#WomensMonth: 'Advocate for the change we want to see' - Siphumelele Khuzwayo, Broll

Siphumelele Khuzwayo, portfolio manager, Property Management, Broll KZN

There are a lot of women who have paved the way, excelling in different fields in the sector, says Khuzwayo: “The
positive impact they have made can only be enhanced by having more women join the ranks, so I challenge all to aspire to greatness and to have the courage to realise their dreams and goals through focus and excellence.”

This Women's Month, Khuzwayo shared with us a bit about her role at Broll, what she loves most about working in property, and how Broll is supporting and empowering women in the sector.

Tell us a bit about yourself - your background?

Siphumelele Khuzwayo: I am an experienced and passionate property practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry for more or less 20 years. I have worked for various organisations both in the public and private sector, skilled in property, facilities and operations management, talent management, contract management, risk management, and partnering with tenants. I have been with Broll Property Group since 2013 and have grown from centre management to portfolio management, working across the KZN and Gauteng regions.

Describe your role at Broll - what does a typical workday look like for you?

Khuzwayo: I am a planner by nature so I keep a diary for my to-do list each day, which includes but is not limited to; team, client and service provider meetings for the day; mails to return, sites to visit, etc. I am driven by excellence and am a keen practitioner of solutions-based management and, as such, approach all tasks with professionalism and due care. I am also passionate about mentorship and coaching of others and so dedicate some of my time to that endeavor as much as possible.

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What do you love most about working in the property sector?

Khuzwayo: The built environment is ever present and ever-growing and, as such, has a lot of opportunities for growth. What I love the most about working in this sector is the fact that even though no two days are alike, we get to be part of something that contributes positively to the country’s economy with a lot of business and employment opportunities in the various disciplines.

What's your favourite trend in the sector right now?

Khuzwayo: To see an increased number of women in key positions who are positively influencing the industry through being dynamic, fearless, nurturing and excellent beings, pushing gender mainstreaming forward.

When you're not busy working, what do you do for fun?

Khuzwayo: I am into meditation, reading and physical exercise. I believe that if I take care of my body and my mind, I become more centred, which helps me create balance in my life.

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How can we drive greater gender parity in the sector?

Khuzwayo: In order for gender parity to become a reality, we have to continuously make room for more women to come up through the ranks through advocacy, merit-based empowerment, and partnerships with industry stakeholders. However, gender parity needs to extend to more than promotion of women to leadership positions and proper succession planning, they need to receive equal compensation for equal work and experience.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women pursuing a career in property today?

Khuzwayo: My advice would be for women to stop over-thinking and replaying failed scenarios which feed their self-doubt and understand that there is no role they cannot excel in.

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How is Broll supporting and empowering women in the property sector?

Khuzwayo: Broll is certainly doing their bit to champion gender parity which has seen an increased number of females in the Broll Property Group exco, filtering down to various ranks within the organisation which are competently led by women.

Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share this Women's Month or words of encouragement?

Khuzwayo: I encourage all of us to do the best we can to show up every day, no matter the challenges or circumstances we face. To know that we belong at every table where decisions about the future of our industry are being made and so it’s important to use our voice to advocate for the change we want to see.