Having joined the organisation, Chetty will lead RICS through the next stage of its strategic development in the country.

Chetty, who hails from Durban, has extensive property development knowledge and expertise. He is the former executive director for Planning and Development Co-ordination at Tongaat Hulett Developments. He also served as National President of South Africa Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and has vast experience in engaging with high level government, business and property professionals across the country.

Chetty's appointment affirms the commitment made by RICS to build strong and lasting relationships with professional bodies and organisations involved in the land, property and the built environment sector in South Africa and Africa; and working collaboratively on capacity building, best practice guidance and international standards

Mark Walley, RICS Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa says: "We are delighted to have secured the services of TC to help us bring our operations in South Africa through the next stage of our strategic development. With the fantastic connections that he has, he will be well placed to build on the work already done in South Africa and develop our collaborative offering with all stakeholders."

Commenting on his appointment, Chetty says: "I am excited to be joining a global organisation such as RICS. I look forward to working with a great team in firmly establishing RICS as an important property sector role-player in South Africa, in partnership with a variety of other property sector stakeholders. I do believe that this is a wonderful opportunity for a global organisation to make a valuable contribution to upskilling in the South African property sector and to the property debate in general. I look forward to assisting RICS in this process of achieving their strategic objectives."

RICS is a global professional organisation that promotes and enforces the highest qualifications and standards in surveying. As a not-for-profit, it operates in almost all of the world's financial hubs and is committed to its mandate of working in the public interest.

In March 2015, RICS will continue its focus on the continent when it holds its annual Governing Council meeting in Johannesburg. During that week, RICS will also hold its first ever Africa Summit that will bring together property professionals and other stakeholders in the built environment sector.