LEAD FEATURE: BUSINESS UNLIMITED CONSULTANTS CC Tackling the challenges within SA’s property industry

Anna Botha

Director of Business Unlimited

Valerie Munro Kieswetter

Owner and founder of Business Unlimited Women in leadership

Tackling the challenges within SA’s property industry

Valerie Munro Kieswetter is a force of nature – she exudes confidence, charm, business acumen but remains very down to earth and lacks artifice as she speaks passionately about her various entrepreneurial ventures, which includes being a key player in the property sector. With several companies under her belt focused on real estate, training and outsourcing, Munro Kieswetter is a true example of passion drives success. She chats to South African Business Integrator about her experience, and how Business Unlimited is seeking to help strengthen the integrity of the property sector.

Va ler ie Munro Kieswetter

There are some key governing issues facing the property industry in South Africa, including fraud, corruption and delays in issuing valid FFCs, which negatively impacts agents according to Valerie Munro Kieswetter. “There have been various improper practices that have occurred under the watch of the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), which was later replaced by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) in February 2022,” says Munro Kieswetter.

“Additionally, it is very unfortunate that over the years there have been numerous ‘fly by night’ real estate agencies that have popped up, which has resulted in the public losing trust and respect for the industry. This has caused huge financial difficulties for the honest agencies, and serious daily challenges. The public needs to be made more aware of dealing with valid and trustworthy registered estate agents. Name and shame the culprits and refrain from working with them in the future,” adds Munro Kieswetter.

She does note that there are certain agencies and bodies that aim to strengthen governance within the sector. “The property industry, which has been impacted by the pandemic and economy does have the Institute of Estate Agents of SA (IEASA), established 1997, and the Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa (REBOSA) for business owners, established in 2012. There is also the rental tribunal for tenants which was established 2001.”

“The property sector remains a solid avenue for investors and persons seeking to build a career in the industry, but we need to do more. We need to prioritise consequences for ‘cowboy’ agencies and agents, empower professionals in the sector with training, and CPD points must be earned by all parties concerned. Inspectors also need to pay visits to estate agencies more frequently,” advises Munro Kieswetter.

Developing future professionals: TCG Training

“A lot needs to happen for us to help develop the industry as a whole. We need to root out corruption, and ensure that people working in the sector receive the proper training. My business partner and myself recently established a training academy with the aim to develop and grow young, upcoming people. Knowledge is power. One cannot empower a nation without education and training. Training that is not SETA-accredited has no credibility. That’s why our training academy TCG Training is SETA registered.”

Speaking passionately, she notes that a training programme that prioritises personal growth, helps students feel more empowered and confident in their business, can translate to enhancing profits down the line. “Unlike traditional training, transformational training does not overload learners with extraneous details while they are trying to learn.”

Directors of TCG Training Academy

Elrien Van Zyl Marlene Roberts

The property sector for 2022

“The hybrid model of working is negatively impacting the sale of commercial property. However, since the coronavirus seems to be more under control, incentives have begun to disappear. In my experience, things will return to normal, although