Advancing South Africa 

South Africa is in a moment of change. Thirty years after becoming a democracy, its leaders once again have made history by forming a Government of National Unity (GNU). The GNU came about because of split election results, which divided the parliament among several parties. In response, 10 political parties agreed to form the GNU and work to promote and move forward mutually agreed-upon advancements for the country. 

In this time of historically significant compromise and change, IREM’s program in South Africa is also looking to pivot to ensure its relevance and sustainability. Aligning itself with the government’s initiatives to reskill and upskill employees, combat unemployment, and foster diversity in the workplace, IREM’s new local strategy concentrates on making connections and expanding options in South Africa and the surrounding countries.

In September 2024, IREM leaders and HQ staff traveled to South Africa to promote this new direction and strengthen relationships.

New opportunities

IREM has been working in South Africa since 2017 when it first entered the market in partnership with The University of Witwatersrand (Wits University) to offer CPM^® certification courses. In 2018, the South Africa Gauteng Chapter was formed. It’s the first and only IREM chapter in Africa.

Leemisa Tsolo, CPM^®

Despite enthusiasm from members and students, it was clear that the market needed other types of educational offerings to fulfill the needs of property management professionals and those aspiring to enter the field. “IREM is in a unique position in South Africa to align itself with government initiatives to curtail the country’s high levels of unemployment,” says IREM South Africa Gauteng Chapter President Leemisa Tsolo, CPM^®. “IREM programs can help employers reskill and upskill employees, and it can provide practical knowledge to recent college graduates looking to enter the job market in this field.”

In response to this, IREM is introducing a strategy of expanded options. Leah Misbin, IREM senior director of international programs, has been working in South Africa on behalf of the institute since the program’s inception in 2017. “Even though we have had some successes in South Africa, there remains so many parts of the industry we have not touched and ways we can foster professionalization of property management,” she says. This new approach includes launching the ACoM^® certification, as well as actively starting the promotion of the self-paced course format and microlearning opportunities. 

Leah Misbin

Previously, IREM solely focused on offering CPM education locally with live instruction. “With the introduction of this other certification, online format, and microlearning, like skill badges, IREM hopes to tap into a new cadre of professionals and provide easier-to-access skills training for employees and employers,” says Misbin. To help facilitate ease of access, IREM will launch a special virtual portal specifically for property managers in the Southern African market. This portal is also scheduled to be live in January 2025.

Chapter outreach

Spearheaded by IREM South Africa Gauteng Chapter leaders Tsolo, Patrick Katabua, CPM^®, 2024-President-Elect, and Saul Gumede, CPM^®, Chapter founder, and supported by Misbin, IREM’s South African members have been working on several initiatives to advance IREM’s position in the industry. Most notably, IREM is seeking approval from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional body to help IREM solidify its place as a top education provider in the country.

A key piece of this strategy is expanding relationships with local universities. IREM has a history with the renowned Wits University and has a licensing agreement to offer CPM certification courses through this arrangement. IREM has renewed its relationship with the University of Cape Town, and IREM entered into a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Pretoria in September 2024. Initial discussions with the University of Johannesburg about entering into an MOU are underway.  

Transnet, a public company with the South African government as the sole shareholder, owns all of South Africa’s railways, ports, and pipelines. It’s also become a major player in the property management stage with the inception of Transnet Property to control and oversee all of its property holdings. Kapei Wa Phahlamohlaka, CPM^®, is the current CEO of Transnet Property and continues to be a strong supporter of IREM and promoter of how IREM can assist with property management education for its employees.

IREM held an introductory meeting with Property Practitioners Regulatory Agency (PPRA) CEO Thatho Ramaila and her executive team to share what IREM has to offer in the commercial property management education space, introduce the ACoM, and launch the African portal.  

IREM continues its talks with Services-Seta, a fund set up by the government to grant funds to advance skills development. Thembinkosi Mosia from Services-Seta has expressed interest in helping advance the ACoM in the country.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) supported IREM by collaborating to draft an MOU between the two organizations. DPWI is a main employer of property managers, and while they already engage several CPMs, this development will help increase that number.  

SAPOA convention

Members of the IREM leadership team, Libby Ekre, CPM^®, 2024 IREM President, and Dawn Carpenter, CPM^®, 2024 IREM President-Elect, attended the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) annual convention in Sun City, two hours outside of Johannesburg. IREM signed an MOU with SAPOA at the 2023 convention. During the event, IREM representatives from the local chapter worked with the IREM leadership team to spread the word about IREM’s programs. In addition to attending sessions, IREM held a booth in the education corner section of the exhibition hall.  

Finishing off their trip to Sun City, the leaders held IREM’s first hybrid swearing-in of new members. CPMs and CPM candidates were allowed to join the ceremony online or in person. “It was really inspiring to see so many CPM members, in person and virtually, and hear their passion for the industry,“ Ekre says. “This event really allowed us as leaders to connect with more members and interested groups. This market has so much potential.” 

Representatives from all the groups IREM had met with earlier in the week joined to celebrate the new members, along with leaders from the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe, who wished to learn more about working with IREM directly.

Looking ahead

With the new expansion strategy underway, 2025 will prove to be an exciting year for the program in South Africa. “I want to thank our members in South Africa for their dedication,“ concludes Ekre. “It truly shows there is a journey ahead, but I know together, we are up for the challenge.”