Business Day HomeFront 20 August 2021

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HOMEFRONT 13AUGUST OCTOBER 2016 WWW.BDLIVE.CO.ZA WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA 20 2021

MUST-READ

Purchase Craft Homes online PAGE 2

Celebrating 30 years with Leigh PAGE 5

Live your best life Zimbali Lakes’ record sales

Drive through our gates and feel a sense of calm. A lifestyle like no other-tranquillity, peace of mind, safety and security, luxury and convenience, kilometres of space and all the facilities you could imagine for you and your family to live your best life …

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PROPERTY NEWS

Transformation must be a top priority Newly appointed minister of human settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi is welcomed by real estate industry and will hopefully bring about some long-awaited changes WORDS: JAN LE ROUX, CEO OF REBOSA :: PHOTO: SUPPLIED

K

ubayi has a unique opportunity to distance herself from an ostensibly failed Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), the regulator of the real estate industry, by making a number of quick decisions that can put matters rapidly back on track.

She can appoint board members to the new Property Practitioners Board and expedite the promulgation of the finalised regulations and thereby put the Property Practitioners Act, signed by the president in 2019, into effect. This will enable Kubayi to: Determine streamlined educational requirements to expedite the qualification of more than 25,000 intern agents (more

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than 50% of the industry).

Declare an amnesty in respect of all transgressions, arrears and penalties under the old act (except in instances of fraud, theft or criminal activity) so as to enable the new regulatory authority to have a fresh start to meet all the obligations and manage the extended authority placed on it by the new act.

Ensure the co-operation of conveyancers not to pay commission to unregistered agents.

Declare an amnesty for estate agents trading illegally to register promptly or face the consequences.

Launch the Property Sector Transformation Fund.

These steps can be achieved in a matter of weeks and will have the

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support of the real estate industry. Pressure on the inadequate systems of the EAAB will be lessened.

The appalling alternative is to leave the current EAAB and act in place.

This will have the following consequences: The EAAB was taken to court by Real Estate Business Owners of SA (Rebosa), mainly for its failure to issue Fidelity Fund Certificates (FFCs) which enable agents to trade legally. The judgment against the EAAB was scathing and Rebosa was awarded punitive costs. Rebosa is about to file a subsequent suit as the EAAB has not fully complied with the court order. It appears that more than 3,000 FFCs for 2021 have not been issued. The current board seems to be incapable

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of decisive action.

Given the current status quo the EAAB seems illequipped to implement the new act and assume the additional responsibilities.

A new board will be better incentivised to ensure successful implementation of the new act.

Since 2017 the EAAB has been promising to replace its failing IT system, yet tenders to effect this closed in August 2020 with no supplier appointed to date.

Currently payments made to the EAAB, possibly 70,000 per year, must be allocated manually, causing errors and delays.

The Continuous Professional Development Programmme has been delayed by months and unallocated payments will lead to more agents denied FFCs for next year.

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Despite having been warned by their own lawyers to not raise penalties and fees illegally in conflict with the act and regulations, the EAAB continues to do so which is leading to further legal action and claims amounting to millions of rands.

Transformation initiatives have largely failed and assistance promised to PDI agents were only implemented years after approval and rather unsuccessfully.

The necessary Transformation Fund will not be launched.

Concerned estate agents are waiting on Kubayi to usher in a new era, hoping that steps will be taken to ensure transformation and the successful continuation of a vibrant and important industry.

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FOCUS ON: CRAFT HOMES ADVERTORIAL

Online property purchases now available

*Artist impression

With changes to our sense of freedom over the past year, this month Craft Homes launches a new development in Broadacres which allows buyers the choice to complete property purchases online WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

O

ne of the things we’ve learned to appreciate over the past year and a half is that we need to enjoy our freedom. During this time a lot of our freedom, even our freedom of choice, was taken away, albeit temporarily. But humans are resilient, if nothing else, and we adapt. And the people of Craft Homes are a perfect example of how we adapt to create a new way of launching and selling newly developed homes.

