By Diounie Strydom, Senior Residential Portfolio Manager: Property Administration and Facilities Management – MidCity Property Services

In a world where people often move from one place to another in search of something better, one tenant has shown that the best place can sometimes be the one you never leave.

For more than 40 years, Ms Buys has called the same apartment in Pretoria her home — a remarkable story of stability, trust, and a special bond with her community and with MidCity Property Services.

When she first moved in, Pretoria was a quieter city. The skyline had fewer high-rises, neighbours greeted each other in the corridors, and the streets below echoed with familiar footsteps. Over the years, Ms Buys has seen it all — new tenants moving in with young families, students leaving to begin their careers, and upgrades to the building that have maintained its standard while preserving its charm just below the Union Buildings.

Her story is also one of community. She has built friendships with neighbours that have lasted decades, watched children grow up in the building, helped welcome new tenants, and remained a constant, friendly face in the lobby.

To MidCity, long-term tenants like Ms Buys are a true reflection of our values. They remind us that when a building is managed with care, it’s not just a place to live, it is a place to belong and to call home.

Here’s to you, Ms Buys, as you renew your lease once again. Thank you for showing us the beauty of staying rooted.