New partnerships forge opportunities for IREM in South Africa
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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, to combat unemployment, and to foster diversity in the workplace, IREM’s new local strategy concentrates on making connections and expanding options not only in South Africa, but in the surrounding countries as well.
In September 2024, IREM leaders 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 on the African continent.
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. Given the high level of unemployment and government programs to decrease it, IREM responded by introducing a strategy of expanded options.
Starting in 2025, IREM will launch the ACoM® certification, as well as actively start promotion of the self-paced course format and microlearning opportunities. 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. To help facilitate ease of access, IREM will launch a special virtual portal specifically for professionals 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 Leemisa Tsolo, CPM®, 2024 President, Patrick Katabua, CPM®, 2024-President-Elect, and Saul Gumede, CPM®, Chapter Founder, IREM’s South African members have been working on a number of initiatives to advance IREM’s position in the industry. Most notably, IREM is seeking approval by 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 continues to have 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 an MOU (Memo of Understanding) with the University of Pretoria (UP) in September 2024. Initial discussions with the University of Johannesburg to enter into an MOU are under way.
Transnet, a public company, with the South African government as the sole shareholder, owns all of South Africa’s railway, ports and pipelines. It’s also become a major player on the property management stage with the inception of Transnet Property, in an effort to control and oversee all of its property holdings. Kapei Wa Phahlamohlaka, CPM®, is the current CEO of Transnet Property, and along with CPM® Member Tumelo Ramushu, General Manager- Property Management, they’ve facilitated IREM’s entry into discussions with its education provider, Tansnet Academy, about how IREM can assist with property management education for its employees.
IREM held an introductory meeting with the 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, the introduction of the ACoM®, and the launch of 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) showed its support for 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, 2 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 given the option to join the ceremony either online or in-person. The event was a success and allowed the leadership team to connect with more members and interested groups through the dual format. 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. Thank you to our members in South Africa for all their hard work and help advancing this program and the industry to where it is today.
