Draft:Gerald Olitzki

Gerald Olitzki was born and raised in South Africa. He obtained a degree in law from the University of the Witwatersrand and worked as a lawyer before transitioning into property development and urban regeneration.

Olitzki founded Olitzki Property Holdings in 1989, a period when the Johannesburg’s inner city faced growing urban decay, crime, and economic stagnation. OPH became instrumental in launching some of the first large-scale urban rejuvenation projects in the country.

Through OPH, Olitzki undertook the restoration of many of the derelict and abandoned commercial properties in Johannesburg’s inner city, transforming them into revitalized spaces for retail, business, and public use. The aim of these initiatives was to preserve the city’s architectural heritage and also to create a safer, more attractive environment for tenants and commuters. These projects are widely regarded as a catalyst for wider private sector participation in the revival of Johannesburg’s central business district.

Previously a hub of crime and urban degradation Gandhi Square (formerly known as Van der Bijl Square) was transformed into a clean, secure, and accessible public transport and commercial node. Completed in the early 2000s, in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg, the project 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.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

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 heritage preservation, improved lighting, security upgrades, and public art installations, the project served as a model for similar urban rejuvenation projects throughout the city.^[7]

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

• Halala Lifetime Achievement Award from the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA),^[1]
• Lifetime Achievement Award nomination from the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA)
• The Stan Nkosi, Believing in Joburg , Award^[8]