--- ---  # Ponte City: An Apartheid-Era High Rise Mired in Myth > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=56e6e773-659c-4262-a51f-e3d0eda2fb51&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) by [Eugene Reznik](https://time.com/author/eugene-reznik/) ## Eugene Reznik May 20, 2013 9:58 PM UTC  by [Eugene Reznik](https://time.com/author/eugene-reznik/) ## Eugene Reznik May 20, 2013 9:58 PM UTC --- > “” --- Ponte City, the imposing 54-story cylindrical skyscraper in South Africa, is the tallest residential building on the continent, crowned by the largest advertisement in the southern hemisphere. As the most iconic building in country, it is a common symbol of apartheid, of urban decay, of illusions and aspirations. It dominates the skyline of Johannesburg, towering over the legacy of segregation with views of the glass and steel condos of Sandton to the north as well as the matchbox-like shantytown houses of Soweto to the south. In 2008, South African photographer Mikhael Subotzky, in collaboration with British artist Patrick Waterhouse, set out to create a visual document of the building as monumental as the structure itself, exploring a long, complex history mired in myth. Ponte was unveiled in 1976 as a sleek utopian housing complex in the exclusively white, well-to-do inner-city neighborhood of Hillbrow, the same year as the seminal student protests against apartheid legislation known as the Soweto Uprising. At one point, designers even envisioned a ski slope in the building’s massive hollow core.  Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse Following the fall of apartheid in 1994, the exodus of wealth to the northern suburbs and the influx of unauthorized immigrants from neighboring countries, the building was overrun by gangs and skyrocketing rates of violent crime, its hollow core packed not with snow-covered slopes, but with trash and debris. “Tales of brazen crack and prostitution rings operating from its car parks, four stories of trash accumulating in its open core, snakes, ghosts and frequent suicides have all added to the building’s legend,” the artists write. “And yet, one is left with the feeling that even the building’s notoriety is somewhat exaggerated—that its decline is just as fictional as its initial utopian intentions were misplaced and unrealized.” In 2007, developers bought the building with the hopes of renovating the structure and realizing those original prospects, targeting upwardly mobile professionals with the promise of “chic Manhattan-style inner-city living” and apartments individually branded with exotic themes like “Future Slick,” “Old Money,” and “Glam Rock.” The ambitious project failed spectacularly a mere year later, falling into bankruptcy in the aftermath of the global housing bubble’s implosion. Subotzky and Waterhouse have continued work on the project ever since, in part spending three years completing three epic, comprehensive typologies: one, which is featured above, looking outward through every single window of the building onto the social and natural landscape of the city; another looking inward at the doors of each apartment; and a third looking at the fragmented fictional space of each of the residents’ television sets. The work, honored with the Discovery Award at Recontres d’Arles in 2011, is comprised of more than 600 photographs presented in an installation of three light boxes towering over viewers at a height of 13 feet. The images in each typology are arranged to replicate the building, “floor above floor and flat by flat,” the artists explain, “lives lived stacked together and on top of each other… \[revealing\] layers of history as well as individual fragments of interest.” --- [**_Mikhael Subotzky_**](http://www.subotzkystudio.com/)_is a South African photographer currently based in Johannesburg._ [**_Patrick Waterhouse_**](http://www.patrickwaterhouse.com/) _is a British artist._ Ponte City _will be on view at_ [A Different Kind of Order: The ICP Triennial](http://www.icp.org/museum/exhibitions/icp-triennial-2013), _May 17 – Sept. 8, 2013 in New York._ **_Eugene Reznik_** _is a Brooklyn-based photographer and writer. He recently wrote for LightBox on_ [_The Sam Abell Library: 40 Years of Life and Still Life_](http://lightbox.time.com/2013/01/28/the-sam-abell-library-life-and-still-life)_. Follow him on Twitter_ [_@eugene\_reznik_](https://twitter.com/eugene%5Freznik)_._ --- Ponte City: An Apartheid-Era High Rise Mired in Myth ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/3799611/ponte-city-an-apartheid-era-high-rise-mired-in-myth/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/3799611/ponte-city-an-apartheid-era-high-rise-mired-in-myth/"},"headline":"Ponte City: An Apartheid-Era High Rise Mired in Myth","datePublished":"2013-05-20T21:58:55.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:40:47.178Z","description":"South African photographer Mikhael Subotzky and British artist Patrick Waterhouse set out to create an epic visual document exploring the long and complex history of Ponte City, the tallest residential skyscraper in Africa and a common symbol of apartheid.","url":"https://time.com/3799611/ponte-city-an-apartheid-era-high-rise-mired-in-myth/","keywords":["LightBox","South Africa","Out There","Apartheid"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9b59dfdfbb97e173/69868bebcd804d3af7cca709/toutsubotzky_windows-ponte-city-1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Eugene Reznik","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/eugene-reznik/"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9b59dfdfbb97e173/69868bebcd804d3af7cca709/toutsubotzky_windows-ponte-city-1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"toutSUBOTZKY_Windows - Ponte City 1","caption":"","creditText":"","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-lightbox/","name":"LightBox"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/3799611/ponte-city-an-apartheid-era-high-rise-mired-in-myth/","name":"Ponte City: An Apartheid-Era High Rise Mired in Myth"}}]}] ```