They are Marna van der Walt, CEO of Gensec Property Services, Noluthando Gosa, CEO of Akhona Properties and Wendy Hartshorne of Wendy Hartshorne Consulting.

The award seeks to annually recognize an exceptional woman within the commercial property sector who displays the following attributes: possesses specialist commercial property knowledge, has an established and extensive professional network, is recognized and respected by her peers, is ethical and trustworthy and is socially responsible.

Lisa Forshey, chairperson of the Women’s Property Network says, “Competition for this year’s award was tough, but we believe that we have selected three finalists who have made an exceptional contribution to the commercial property industry.  All three have been key in bringing transformation to the industry, are respected role models and epitomize the professionalism expected of a Five Star Woman.”

Marna joined Gensec in 1996 as senior internal auditor and has worked her way up the ranks to CEO.  She has achieved considerable success in the property industry, growing the company from a single-client, institutional company to a multi-client property services organisation with more than 10 major clients, each generating fees in excess of R5 million, and an annual growth of 17%. 

Marna is active on various committees of the SA Property Owners Association (SAPOA), where she chairs the Audit Risk Committee.  She places strong emphasis on transformation in the industry and has influenced the formation of the Property Charter.

Marna was appointed as President elect by the board of SAPOA in May 2006.  She will be the second woman in its 40 year history to assume presidency of SAPOA, which commences May 2007. 

Noluthando has held the position of CEO of Akhona Properties, a 100% women-owned company, since January 2004, having done stints as an investment analyst at Investec, a commissioner at South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SATRA) and regulatory affairs manager at Telkom. 

She holds positions on the boards of Investec Asset Management; Akhona Properties; Akhona Broll; Small Enterprises Development Agency (SEDA); and Phalo Women’s Investments.  Noluthando is a member of SAPOA, EAAB, SAIBPP and the Council of Shopping Centres.  She has also been nominated by SAIBPP to serve on the Property Charter Council.

Wendy has run Wendy Holtshorne consulting since 1998, which offers specialist property and development planning consulting.  She has a string of heavyweight positions in the property industry behind her, including a directorship of Broll Property Group for six years, preceded by five years as chief officer for City Planning for the Johannesburg City Council.

Wendy is the chairperson for SAPOA Western Cape, handling Local Government Affairs, specifically the establishment of the Cape Town Partnership and City Improvement Districts, and Government Liaison. 

She is also Chairman on the Regional and Local Affairs Committee of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focusing on transformation, current issues and local affairs. 

The winner will be announced at a gala function held at the Sandton Sun on Thursday 3 August 2006. 

The Women's Property Network was established in early 2001 to create a forum for women in a predominantly male industry to join together to exchange information, develop business contacts and enhance professional success.

It is an association within the commercial property industry of South Africa which is dedicated to furthering the success of its members by providing the best opportunities for personal and professional growth through innovation, leadership, support and networking.  The network’s vision is to create a dynamic environment for the upliftment and empowerment of professional women in the commercial property industry of South Africa.