PROPERTY NETWORKING
Transforming South Africa ’ s Property Sector - from the Youth Up
BY KHENSANI DE KLERK
The Youth in Property Association ( YIPA ) is an NPO that was established in 2016 by a group of young , relentlessly and passionate individuals who have all graduated with degrees in the Built Environment . YIPA was conceived by Monedi Lefakane ( Chairperson ) Toza Macozoma ( Vice Chairperson ), Khensani de Klerk ( Marketing Director ), Imran Mohammed ( Treasurer ), Curtis Rooibaatjie ( Secretary General ), and Priscilla Nthai ( Director ), in response to an extremely untransformed property sector and the realization of the unequal concentration of capital in Post-Apartheid South Africa . Steven Fine recently joined YIPA as Corporate Relations Director under its shared vision of a mutual trajectory of transformation for South Africa
YIPA ’ s transformation aims The organisation aims to do two simple things : empower the youth in the property sector and aid in transforming the South African industry as a whole . YIPA is comprised of five initiatives that will allow for the actualization of its aims , namely , Employment , Network , Entrepreneurship , Investment and Enterprise Development .
“ The establishment of YIPA aims to provide opportunities and a platform for youth , from all fields , who are interested in playing a more significant role in the property sector ‒ not only as employees but also as investors and entrepreneurs ,” said Nthai .
“ As high-level , skilled graduates , this inclusion will lay the foundation for us to apply our skills , through understudying senior management , where we eventually can lead sustainable , owned and managed property companies that we would be directly invested in . Our participation will also contribute towards the realization of racial transformation of a sector that has been very challenging to penetrate , due to its capitalintensive nature and high barriers to entry ,” added Nthai .
The property sector ’ s response to date “ Thus far , YIPA has had nothing but positive support from our partners , supporting bodies and our member
base , which currently sits at 361 members ,” says Lefakane .
YIPA hosted its official launch event on 23rd March this year at the University of Cape Town . The launch was attended by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Public Works ( DPW ), Jeremy Cronin . Cronin presented the keynote address , along with CEO of the Delta Property Fund , Sandile Nomvete . Attendees included Property Management Trading Entity CEO , Paul Serote , and the Managing Executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance , Robin Lockhart-Ross .
We intend for YIPA to live beyond our lives , for the better of our tainted country .
Cronin commended YIPA on their drive towards transformation : “ Congratulations on launching something as bold as this . I ’ m inspired by what I see here today . As a department , we really look forward to engaging with YIPA as a new partner . YIPA is what South Africa needs , it is what the DPW needs and we look forward to an ongoing relationship with you .”
Since then YIPA has provided its members with access to events ripe with opportunities , one being the recent Property Buyers Show at the CTICC in Cape Town . It has also recently partnered with South African Property Investor Network ( SAPIN ) to broaden the range of opportunities , through combined resources , for YIPA members .
How to get involved “ Those interested in becoming members must be between the age of 18-35 and can sign up on our website . Corporates and various organisations who are interested in potential joint endeavors through partnership , or that simply want to contribute resources to help drive YIPA , can also find our support tab on the website ,” says Macozoma .
RESOURCES
Youth in Property Association
28 JUNE 2017 SA Real Estate Investor www . reimag . co . za