EmpowaWomen, 364 Pine Avenue, Randburg (2025)

27/03/2025

As we move beyond this summit, the challenge is clear: continue breaking barriers, create supportive ecosystems, and ensure that every urban space reflects the diverse and inclusive experience for all women in property and the built environment.

Women are reimagining urban spaces through collective action, challenging outdated narratives, and driving meaningful change across property and infrastructure. From visionary keynotes to powerful panel discussions, we've proven that when women lead, cities don't just grow—they transform.

27/03/2025

Each exhibitor represents a unique perspective on reshaping the property and built environment—showcasing solutions that bridge imagination with tangible progress and demonstrating how collaborative innovation can transform cities, infrastructure, and human experiences.

27/03/2025

Fireside Chat| Empowering Women in the Real Estate Sector: leadership , Innovation and Economic Inclusion.

Ms. Kedibone Phetla , Acting Chief Ombud: Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)

Ms. Kedione explains that the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) is one of six entities under the Department of Human Settlements. CSOS regulates the conduct of individuals living in community schemes such as estates, townhouses, and complexes, starting with the registration of all schemes in the country. Once a scheme’s government documents are submitted, they receive a certificate of registration within 30 days, provided they meet quality assurance standards. CSOS also resolves disputes between body corporates and property owners and oversees the collection of levies.

She also outlined CSOS's transformation strategy, which focuses on building capacity, ensuring access to opportunities, and providing access to funding. Ms. Kedione emphasises that transformation goes beyond just offering opportunities or training; true transformation is seen when individuals from Previously Disadvantaged Groups (PDIs) actively participate in the sector. CSOS has appointed 102 panellists in Executive Managing Agent (EMA) roles, with 50% being women, and five women currently managing schemes. The strategy is inclusive of women from diverse backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Ms. Kedione highlighted that both qualifications and experience are essential, and CSOS supports this through initiatives like learnerships to help individuals gain the necessary experience.

27/03/2025

Masterclass: Building Winning Cities Through Collaboration & Innovation
Presented by Khomotso Letsati, Group Executive, Lanseria Smart City PMO, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency

Khomotso Letsati's masterclass for EmpowaWomen in Property unveils the exciting Lanseria Smart City project, a presidential initiative spanning 28,000 hectares across Gauteng. Leveraging existing infrastructure like Lanseria International Airport and the N40 highway, the development promises significant investment opportunities for women in property. With a focus on sustainable, inclusive post-apartheid urban planning, the project integrates advanced technologies to overcome traditional infrastructure challenges.

The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency is committed to delivering economic infrastructure and attracting investment, with a master plan that emphasises biodiversity and balanced residential and business zones. Khomotso encourages women developers to explore investment possibilities and stressed the importance of structured advocacy to ensure the project's success.

27/03/2025

Panel Discussion: Collaborative Growth: How Local Government and Women Entrepreneurs Can Build Resilient Cities

The transformation of the sector hinges on a critical imperative: empowering women-led businesses. In a compelling panel discussion, Gregory Mofokeng, Acting CEO of the Construction Sector Charter Council (CSCC), shared profound insights into the strategic mechanisms needed to drive meaningful change in the industry.

He emphasised that genuine empowerment transcends rhetoric. Merely discussing women's potential is insufficient, he asserted. True progress requires robust legislative encoding that creates intentional pathways for women in the property and the built environment. Leadership must proactively design policies that not only acknowledge but actively generate opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Success in large-scale infrastructure projects demands a nuanced understanding of regulations. He stressed that women entrepreneurs must develop sophisticated compliance strategies to capitalise on emerging opportunities, transforming regulatory frameworks from potential barriers into strategic advantages.

Perhaps most powerfully, Mofokeng highlighted the transformative potential of women supporting women. Empowerment is a collective journey. When women collaborate, mentor, and elevate each other, we create a multiplier effect of opportunity and representation.

27/03/2025

Panel Discussion: Collaborative Growth: How Local Government and Women Entrepreneurs Can Build Resilient Cities

Representation matters! Kululwa Muthwa, CEO of SAIBPP, sheds light on the unique challenges black women face in the property and real estate sector—lack of access to funding, exclusion from decision-making spaces, and systemic barriers that hinder growth.

She emphasised that true transformation in the built environment requires women to be in the room where key decisions are made. If those making decisions don’t fully understand the challenges women face, they can’t create effective solutions. That’s why advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development are at the core of SAIBPP’s mission. Through the SAIBPP Women’s Forum, they are equipping women with the tools, networks, and opportunities to thrive.

Collaboration is key, Government, the private sector, and women-led enterprises must work together to ensure sustainable, community-driven property development. But more importantly, women must advocate for each other—those who have walked the path must uplift those who are still finding their way.
It's time to break down barriers and drive transformation.

27/03/2025

Panel Discussion: Collaborative Growth: How Local Government and Women Entrepreneurs Can Build Resilient Cities

During a powerful panel discussion, Ms. Tshidi Mndzebele, CEO of Avenir Holdings, emphasised that intentionality is the cornerstone of driving meaningful change.

She highlighted that while policies may exist, many organisations—both public and private—fall short when it comes to authentic inclusion. As women in the property sector, we’re often invited to the table but not given the chance to truly contribute, much like being invited to a party but not allowed to dance. For real transformation to occur, organisations must be held accountable for fulfilling their commitments and should face consequences for not doing so.

