Gerald Olitzki

Gerald Olitzki (born 2 May 1952) is a South African businessman, entrepreneur, and urban regeneration advocate best known for his pioneering efforts in the revitalisation of Johannesburg’s inner city.^[1]

Gerald Olitzki was born and raised in South Africa. He obtained a degree in law from the University of the Witwatersrand and initially pursued a career in legal practice. His transition into property development and urban regeneration stemmed from his interest in social transformation and economic development in South Africa.

Olitzki began his career in real estate in the 1980s, gradually shifting his focus toward urban renewal as Johannesburg’s inner city faced growing urban decay, crime, and economic stagnation in the late 1980s earlier 1990s. In 1989, he founded Olitzki Property Holdings, which became instrumental in launching some of the first large-scale urban rejuvenation projects in the country.

One of Olitzki’s most significant achievements is the redevelopment of Gandhi Square, formerly known as Van der Bijl Square. Once a hub of crime and urban degradation,^[2] the square was transformed into a clean, secure, and accessible public transport and commercial node. The project, completed in the early 2000s in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg, involved the renovation of the central bus terminal, upgraded security, landscaping, and the attraction of retail tenants. Today, Gandhi Square is a landmark of successful public-private urban regeneration in South Africa and remains a vital part of Johannesburg's transport and business infrastructure.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]}

In addition to Gandhi Square, Olitzki conceptualised the Fox Street and Main Street Mall Projects and was instrumental in the development of both, converting a dilapidated stretch of downtown into a vibrant, pedestrianised cultural and commercial corridor. Featuring historical preservation, improved lighting, security upgrades, and public art installations, the project served as a model for similar urban interventions throughout the city.^[10]

Olitzki has been a leading advocate for collaboration between the public and private sectors as a sustainable and scalable mechanism for urban development. His initiatives demonstrate how coordinated investment and long-term maintenance planning can revitalise inner cities and promote economic growth. His approach has influenced municipal policy and inspired regeneration efforts both in Johannesburg and in other South African urban centres.^[4][5]

Gerald Olitzki's contributions to urban regeneration have been widely recognized through numerous accolades:

• He received the Halala Lifetime Achievement Award from the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), honouring his pivotal role in rejuvenating key parts of the inner city, including Gandhi Square and Main Street.^[4]
• He was nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), in recognition of his long-standing dedication to property development and inner-city renewal.
• In 2011, he was honored with The Stan Nkosi Achievement Award as part of the Believing in Joburg initiative, which celebrates individuals making a profound impact on the city.^[11]
• In addition to these, Gerald has received several other industry and civic awards over the years, underscoring his influential role in shaping the future of Johannesburg’s urban landscape.

These accolades reflect both his business acumen and his broader impact on the city’s urban landscape and livability.

Gerald Olitzki maintains a relatively low public profile but is known for his ongoing commitment to urban development, philanthropy, and civic engagement. He continues to be involved in projects aimed at creating inclusive, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable urban spaces.

Gerald Olitzki is regarded as a key figure in the history of Johannesburg’s urban transformation. His efforts to restore dignity and functionality to once-declining areas have had lasting impacts on the urban landscape and continue to inform development strategies in South Africa and beyond.^[12]