This committee is charged with tracking legislation and policy decisions that could impact the property market.

"It's crucial that SAPOA stays on top of the increasingly complex and fast-moving legislative environment in SA today," says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.

"We believe that a focused committee is an effective way to monitor, analyze and comment on legislative and policy changes."

The new Legal Committee will have a very clear mandate, he explains, with three distinct components:
 
 First, to assess government legislation and policies;

 Second, to understand the possible implications of new and current legislation for the property industry; and

 Third, to proactively communicate its findings to SAPOA members and other industry stakeholders.    

"Ultimately, the Legal Committee will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing and commenting on relevant Bills, Acts and other policies that could impact the built environment," he adds.

As SAPOA's legal services manager Tsakane Shilubane points out, a key aspect of the new committee's work will be identify areas where the property industry needs to comment or get involved with the public participation process.

SAPOA is taking an increasingly proactive stance on engaging constructively with the public sector. Last month, Gopal announced the launch of a focused SAPOA Developer Committee to work with local government on issues of mutual concern and interest.

 "The new Legal Committee is another step in the direction of greater transparency and better communication between the commercial and industrial property industry and government at all levels in SA," adds Gopal.