The core of her message was clear: intentionality is the catalyst for real change. Organisations cannot hide behind cosmetic gestures like gender-neutral bathrooms or tokenistic leadership positions. True empowerment requires substantive action—providing women with meaningful resources, strategic opportunities, and authentic respect.

Her call to action extends beyond individual achievement. It's a broader challenge to both public and private sectors to move from passive acknowledgement to active support. Real inclusivity isn't about counting numbers, but about creating environments where diverse voices can meaningfully contribute and lead.

27/03/2025

Ms. Sekadi Phanyane-Skahane, CEO of the Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), underscores the critical role that knowledge transfer and mentorship play in the development of women within the built environment. She highlights that when women have exposure to mentorship and work closely with individuals invested in their professional journey, it becomes easier to pass that knowledge down to the next generation. The guidance and support received help create a foundation for success and create a pathway for others to follow.

She strongly believes that mentorship is fundamental in bridging the gap for women in property and the built environment. she notes that women should ensure they feel connected to a community and supported in their career development. They should never feel isolated in their struggles, as there are people available to guide and assist them along the way.

Furthermore Ms Skahane shares that One of the most inspiring aspects of the new generation of female leaders is their courage to ask for help. They understand the value of collaboration and the power of seeking advice from experienced mentors. This shift in mindset is crucial in fostering an environment where women in the built environment can thrive, knowing that they have the support and guidance needed to overcome the challenges they face.

In conclusion, she shares that, knowledge transfer and mentorship are pivotal in empowering women in the built environment. Moving forward, it’s essential to continue promoting mentorship, providing women with the tools they need to succeed, and ensuring that infrastructure planning considers their unique needs and experiences. Only by creating a supportive and inclusive community can we ensure that women have equal opportunities to shape the future of the built environment.

27/03/2025

Panel Discussion: Transforming Urban Leadership – Empowering Women to Shape the Future of Cities

In a compelling panel discussion that resonated deeply with Empowering Women to Shape the Future of Cities: Dr. Cross, Non-Executive Director at .

At the heart of Dr. Cross's insight is a fundamental challenge to outdated narratives about women's organisational capabilities. She systematically dismantled the misconception that women lack collaborative skills, presenting concrete evidence of how women are actively forming networks, leading committees, and driving substantive progress in urban development.

Dr. Cross emphasised that true leadership extends far beyond occupying boardroom seats. Her message was clear: advocacy must amplify the voices of marginalised women who interact with urban infrastructure daily but have been historically excluded from policy-making conversations. The lived experiences of these women should be central to discussions about urban renewal and development.

As cities continue to evolve, the panel made one thing abundantly clear: inclusive leadership is not optional. It is the essential mechanism through which we can create more equitable, responsive, and dynamic urban environments.

27/03/2025

Helen Botes, Acting COO of the , ignites the Empowa Women in Property and Built Environment Summit with a visionary keynote that challenges conventional urban development paradigms.

She highlights the urgent need to tackle urban decay, build sustainable and inclusive cities, and ensure that women's voices are at the forefront of development. With more women leading in property and infrastructure, driving innovation, and reshaping business landscapes, the future of our cities is in bold and capable hands.

The keynote transcends traditional discussions of representation. It's a blueprint for urban transformation—where women are not just participants, but primary architects of change. She underscores that true urban renewal requires:

* Strategic, inclusive planning that centres community needs
* Breaking down systemic barriers in property and infrastructure sectors
* Creating collaborative ecosystems that amplify women's innovative potential

With unwavering conviction, Helen highlights that this journey is complex. It demands more than individual achievement—it requires collective action. Through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to excellence, women are dismantling traditional boundaries and reconstructing urban landscapes.

Johannesburg emerges not just as a city but as a canvas of possibility—where every neighbourhood and every infrastructure project becomes an opportunity for meaningful, transformative change.

27/03/2025

The stage is set, our visionary speakers are primed, and we stand on the brink of a transformative moment. Join us as we champion women's leadership, innovation, and excellence in the property sector.

Stay tuned to our social media platforms for powerful discussions, insightful presentations, and compelling narratives that will drive meaningful change in the property industry.

26/03/2025

Fireside Chat | Empowering Women in the Real Estate Sector: Leadership Innovation, and Economic inclusion

Ms Thato Ramaili, CEO : Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority

Ms Kedibone Phetla, Acting Chief Ombud : Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS)

Ms Sibongile Gangxa , Managing Executive: Empowaworx Special Projects.

26/03/2025

Masterclass | Building winning cities through collaboration & innovation

Khomotso Letsatsi,Group Executive : Lenseria Smart City PMO, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency

26/03/2025

Panel 1| Transforming Urban Leadership: Empowering Women to share the Future of Cities

Ms Corene Breedt-Rammultla Founder: Core Impact

Dr Eunice Cross, Non Executive Director : Equities Property Fund Limited

Ms Sekadi Phanyane-Shakhane , CEO: South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)

26/03/2025

EmpowaWomen is getting G20 ready! See our esteemed line up of speakers for the EmpowaWomen in Property and The Built Environment Summit.

Helen Botes, Acting COO of will deliver the Keynote Address: The future of Cites - How women Are Leading the charge

25/03/2025

Catch Thato Ramali, CEO of on sharing her insights on women in the property sector and the built environment.

24/03/2025

Catch Thato Ramaili, CEO of the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority on Radio 2000 , sharing insights on the property sectors G20 readiness through the regulation and women’s empowerment lens

21/03/2025

We wish you a reflective and inspired Human Rights Day, in commemoration of the hard earned gains of our democracy and drawing inspiration to contribute towards a more equal society where all can self-determine

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