Jon Foster-Pedley, Dean of Henley Business School SA, says effective leadership is imperative in an industry that contributes more than 10% of global GDP. "Real estate comprises around 50% of the world's assets by value and 10% of the value of all pension and savings funds and, therefore, requires thoughtful and well-prepared individuals.
"The centre's chief purpose is the development of skills, knowledge and practices for commercially effective, environmentally aware and socially responsible development and management of real estate in Africa."
Henley Business School SA is the African arm of Henley Business School UK, a global operation and division of the University of Reading UK. Henley UK is home to the School of Real Estate and Planning, which was established in 1968 and enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. It has close links with a wide range of leading organisations in the industry worldwide.
Heading up the centre is Dineo Molomo who explains that CASREA's programmes and initiatives will incorporate government and commercial real estate use, as well as urban and rural land and property. "We aim to be both global and local in orientation, drawing on the best of international knowledge, research and skills."
Molomo brings with her a wealth of experience in the real estate and property management arena, having run her own real estate business since 2006, as well as working for more than three years as executive manager of the Gauteng Institute for Architecture.
She says the centre will be forming mutually beneficial partnerships with local and international experts and organisations to create clarity, systems and order in all aspects of thinking and practice in the sector, including finance, management, communication and skills development.
"Starting in September, we will be hosting informal networking opportunities and talks relating to the real estate, built environment and planning industries," says Molomo. "We are dedicated to working with government, business and communities in emerging economies to increase management and professional capacity in order to accelerate both rural and urban infrastructure development."
