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For more than two decades, families across Soshanguve have moved from renting to owning, from uncertainty to stability, through housing developments now known as Thorntree.
Formerly operating as Valumax, the developer has delivered thousands of housing opportunities in the area since 2001, helping tens of thousands of residents build a place to call home. Behind every number is a family that now has a secure address, a foundation for their children’s future and an asset they can be proud of.
“For us, it has never been about numbers alone,” says Mr Briers Bekker, Project Lead at Thorntree. “Every home represents a family building stability and a future they can call their own. That’s what keeps us focused on the long term.”
Building More Than Just Houses
In Soshanguve, a home is more than bricks and mortar. It represents dignity, progress and stability. But thriving communities also need access to schools, retail centres, healthcare facilities, public transport routes and safe public spaces.
Thorntree’s approach has focused on contributing to integrated neighbourhoods, developments that allow families to live close to work opportunities while remaining rooted in the community they know. The goal has always been to support long-term growth rather than short-term housing delivery.
Over the years, these developments have become part of the fabric of Soshanguve, growing alongside the community itself.
A New Name, The Same Commitment
The transition from Valumax to Thorntree marks a new chapter, but not a change in direction.
Inspired by the strength and resilience of the acacia tree, the Thorntree name reflects established roots, growth and stability, qualities that resonate strongly with the spirit of Soshanguve.
“The move to Thorntree reflects how the business has grown, but our commitment to Soshanguve remains exactly the same,” Mr Bekker explains. “We are proud of what has been built here over the past two decades, and we are focused on continuing that legacy for many years to come.”
While the name has evolved, the company says its core values remain unchanged: quality construction, affordability,aspirational and a commitment to long-term development.
Supporting Soshanguve’s Working Families
As housing pressures continue across South Africa, many working families fall into what is often referred to as the “missing middle”, earning too much to qualify for social housing yet finding it difficult to access traditional property finance.
These include teachers, nurses, retail workers, artisans, public sector employees and young professionals, individuals who form the backbone of communities like Soshanguve.
For these families, homeownership is not about luxury. It is about security. It is about creating stability for children, building generational wealth and investing in a future rooted in community.
“We work closely with (first-time) buyers who may think ownership is out of reach,” says Mr Bekker. “Our role is to guide them through the process, help them understand their options and make that first step achievable.”
Thorntree’s focus has been on making ownership accessible to these households, offering well-built homes in areas where families can live, work and grow. The company also handles the home loan application process on behalf of buyers, removing one of the biggest barriers buyers face.
Rooted in Community Growth
Since 2001, Thorntree’s developments have contributed to the expansion and formalisation of residential nodes in Soshanguve. Over time, what began as housing projects has evolved into established neighbourhoods filled with families, schools, student accommodation, small businesses and everyday life.
As the company continues its work under the Thorntree name, the mission remains to keep building communities designed to last for generations.
For many residents, a home represents more than shelter; it represents progress, pride and possibility. And in Soshanguve, thousands of families now share in that journey.
About Thorntree Developments
Thorntree Developments, formerly known as Valumax, is a residential developer operating in Tshwane with a long-established presence in Soshanguve.
Prospective buyers are invited to enquire about currently available homes and upcoming phases within the greater Soshanguve development.
To find out more, visit their website https://thorntreehomes.co.za/ or contact them on:
Call: +27 (0) 76 336 7555 : Email: sales@thorntreehomes.co.za
