+27 84 680 7222 info@thepetrafoundation.orgWestern Cape

Anchored in Christ, guided by God, open to all.

Not a quantity surveyor's estimate · appoint a registered QS before committing funds

The full cost model is shared on request.

The structure of the estimate is below — every zone, the build-up to an all-in figure, the operating budget and the unit economics. The numbers themselves are released to prospective funders and partners, along with the editable Excel models.

Request the figures

Capital cost

Building works (all zones)R 66m
External & site works — court, parking, roads, services, landscapingR 15m
Construction subtotalR 81m
Contingency, escalation & professional feesR 29m
VAT (15%)R 16m
All-in capital costR 127m
FF&E, equipment, community vehicle & solar / backupR 20m
Total project budgetR 147m

That equates to roughly R1.1 million per bed all-in, excluding land and equipment — in the normal band for a mid-tier residential recovery centre.

Operating budget

~R 14mWage bill per year, including employer on-costs
~R 14.5mNon-salary operating costs per year
~R 28-29mTotal running cost per year
~R 850Cost per occupied bed-day at 85% occupancy
The 21-day funded window is being structured for billing at medical-scheme rates. International admissions are quoted separately.
85-90%Target occupancy

Why it can be sustainable

Occupancy is the swing factor: at 60% occupancy the cost per occupied bed-day rises to roughly R1 170; at 90% it falls toward R800. Holding occupancy is the centre's most important operating discipline.

Excluded from the build cost

  • Land / erf purchase
  • FF&E and equipment — beds, medical, kitchen, gym, IT, furniture
  • The 22-seater minibus
  • Solar PV and battery backup
  • Statutory, licensing and EIA costs

Rates derive from the AECOM Africa Property & Construction Cost Guide 2025/26, excluding VAT; site infrastructure, professional fees, escalation and VAT are added in the build-up. Western Cape construction averages around R13 150/m² across building types; zone rates are blended up for clinical space and down for recreation. Figures are for planning only and are not financial advice.