VELDA DERROCKS both from Nelson Mandela University . She also recently completed an International Housing Finance Programme at the Wharton School , University of Pennsylvania . Throughout her career , Derrocks has been involved with projects ranging from a few million Rands in investment up to R500 million . She believes that every project is unique and presents an opportunity to develop the economy and grow the property market .
In her time with TUHF , she says she is particularly proud of a mixed-used refurbishment project that was recently completed in Belgravia , East London . The original building was a dilapidated , four story building consisting of 15 residential units and three retail spaces . It was reconfigured and refurbished to comprise 46 apartments and seven retail stores , with parking for tenants .
“ It ’ s the perfect example of what TUHF is all about – the residential units are beautifully finished and the small businesses on the ground floor are well suited to serve the tenants .”
Derrocks personal philosophy is to be someone who brings about change . “ I ’ m motivated by the fact that I am bringing about change in the way that people think about investing in cities , in the way entrepreneurs can access finance to fund their ambitions , in the way people in the inner cities live and , in the economies , surrounding the buildings we develop .”
PERSONAL STATISTICS
Company : TUHF Limited
Position : Regional Manager , Cape Region
Years company has operated : 18 years
Marital status & family : Married , 2 children
Education : BEcon ( Stellenbosch ), BComm Hons Finance , MBA & MPhil ( Development Finance )( NMU )
Currently reading : Talking to Strangers ( Malcolm Gladwell ); Thinking the Future ( Clem Sunter & Mitch Ilbury )
Mentors & role models : My Dad for instilling in me a strong sense of humility & Sheryl Sandberg for her communication style , empathy and optimism .
Life motto : “ Be the change you want to see in the world ” Mahatma Gandhi
What would you still like to achieve ? Further research on inclusionary housing to ultimately develop a model that can be applied to our diverse & beautiful country .
SOURCES TUHF
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine AUG 2021 9