The impact of the upcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development on Johannesburg rentals was highlighted this week when it emerged that an estate agent has offered three-bedroomed accommodation for
R2 900 a day over the summit period.
Home Vesters wants this amount for a townhouse with 24-hour guards and access control, with a minimum staying period of 15 days.
Agent Dalia Elkounovitch confirmed that the normal rental for such a property is between R700 and R800 a day, depending on the length of stay.
Elkounovitch described the rates as very moderate, given the anticipated demand for extremely limited
accommodation and the fact that a three-bedroomed house could accommodate six. She added that the unit would be self-catering.
Elkounovitch said she had applied to Global Conferences Destinations Management Company (DMC) for approval. All accommodation for the summit was contracted to DMC by the Johannesburg World Summit Company, which is arranging accommodation for 65 000 delegates.
Last year Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Mohammed Valli Moosa signed a memorandum of understanding with all major hotel groups to offer accommodation at normal rates during the summit.
Two of these, Southern Sun and Protea Hotels, confirmed that their Johannesburg and Midrand hotels are fully booked for the duration of the summit. The company has catalogued 53 000 beds in the formal
accommodation sector of hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses.
Any additional accommodation is to be provided in a ”home stay” campaign, in terms of which private households can apply to offer accommodation and be graded.