Specifically, Gopal says "much smaller companies" should be targeted, those which are directly affected by property owners. He says joining the body will enable the association to voice the companies' concerns and represent their interests.

Gopal joined the organisation with effect from July 1.

Sapoa CEO Brian Kirchmann says "the industry has become so dynamic over the past five years that the workload at Sapoa has almost tripled".

Gopal will be assisting Kirchmann closely in responding to "all the needs that are thrust on us, particularly, in areas of driving the black economic empowerment and transformation processes and lobbying government at national and provincial level on all property legislation", the association CEO says.

Gopal says another key objective is to get more historically disadvantaged individuals involved in the property industry. Sapoa currently runs educational programmes in conjunction with the universities of Cape Town and the Witwatersrand.

"One of the key challenges is to attract younger people at universities and introduce them to the property courses. These courses range from one-day to two-year courses," says Gopal.

He intends to concentrate his efforts on establishing a sound working relationship with government, in particular with an eye to monitoring legislation that affects property owners.

Gopal has a wealth of experience in the property industry. His previous position was head of marketing and new business for Intersite, a subsidiary of the South African Rail Commuter Corporation that manages 400 train stations around the country. Intersite also manages the property portfolio of the South African National Roads Agency.

Gopal spent nine years in various senior positions at Intersite, and also worked closely with government on numerous projects in Gauteng. He was one of the key players in establishing the Johannesburg Property Company, the property arm of the City of Johannesburg.