The awards recognise women in the Gauteng region who continue to influence and changed the landscape of the property industry. SAWIPA not only recognise the achievements of the individuals but also the contribution that the individuals have made to the broader industry. To intensify the transformation and women’s participation in the sector.
The South African property market is one of the fastest-growing sectors with a market size of approximately R5.8 trillion which contributes significantly to the economy. While the sector is a significant player in the macro economy, it is a sector that is still lagging behind when it comes to gender diversity and inclusion. The majority of the property companies, both in the listed and unlisted community are still predominantly male-dominated with little or no female representation. In saying this, the sector has made significant progress in this area but there still much to be done to level the playing field.
WPN in conjunction with SAWIPA’s principal sponsor, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has continued their partnership this year, making the 2018 SAWIPA yet another momentous success. SAWIPA recognises and celebrates professionals both in the private and public sectors; entrepreneurs that continue to build sustainable businesses as well as the young professionals that demonstrate real potential and meaningful effort in growing their careers within the property sector.
The challenge of gender parity in the property sector is no different to other industries. One of the greatest obstacles to access and advancement in the sector is education. WPN was established in 2000 with the aim of creating a forum for women in which information can be exchanged, develop business contacts and enhance professional success, is another channel through which women in the sector can connect and learn. Equally important is the contribution WPN has made through their WPN Education Trust. Since 2008 WPN has awarded over 90 bursaries to previously disadvantaged female leaners studying towards property-related qualifications.
“The regional chapters include Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town as well as the newly formed Eastern Cape chapter. “We are grateful for the support from industry bodies such as the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and The South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP). Some the examples of women making strides in the industry include Ipeleng Mkhari, Founder and CEO of Motseng Investments and President of SAPOA, she is also on our judging panel for the Gauteng chapter” says, Sandi Mbutuma, Chairperson of WPN and MD of Azzaro Quantity Surveyors.
“ACSA is very proud of our continued relationship and contribution with WPN and SAWIPA. We know that the property sector is dynamic, evolving and economically impactful, but lacks transformation from both a race and gender perspective. We, therefore, need to invest in generating long-term value for the industry, ensuring that we attract, retain and recognise highly impactful, skilled as well as motivated women. The objective of this initiative is to continue to drive change towards proactivity and sustainability within the property sector.” Says Khanyi Nene, ACSA’s Senior Manager: Spatial Property Portfolio.
Winners of all the regional awards in the different categories will go through to the national awards, which will take place on the 23 October 2018. The SAWIPA national awards and gala dinner enables the WPN to raise funds to support the Educational Trust in providing bursaries to well-deserving female students embarking on property related studies.