Partnering with the WPN are dedicated sponsors Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
“It is fantastic to be able to recognize and celebrate women in the property sector that have impacted, inspired, influenced and changed the face of the industry for 2017 in an exceptional way. The caliber of women we have seen over the last few weeks through the adjudication process signifies the remarkable impact women have made, in what has been a predominantly male environment. The awards are further celebrated over the symbolic month of August, Women’s month” says Sandi Mbutuma, WPN Chairperson and Managing Director, Azzaro Quantity Surveyors.
A panel of judges representing a range of industry disciplines adjudicated the regional awards, and all the regional winners now go into a judging process, where winners will be announced at a glamorous gala event to be held on the 18 October 2017 at the Polo Room, Inanda Club.
The Gauteng regional nominees and finalists that have been recognized and acknowledged for the remarkable impression they have made on the industry are:
YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD (under 35 years old)
Victoria Lekolwane - Relationship Manager, Nedbank
Philippa Frowein - Architect, LYT Architecture
Mantsikoe Moiloa - Senior Strategist, Broll
Vere Shaba - Director Green Buildings & Certifications, Shaba & Ramplin
Safiyya Mahomed - Candidate Quantity Surveyor, MLC Construction Cost Consultants
Johanni Heyns - Head: Architectural & Space Management, City Property
The regional winner in this category is Vere Shaba.
BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR – ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Puleng Tubane - Managing Director, NRP Properties & Contractors
Rirhandzu Letty Ngobeni, Founder & CEO, Integrico
Alice Madisha - Co Founder, Smith & Madisha
Dorcas Melefetse - Thatego Holdings
Moira Tlhagale - Managing Director, TMTJ Consulting Gauteng
The regional businesswoman of the year is Rirhandzu Letty Ngobeni.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: CORPORATE / PRIVATE SECTOR AWARD
Madeleine Truter - Legal Advisor, Setso Asset Managers
Pumi Lukhele - Development Manager, Sun International
Vuyokazi Njongwe - Commercial Director, Billion Group
Akona Ngcuka - Facilities Management Executive, Bidvest
Beata Kaleta - Design Director, DSA Architects
Bharathi Kawal - Senior Analyst, Liberty Two Degrees
Stephanie Ainsworth - Chief Risk Officer, City Property
Leanne Sowray - Sector Head Commercial Division, Growthpoint
The regional winner is Madeleine Truter.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: PUBLIC SECTOR AWARD
Vinolia Mashiane - Chief Investment Officer, Gauteng Partnership Fund
Tintswalo Mkhize - Chief Quantity Surveyor, Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development
Says, Mbutuma, “We are proud to be able to roll out the event, not just in Gauteng, but in other regions - KZN and the Western Cape. Through our dedicated sponsors, we were able to create the platform to recognize women nationally.”
Added to recognizing women making strides in the sector, October’s gala dinner, will act as a fundraiser, with table sales raising funds to support the WPN Educational Trust’s bursary scheme into 2018 and beyond. Backed by the WPN Educational Trust’s financial support, the WPN has awarded just fewer than 70 bursaries to previously disadvantaged female students since 2008, with eleven bursaries for property-related degrees or diploma’s being awarded in 2017.