Amongst those who attended the awards were women in the property industry, members of the Women’s Property Network (WPN) as well as representatives of corporates and industry bodies. The awards recognise women who continue to influence and change the landscape of the property industry. SAWIPA not only honours the achievements but also acknowledges their contribution to the broader industry in terms of transformation and women’s participation in the sector.

The national event is a culmination of the regional awards which took place in August in Cape Town, Durban as well as Johannesburg. The regional winners in each category go on to become finalists at the national awards. This is the fourth year in which the awards are being celebrated and this would not have been possible without the continuous support and commitment of our principal sponsor, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). This year’s gala dinner and awards were also supported by the Singer Group, Black Real Estate and Property Point. SAWIPA welcomed 300 guests at the gala dinner and the event was an evening full of celebration, glitz and glamour.

“It is commendable that the South African Women in Property Awards paid homage to extraordinary women who, despite obstacles of general access and advancement in the sector, have refused to accept the status quo and continue to give assiduously to the industry”. Sandi Mbutuma, Managing Director of AZZARO Quantity Surveyors and Chairperson of WPN.

The challenge of gender parity in the property sector is not different from other industries.  One of the greatest obstacles to access and advancement in the sector is education.

While we are celebrating the achievements of women in the sector, the primary objective of the gala dinner is fundraising activity that takes place where all the proceeds go towards the WPN Educational Trust.  The Trust has is one of the most important strategic pillars of the WPN and through the funds raised and sponsorships from various companies, the EducationalTrust has managed to award more than 100 bursaries to well-deserving female students pursuing property related studies since 2008.

“ACSA celebrates with the winners of SAWIPA and encourages the growth and participation of all women that operate and contribute to the success of our dynamic industry. We are proud of our continued support of the amazing work that the WPN continues to do in ensuring that we motivate, attract and celebrate the successes of women in property. We will continue to drive the implementation of transformation and inclusion in all industries that keep our business successful to ensure that we make a meaningful and economically impactful contribution.” Says Zinhle Ntanzi, Senior Manager of Infrastructure and Property Development, Airports Company South Africa.

NATIONAL WINNERS:

YOUNG ACHIEVER

Tshepiso Kobile – Commercial Executive Infrastructure, Tongaat Hulett Developments

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR – ENTREPRENEUR

Marloes Reinink – Owner, Solid Green Consulting

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – PRIVATE SECTOR

Charmaine Schwenn – Founding Partner, Schwenn Inc Attorneys & Conveyancers

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – PUBLIC SECTOR

Gisela Kaiser – Executive Director, Informal Settlements, Water & Waste, City of Cape Town

LISA BLANE AWARD

Dr Thandi Ndlovu, Executive Chair, Motheo Construction Group

NATIONAL JUDGES

Peter Levett, Managing Director, Old Mutual Property

Amelia Beattie, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Two Degrees

Jackie van Niekerk, Chief Operating Officer, Attacq

David Green, Director and Founding Shareholder, ProAfrica Property Services