The Craft Homes team quickly huddled down and came up with a way for prospective homebuyers to find their dream homes.

The successful launch of

this team’s online buying platform, available on the Craft Homes website, restores some of that lost freedom. In addition, homes are also designed to have more living features to assist when working or indulging at home.

With Olea View estate in Broadacres, which launched online yesterday, Craft Homes brings buyers even more choice with 42 spacious freestanding houses and 39 modern apartments.

With the convenience and the safety of buyers and their employees in mind, buyers still have the option of finding and buying their next home from the comfort and

safety of their current one.

MORE ABOUT OLEA VIEW Choose your mood and Olea View will cater for it. If you are looking for the city life, then Olea View is situated near everything you’re looking for. Shopping centres, schools and health care facilities are all in close proximity and, if you need to get away, Olea View offers a country feeling with the Cradle of Humankind just around the corner. There are options for everyone, from families to those who are just starting out and looking for a place of their own. With a park, braai facilities and more

than enough visitors’ parking, Olea View has a welcoming atmosphere that fits all lifestyles.

MORE ABOUT THE DEVELOPER Craft Homes is a residential developer specialising in quality homes ranging from modern bachelor apartments to luxury, family-sized homes. Their developments span across Gauteng to the banks of the Vaal River and they recently developed homes in Mpumalanga as well. As a privately owned company established in 1993, Craft Homes is committed to creating homes that are not only beautiful, but also last for generations to come.

*Artist impression

*Artist impression

OLEA VIEW’S COMPLETE OFFERING: Houses:

Apartments:

3-bedroom freestanding homes from R1.999m 4-bedroom freestanding homes from R2.299m

2-bedroom, 2-bath apartments from R1.175m

Standard house features

Standard apartment features:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• 2-bed, 2-bath apartments • 1 covered parking bay • Second open parking bay available as an optional extra • Prepaid electricity and water meters • Solar geyser • Linen cupboard • Built-in study nook • Server and wine rack • Built-in gas braai on the patio • Enclosed private garden • Fibre packages available and central DSTV dish • List of optional extras available on request • Unit sizes from 71m² to 79m² • Park areas • Visitor parking • Braai area

3-bed, 2.5 bath homes & 4-bed 2.5 bath homes All homes are freestanding Enclosed private gardens Automated double garages Kitchens with sculleries Solar geysers Guest toilet downstairs Storeroom downstairs Prepaid electricity Fibre packages available Central DSTV dish Schedule of finishes available on request List of optional extras available on request Unit sizes from 151m² to 168m² Visitor parking Pool and braai area Gatehouse

GET IN TOUCH

Estate Features:

Amenities:

CRAFT HOMES To view Olea View’s online launch visit the Craft Homes website at www.crafthomes.co.za where you can also find a tutorial on how to purchase your home online.

• CCTV off-site monitoring with black screen technology • Electric-fenced boundary wall

• Fourways Life Hospital - 650m away • Crawford Primary School - 2km away • Fourways Mall Precinct - 2km away

A

PRODUCED BY ARENA PROPERTY PUBLISHING

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Jason Whitehouse Designer: Samantha Durand

Copy Editor: Lynne Matthysen Production: Lucea Goosen

PUBLICATION ADVERTISING SALES Chantelle Balsdon

chantelle@augmentcreative.com

084 061 7888

enough to matter enough to care

Boutique property management Sectional Title

Retail

Commercial

Mixed-use

www.rpaonline.co.za

FOCUS ON: PROPERTY LEGENDS ADVERTORIAL

We celebrate 30 years with Leigh Metcalf Leigh Metcalf heads RPA and shares her personal journey of three decades in the property industry WORDS AND PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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Bridgewater is a new mixed-use development in Century City that is managed by RPA

ith bright, green eyes and a can-do attitude, Leigh Metcalf arrived for her interview at Rabie Property Group (Rabie) in August 1991.

