for the Mooikloof Smart City project, one of the largest mixed-use residential developments currently under construction in South Africa. 

The broader development is planned as an integrated urban precinct comprising residential communities, schools, healthcare facilities, retail centers, office space and public amenities. 

Brookes said infrastructure investment remains essential to ensuring that growing communities function efficiently over the long term. 

“Projects like this are important in supporting the functionality of growing cities,” he said. “By improving access and connectivity, they help create more efficient movement networks and support the continued development of integrated communities.” 

Senior officials from the City of Tshwane are expected to participate in the formal opening and handover process. 

Balwin’s growth story 

Founded in 1996, Balwin has become one of South Africa’s largest listed residential property developers, focusing on large-scale, master-planned estates aimed to meet the needs of South Africa’s low- and middle-income families.

Brookes, who established the company and became chief executive in 2003. Over the past three decades, he has overseen the company’s transformation from a small property business into one of South Africa’s best-known residential developers, delivering thousands of homes nationwide. 

For the financial year ended Feb. 28, 2026, Balwin reported revenue of R2.7 billion ($164 million), a 21% increase from R2.22 billion ($134.77 million) a year earlier. Net profit rose to R254.5 million ($15.5 million) from R234.02 million ($14.21 million). 

Mooikloof Smart City gains financial backing 

In April, Balwin secured R1 billion ($60.73 million) in funding from the International Finance Corporation to support the development of more than 14,500 affordable apartments within the Mooikloof Smart City project. 

Mooikloof Smart City by Balwin Properties is being undertaken in partnership with government and private-sector stakeholders and is designed to combine residential housing with education, healthcare, commercial facilities and technology-enabled infrastructure. 

Separately, a consortium led by the Public Investment Corporation and Balwin’s founders recently launched a R2.26 billion ($137.24 million) offer to acquire the company and take it private. If successful, the transaction would result in Balwin’s delisting from both the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and A2X.

If completed, the transaction would reshape Balwin’s capital structure as it continues to scale its Mooikloof road investment-anchored urban development pipeline.