2019 SA Women in Property Awards finalists announced

Nompumelelo Xulu – Founder and Managing Director NS Xulu Attorneys Conveyancers (KwaZulu-Natal)

Last month, the regional rounds of Sawipa 2019 took place in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng. The nominees in each category were recognised and the regional winners, who are now national finalists, were announced.

“The SA Women in Property Awards, sponsored by Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), is a platform established by the WPN to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in various segments of the South African property sector,” said Nonhlanhla Mayisela, National Chair of the WPN and CEO of Izandla Property.

Clare Comins – Professional Architect, SNAPP Architects (Western Cape)

“Sawipa recognises outstanding leadership, commitment and success in individuals and organisations that have stepped up and shaped women’s roles within the private and public spheres of the sector. This includes CEOs, executives and leaders in corporate South Africa, SMMEs, government departments and agencies, as well as entrepreneurs,” Mayisela continued.

This year’s awards categories include four Individual Awards: Young Achiever, Entrepreneur of the Year, Professional of the Year (Private Sector) and Professional of the Year (Public Sector).

Acsa is the principal sponsor this year’s Sawipa; other sponsors include of First National Bank (FNB), Excellerate JHI and The Colosseum Hotel.

Palesa Moloi – CEO & Co-founder, ParkUpp (Gauteng)

The list of SAWIPA 2019 finalists

Young Achiever Award

• Clare Comins – Professional Architect, SNAPP Architects (Western Cape)
  
• Palesa Moloi – CEO & Co-founder, ParkUpp (Gauteng)
  
• Nompumelelo Xulu – Founder and Managing Director NS Xulu Attorneys Conveyancers (KwaZulu-Natal)

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

• Jutta Berns-Mumbi – Founder & Managing Director, Ecocentric (Gauteng)
  
• Michelle Michael – Director, Dlamini Michael Inc. (KwaZulu-Natal)
  
• There were no nominees from the Western Cape in this category

Professional of the Year Award – Private Sector

• Susan Turner – Co-founder & Director, Knight Frank South Africa (Western Cape)
  
• Tia Kanakakis – Partner, MDS Architecture (Gauteng)
  
• Saloshini Gounder – Executive Real Estate, Massdiscounters (KwaZulu-Natal)

Professional of the Year Award – Public Sector

• Kathy Michell – Associate Professor & Head of Department Construction Economics & Management, University of Cape Town (Western Cape)
  
• Lerato Peu – Executive Director, Economic Development Merafong City Local Municipality (Gauteng)
  
• Fathima Khan – Senior Manager, eThekwini Real Estate

The Sawipa 2019 National Awards and Gala Dinner — hosted by WPN and ACSA — is taking place on Wednesday 9 October, at Summer Place, Johannesburg.