NOMZAMO RADEBE
NOMZAMO RADEBE
Nomzamo Radebe is the CEO of JHI , one of South Africa ’ s leading property services companies . She took the reins as the business ’ CEO in 2014 and has since doubled its revenue and the size of its portfolios under management .
She is the current president of the South African Property Association ( SAPOA ) and is immediate past president of the South African Council of Shopping Centres ( SACSC ). She is also a seasoned director , a board member of several strategic entities and a mom .
Nomzamo ’ s involvement in property began in early 2006 , when she joined Pareto as its CFO . She later transitioned to become the company ’ s Chief Investment Officer , a position she filled until her move to JHI at the end of 2013 .
As a qualified CA , she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting , a Property Development Programme Certificate from UCT ’ s Graduate School of Business and a Certificate for Commercial Property Practitioners from the University of Pretoria . Her roots , however , are from more modest beginnings .
Nomzamo was born in Bethlehem in the Free State and grew up in Esikhawini , a township in Northern KwaZulu Natal . Her hardworking parents ‒ both teachers ‒ ensured that she and her older brother received the best education and exposure they could facilitate . Her father unfortunately passed away when she was 12 years old ‒ a great loss for her tight-knit family .
It was in grade 11 that Radebe decided to follow the charted accountancy profession , which she feels has provided her with an excellent technical base on which to build her career over the years .
Despite her numerous achievements , with becoming the CEO of JHI at the age of 36 on the top of her list , Radebe does not yet consider herself to be a success :
“ I am proud of the noted achievements I ’ ve had in my life and career and am grateful for them . I do not consider myself a success in the bigger scheme , however . This is mainly because , when you are doing what you are passionate about , each achievement recorded is never a success for yourself but a contribution towards progressive change within a larger arena ‒ in my case , the property industry . Perhaps one day , when I am considered a ‘ guru ’ in my field , I may change my mind .
What is your life philosophy ? Giving respect to others and humility rank high on my list daily . Honest , hard work never hurt anyone and should be encouraged . Constantly evolve and innovate to remain relevant .
What are some insights and lessons you have gained over the course of your career ?
It ’ s important to have a game plan and execute this in a focused fashion . Driving high performance from teams is a skill not to be taken lightly , and the biggest room available in life is one of improvement . Always be open to learning and appreciate the unmistakeable power of teamwork .
www . reimag . co . za FEBRUARY 2017 SA Real Estate Investor 7