Thirty years later, it’s those same bright eyes – now with a lot of wisdom behind them – and attitude that has secured Leigh in her position at the head of a successful property management company.

“I will always remember the day Leigh arrived for her interview,” says John Chapman, director at Rabie.

“She looked very neat in a pencil skirt and blazer, but it was her personality that sold it for us. We knew from the start she was different and it became apparent when she was able to diffuse difficult clients and situations with her unique humour and easy-going nature. Her confidence was evident from the beginning and has rewarded her well throughout the years.”

Leigh was born in Bloemfontein and her parents relocated to Cape Town when she was a baby. At age eight they moved to Johannesburg and eight years later to the UK, where she completed high school and started her property career at an estate agency. In 1990 they moved back to Cape Town which led to that fortuitous day when she walked into the Rabie offices and never left.

“We have been managing properties since 1995, which means that for 26 years we have been problem solving and intelligently managing a variety of property types. Rabie Property Administrators was formed as a department within Rabie, managing its in-house properties,” says Leigh.

“The portfolio grew rapidly and a separate company was registered in 1998 as we acquired third-party clients and started managing sectional title properties. As a result, we established a body corporate department.”

Leigh tells us more about the journey of RPA: “In early 2019 the time arrived to spread our wings and we changed our company name from Rabie Property Administrators to RPA as a standalone brand and to distinguish ourselves as a separate entity in the marketplace, although we still remain affiliated with Rabie.”

After holding the position of portfolio manager, Leigh was appointed a director of the company in 2002.

Today, RPA is a boutique property administration company which manages a R8bn portfolio. It currently manages more than 30 sectional title schemes which include both commercial and residential properties.

“One of our core principles for ensuring our success is to not overload our portfolio managers,” says Leigh. “We have a flat management structure which allows our portfolio managers the responsibility of the full management of their properties.” RPA also has a resilient backoffice team covering financial, administrative and utilities management.

Leigh says that RPA has a strong team ethos. “Our management is intricately involved and available, working alongside the various teams to ensure excellence on all levels. We offer our clients a full management package which includes physical management of the property, management and operational reporting, and we are also able to offer additional services in terms of special projects such as project management, painting and decorating.”

Mentored by Chapman and

Another view of Bridgewater

GET IN TOUCH Leigh Metcalf Tel: 021 550 7000 Email: info@rpaonline.co.za Website: www.rpaonline.co.za

Leon Cohen, CEO of Rabie, Leigh was schooled in life, property and leadership. “It has been my privilege to have had the opportunity to learn from these gentlemen who lead from the heart,” says Leigh. “Remaining humble is a key element to great leadership, as is leading by example” Cohen remembers the most significant attributes Leigh displayed from the beginning. “It’s Leigh’s leadership, integrity and ability to get along with a variety of people across the board, whether it’s applicable to the management of her team or the relationships she fosters with her clients, that makes her such a dynamic person and a true asset to Rabie.”

In 30 years Leigh’s enthusiasm and passion for what is truly her calling has never wavered. “Every morning when I wake up, I look forward to coming to work. I love my job!”

HOMEFRONT HOT TOPIC

Time to rebuild Following the devastating effects of the riots and unrest that swept through KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng during July, major property services and management company Broll suffered much damage to their extensive property portfolio, but they are set to be back on their feet in no time WORDS: ATLEHANG RAMATHESELE :: PHOTO/GRAPHIC: SUPPLIED

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anaging more than 400 shopping centres countrywide, it was inevitable that Broll Property Group would be affected by the looting and arson attacks that recently took place in SA. With 39 properties affected, many of Broll’s clients and landlords have had to pick up the pieces. While it has been difficult, they are emerging from the crisis. COO for property management, Nkuli Bogopa, shares more on the extent of the damage and what is being done in the aftermath.

While Broll was adversely affected, she was glad that some of their clients were able to rebuild as early as the first weekend after the riots.

