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The fund is committed to offering investors exposure to growing economies by focusing on high quality facilities which extends across multiple sectors, including retail, warehousing, manufacturing, logistics and accommodation.
By YASEEN BARDIEN
At its recent Future Vision and Interim Results presentation in Cape Town, Oasis Crescent Property Fund (OCPF) reaffirmed its position as one of the JSE’s distinctive investments – by being Shariah compliant, debt-free and focused on long-term growth.
For two decades, the OCPF has built its reputation on ethical and sustainable growth guided by the Islamic principles of Shariah.
The event highlighting the Fund’s continued financial stability, long-term strategy and building confidence for future investment was held on October 23.
Muslim Views attended the presentation and later sat down with investment manager, Adam Ebrahim, regarding the Shariah compliant approach and the future outlook for this Fund.
Under the leadership of the Fund’s directors, the OCPF has grown into a recognised Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Reflecting on the investment journey, he recalled how the Fund established itself from the onset.
‘We went into the global environment, and we looked at the best global practices and established REITs. In doing that, we established a Fund which, while situated and listed locally, also includes substantial exposure to global REITs.’
The Oasis Crescent Property Fund provides investors with access to global economies through investments in high-quality facilities offering long-term growth potential. These include data centres, logistics hubs, healthcare, and senior living facilities, creating accessible opportunities within the global market.
One of the Fund’s defining characteristics is its unwavering commitment to maintaining a debt-free position. As one of the few listed REITs globally with zero debt, this approach has been a cornerstone of its stability and resilience since listing.
Ebrahim says that over the twenty-year period of establishing the Fund’s base, it has achieved 11 percent growth per annum. This consistent performance reflects the Fund’s disciplined approach and its focus on quality assets in regions with strong economic fundamentals.
The Oasis Crescent Property Fund’s portfolio is anchored in the Western Cape, one of South Africa’s most resilient and sought-after property markets. Concentrated across prime nodes such as Epping, Milnerton, and Airport City, these assets benefit from limited land availability, sound infrastructure, and a growing regional economy.
While the Fund also holds a sizeable retail mall and land in KwaZulu-Natal, its core exposure remains firmly centred in the Western Cape, underpinning its long-term stability and growth.
Ebrahim rejects the perception that Shariah principles are restrictive. ‘The Shariah compliance is not a burden, it’s an enabler,’ he says.
To ensure a strong Shariah presence, Ebrahim says they spoke to individuals knowledgeable in Islam, specifically those with financial expertise.
Ebrahim emphasised that non-Muslim investors are equally welcome.
‘We follow our Muslim principles that are inclusive. We follow the Oasis brand and philosophy. There’s no barrier that says you can’t come in. We welcome everybody; we treat everybody fairly.’
Looking ahead, he expressed that the positive traction seen in both the South African and Western Cape economies, positions the Fund for a long-term growth strategy.
The Fund is committed to investing in economies that provide the necessary facilities for those looking to conduct business. This support extends across multiple sectors, including retail, warehousing, manufacturing, logistics and accommodation.
There are some projects in the upcoming development pipeline, further strengthening the Fund’s Western Cape footprint. At Sacks Circle, a planned warehousing precinct, the development positions it to support light industrial and manufacturing operations. This aligns with the Fund’s strategy to expand within established industrial corridors that demonstrate strong rental growth potential and sustained tenant demand.
At Airport City, the Fund holds prime land. It is planned for future development and will feature modern warehousing and logistics facilities designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality industrial space in proximity to Cape Town International Airport. The site’s accessibility and connectivity make it ideal for tenants requiring efficient transport and distribution links.
Additionally, planned development will also focus on lifestyle and retail properties, including 88 Roodebloem Road, 122 Sir Lowry Road and Victoria Road. The Victoria Road site is envisioned as a vibrant mixed-use development integrating retail, office and recreational amenities. This project embodies the Fund’s forward-looking approach to creating well-balanced environments that support both economic activity and community interaction within the Western Cape’s most dynamic urban zones.
‘We want to be able to provide those safe, high-quality environments in the best locations.’
If successful, the expansion of the property fund increases the likelihood of more investment and will create jobs.
Ebrahim emphasised that Oasis’s mission extends beyond just profit. The property fund will continue to operate as efficiently as ever, ensuring that no one gets left behind.
