One such experience is that of Robyn Jackson, a Professional Valuer, Chairperson of the SAIV’s Southern Branch and a member of the National Executive Committee.

Jackson explains that she had no intention of becoming a property valuer. “My perspective changed after attending a two-day SAIV seminar, where I experienced the valuation profession for the first time. After the first day of the seminar, I knew I wanted to become a valuer.”

On completion of high school, Jackson indicated that she had no clear direction in terms for her career path.

Her career choices evolved from becoming an accountant, then later to a new programme at a local university’s engineering faculty that focused on the built environment and included property studies.

“The turning point in my life was when I watched a presentation by Ali-Su Greybe-Smith, a young go-getter from the SAIV. I was able to be a part of a SAIV seminar where she presented because I had received a bursary from the City of Cape Town, which also sponsored my attendance. The informative presentations and valuers’ attitudes solidified my interest in the profession.”

Jackson completed her BSc Honours in Property Studies and first worked at the City of Cape Town on a six-month contract.

 “As any young professional, my first job was difficult, but I gained valuable work experience. A colleague informed me about a small company advertising a vacancy for a candidate valuer. The owner of this company was well known in the valuation industry because he developed the methodology to value airports. However, as a young professional, I chose to remain working in the City of Cape Town as a safer and more secure option at that time, and because I didn’t feel confident enough to take up a new position.

“However, the company eventually changed my mind and convinced me to work for them. The ‘cherry on top’ was Saul du Toit - a legend in the valuation profession, become my mentor".

As a young valuer, Jackson believes that attending the SAIV seminars connected her with many seasoned professionals and other young entrants into the profession who made the profession feel like a community. “Careers can be scary to follow. They do require hard work, sacrifice and dedication, but a career is more fulfilling than a job can ever be- Strive to do YOUR BEST in everything you do. Anyone considering the valuation profession should approach the SAIV for guidance. The valuation profession is a great choice and a fulfilling career. I am proud to be a part of the profession and be called a property valuer,” she concludes.

SAIV inspiring women to follow the valuation profession

19 August 2022. The South African Institute of Valuers (SAIV) has played a pivotal role in enhancing and developing the valuations profession in South Africa and remains committed to this.

One such experience is that of Robyn Jackson, a Professional Valuer, Chairperson of the SAIV’s Southern Branch and a member of the National Executive Committee.

Jackson explains that she had no intention of becoming a property valuer. “My perspective changed after attending a two-day SAIV seminar, where I experienced the valuation profession for the first time. After the first day of the seminar, I knew I wanted to become a valuer.”

On completion of high school, Jackson indicated that she had no clear direction in terms for her career path.

Her career choices evolved from becoming an accountant, then later to a new programme at a local university’s engineering faculty that focused on the built environment and included property studies.

“The turning point in my life was when I watched a presentation by Ali-Su Greybe-Smith, a young go-getter from the SAIV. I was able to be a part of a SAIV seminar where she presented because I had received a bursary from the City of Cape Town, which also sponsored my attendance. The informative presentations and valuers’ attitudes solidified my interest in the profession.”

Jackson completed her BSc Honours in Property Studies and first worked at the City of Cape Town on a six-month contract.

 “As any young professional, my first job was difficult, but I gained valuable work experience. A colleague informed me about a small company advertising a vacancy for a candidate valuer. The owner of this company was well known in the valuation industry because he developed the methodology to value airports. However, as a young professional, I chose to remain working in the City of Cape Town as a safer and more secure option at that time, and because I didn’t feel confident enough to take up a new position.

“However, the company eventually changed my mind and convinced me to work for them. The ‘cherry on top’ was Saul du Toit - a legend in the valuation profession, become my mentor".

As a young valuer, Jackson believes that attending the SAIV seminars connected her with many seasoned professionals and other young entrants into the profession who made the profession feel like a community. “Careers can be scary to follow. They do require hard work, sacrifice and dedication, but a career is more fulfilling than a job can ever be- Strive to do YOUR BEST in everything you do. Anyone considering the valuation profession should approach the SAIV for guidance. The valuation profession is a great choice and a fulfilling career. I am proud to be a part of the profession and be called a property valuer,” she concludes.