By doing so, the SAPOA president, Ben Kodisang hopes to encourage young property students to further their education in property studies. Together with SAPOA's Kwazulu Natal regional chairman Grant Smith, Kodisang has awarded this year's top performing students from Durban's University of Technology with bursaries that will go towards continued study in their chosen fields of property- related subjects.

At a gala dinner that was held at the ICC in Durban on 13 November, the following outstanding students were honoured for their hard work and dedication:

Edith Hlophe was awarded an R18 000 from SAPOA for a bursary to cover the cost of tuition and accommodation for the duration of her studies in 2009.

Helen Cooke was rewarded for her excellence after she passed her subjects with distinction. Cooke received a cheque for R8000 from SAPOA in recognition of her academic achievements and practical the work she did at various property companies during her studies; as well as for the motivational letter she submitted to SAPOA with details of her intentions of making a difference in the built environment.

The third award went to Njabulo Sibiya, who received R4000 towards his studies at Durban's University of Technology. Sibiya was honoured for working consistently throughout the year.

Lastly, an award was given to recognise a property development in Kwazulu Natal that had succeeded in embodying excitement, creativity and energy, while fostering economic growth in the immediate and surrounding areas. The winner of this award was chosen by SAPOA to be the eThekwini Municipality, for their construction of the magnificent Moses Mabhida Stadium. The stadium is being built in preparation for South Africa hosting the Fifa World Cup in 2010.