“Even if a centre couldn’t

COO of Broll Property Group Nkuli Bogapa

function as a whole, it could operate partly. There is still a future. Some of the centres will take up to eight months to rebuild, but those affected less have been able to be up and running,” she says.

Broll’s income was impacted by the riots, but right now they are focusing on sustainability and this will take some effort.

“Thankfully we weren’t in a position in which we had to shed jobs like other retailers. We have been able to maintain jobs even though our income was compromised,” she says.

After the fallout from the tumult, Broll sprang into action to assist clients with the administration of processing insurance claims. “We also got involved in the actual clean-up and the prevention of further

damage. We had suppliers who we relied on heavily for this. Stakeholders all came together including security companies and people would come to work without their uniforms on. They even thwarted fires from happening,” she says.

There was major emphasis on containing the situation and this was propelled by how many people were willing to step in to help. “We also had to ensure our landlords were protected and engaged with tenants about how we could further support them,” Bogopa says.

Broll has been working alongside various stakeholders to combat this dire situation and Bogapa says that communities rallying countrywide were one of the most powerful forms of support. “There

COUNTING THE COST 21.07.21

THE WAY FORWARD How has Broll added positivity to the current situation?

Broll Human Capital has come up with a programme focusing on staff wellbeing. We are recognising that our staff are going through a lot of strain following the perpetual trauma between the general effects of Covid-19 and what recently transpired during the riots. It covers a broad spectrum of issues including mental and financial wellness. It has gone a long way to provide the necessary support for our staff.

We also continue to support our clients and landlords. We are being proactive about how to manage leases and lease terms and what needs to be done upfront.

What has Broll learnt from this?

We have learnt that disruption happens and one has to be agile when it does. We continue in our efforts to be responsible corporate citizens and emphasise transformation in the way we do business. Some lessons learnt from riots that took place elsewhere in the world have assisted us in our own experience.

“I recently attended a security presentation that highlighted how the way properties interact with the communities in which they exist is likely to inspire the community to want to protect it. As we saw during the uprisings, many people were stopping others from doing further damage to buildings in their communities,” she says.

While Bogopa says security will be heightened, she concedes that it is better to be proactive and preventative.

“How to avoid this in future is also a macro question that speaks to the economy at large about how to curtail inequality in our country. As long as inequality and lawlessness prevail, it doesn’t matter how high we build the walls,” she says.

was the Rebuild SA campaign through which many South Africans made a meaningful contribution.

Communities, our suppliers, landlords, government and all the various social partners and interventions that the president highlighted in his previous address all played a crucial role. Some of the government funding entities are putting together interest-free loans to assist SMEs and retailers to rebuild and recover. There has generally been enormous support,” she says.

While Broll is investing in some preventative measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future, they are also aware of how emotional attachment to a certain property increases one’s propensity to safeguard it.

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

161 malls

11

warehouses

8

factories more than

200

liquor outlets and distributors

200 shopping centres MA JORIT Y LOOTED and DAMAGED

113

BURNT OR SIGNIFICANT FIRE DAMAGE

100 malls

approximately

COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED

MORE THAN

90 PHARMACIES

DESTROYED BEYOND REVIVAL

3000

stores looted

STOCK LOST KWAZULU NATAL

R1,5 BN - DBN

150,000

KWAZULU NATAL

50,000

INFORMAL TRADERS

40,000

BUSINESSES AFFECTED

R20 BILLION

1400 ATMS IMPACT ON KZN GDP DAMAGED 300 BANK & POST OFFICE OUTLETS VANDALIZED

R50 BILLION IMPACT ON NATIONAL GDP

Source: eThekwini ECOD

Numbers are approximate as reported in the press and SENS announcements

SA Property Owners Association (Sapoa)

JOBS @ RISK

1735 RETAILERS’ STORES

IMPACTED AND DAMAGED

GAUTENG

489 209 190 184 136 109 99 76 58 57 50 36 31 11

KWAZULU NATAL

Property Management Progressive property people.

Asset value protection.

Basement to rooftop.

