Property mogul Marc Wainer passes away at 71

Property mogul Marc Wainer dies at age 71. Image source: Redefine Properties

“I am at a loss for words and deeply saddened by Marc’s passing away," said Andrew Konig, CEO, Redefine Properties. "He leaves a void in the lives of people in the entire property sector who did not escape his characteristic wit, infectious laughter and his genuine love and concern for those he worked with.”

“Marc was a true family man and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”

Pioneering property investor

Wainer's long career in the property industry began in his parents' grocery and fish shop in Yeoville, Johannesburg. In 1999 he founded Redefine Properties, currently listed in the JSE Top 40 Index and one of the largest REITs with more than 300 local properties with last reported total assets exceeding R100bn.

“His passing away is also a huge loss to the sector and we will all miss his guidance and encouragement," said Konig. "Marc always said that people are the only thing that matter. Our tribute to him will be who we say we are and continue to grow the business he founded and continue to manage and create our spaces in a way that purposefully changes lives.”

“Marc leaves an extremely powerful legacy. He will always be remembered as a legendary leader, a game-changer in the property sector, and someone who changed the lives of many who had the privilege of working with and knowing him," said Konig.

Oh no ��! Marc Wainer was a mensch. An institution in SA’s real estate sector. I recently spoke to him. Although Marc retired, he advised on relief measures that can be offered to tenants impacted by Covid-19. “It’s time to roll up my sleeves & help wherever I can,” he told me. https://t.co/XLdlKfld6I

— Ray Mahlaka (@RayMahlaka) April 20, 2020

My last vivid memory of Marc Wainer was sharing a bag of enormous Polish cherries with him outside of an EPP-owned mall in Czeladź marveling at the economic miracle of Poland after the country turned its back the failure of communism. His brutal honesty will be missed.

— Michael Avery (@MichaelJAvery) April 20, 2020

"I often get asked what it takes to be an entrepreneur. It's a passion, a consuming desire you have for the success and recognition. But you need to accept who you are to be truly successful." Marc Wainer

A property doyenne.#MarcWainer #Redefine #Property #RIP pic.twitter.com/DeStZCmJWq

— Youth In Property (@YIPA_SA) April 20, 2020

The SA Property Industry has lost a leader and a friend. Marc played a pivotal role in shaping the industry to what is it today and his career and achievements are something we can all aspire to. https://t.co/dXGmIGEXh4

— GalettiCRE (@GalettiCRE) April 20, 2020

@MarcWainer Marc, I got the news that you have departed. I saw you 5 weeks ago at your new office. After a long chat we promised each other another cup of coffee. Fare thee well my friend. You did what you could and changed our lives forever. Rest coz your time has come....

— Ntando Kubheka (@sharingpioneer) April 20, 2020