No other independent service provider has Broll’s expertise and proven track record when it comes to property management in South Africa.

We deliver superior returns - something that we’ve consistently achieved even in tough market conditions. That’s why some of Africa’s largest portfolios, both listed and private are entrusting us with their assets.

Our services include: Retail leasing and consulting – Professional property management – Lease renewal negotiations – Vacant space management – Project management – Tenant co-ordination – Adjustment accounts – Sustainability solutions – Insurance compliance

Financial accounting and management – Rent recoveries and accounts payment – Building sales and feasibilities – Datamart licences for asset management – Service provider procurement and management – Asset registration and planned preventative maintenance – Commercial, residential and leisure management services – Budgeting and forecasting maintenance management risk and compliance – Sectional title property management

info@broll.com | www.broll.com

FOCUS ON: ZIMBALI LAKES ADVERTORIAL

Zimbali Lakes clocks record sales Zimbali Suites

Growing popularity has seen this KwaZulu-Natal estate secure more than R160m in new sales over the past quarter alone. We find out more about what makes this estate so attractive WORDS: FRED FELTON :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED BY ZIMBALI LAKES

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here seems to be a huge demand for a lifestyle on the coast. Families are seeking modern estates with all the latest amenities and in close proximity to the beach, nature walks and shopping centres.

Located on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, it’s no surprise that Zimbali Lakes has attracted a lot of investor attention. Over the past three months, it has secured more than R160m in new sales across its portfolio of suites, single residential erven and planned unit development sites.

In Q4 of 2021, construction will also start on a number of lock-up-and-go and freestanding apartments, with demand for these types

of units growing so much from buyers across the country that there is now a waiting list to purchase.

The Zimbali Boulevard Suites (ZBS) development team has also appointed a new contractor, Concilio Group, with more than 15 years of experience in the industry.

Tarring and kerbing of access roads and the installation and commissioning of services in phase 1A of the main development node should be completed by midSeptember. Work on the upgrades to access roads and the construction of a circle is well under way with anticipated completion set for early Q4 of 2021.

Construction of the 18-hole golf course will commence

during the first quarter of 2022.

The look of Zimbali Lakes will also start to change in the coming weeks when property transfers will begin to take place. Boulevard Edge luxury apartments, which form part of Zimbali Lakes, are selling for less than R2m.

At the time of writing this article, only four out of 32 of these units remained available.

According to sales and marketing manager of Zimbali Lakes, Dave McGregor, the interest in the development has been phenomenal with 85% of the first phase sold out. “The transformation of this node into a work, play and residential hub is nearly under way,’’ says McGregor.

He also says that properties in this phase will lodge for transfer next month. ‘’There is a strong mix of local and semigration buyers from the inland provinces who want to work and live in their previous holiday destinations,’’ says McGregor.

The Zimbali Lakes Resort is expected to generate more than R10bn in sales and resales over the next decade.

This will help to create more jobs and stimulate the economy in KwaZulu-Natal.

The development will create more than 8,000 jobs through the construction phase, and as the development reaches maturity it is anticipated to create more than 3,000 permanent jobs.

The Zimbali Lakes Resort

will offer 24-hour security, including biometric access control, infrared cameras, fibre optic enabled communications and state-of-the-art technology.

Zimbali Lakes is also situated near the tourist hotspot of Ballito, as well as King Shaka International Airport. Durban and Umhlanga are also a short drive away.

According to eThekwini mayor, councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, Durban recorded 34,500 visitors over the long weekend from August 7-9, with a direct spend of R46m and a GDP contribution to the economy of R113m.

For a virtual tour of the development visit www.zimbali.co.za or WhatsApp 060 392 1825 for more information.

Boulevard aerial view

Construction at Zimbali

GET IN TOUCH T: (+27) 32 538 1205 | M: (+27) 84 202 8267 dave@zimbalilakes.co.za www.lakes.zimbali.co.za A view over the golf course at Zimbali Lakes

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