The South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) has revealed the winners of the 2025 Property Development Awards for Innovative Excellence — the country’s most prestigious recognition in commercial property. Honouring visionary design, sustainability, and innovation, the awards celebrate projects that redefine South Africa’s built environment. According to SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal, this year’s winners embody inclusivity and innovation, shaping spaces that connect people, empower communities, and create lasting value.

The global valuation profession is facing a critical skills shortage, with low public awareness and an ageing workforce threatening its sustainability—issues that will take centre stage at the V20 Africa 2025 conference in Cape Town this September. Dianne de Wet, former SAIV President, warns that without urgent action to attract young and diverse talent, the industry risks significant knowledge gaps. Hosted by the South African Institute of Valuers with international partners, the V20 will focus on talent attraction, training, and outreach, highlighting valuation’s vital role across sectors. Stakeholders are urged to collaborate on skills development to secure the future of the profession. Registration is open at the official V20 Africa website.

Recent High Court judgments in both North and South Gauteng have declared municipal cleaning levies imposed by Tshwane and Johannesburg unlawful, offering relief to property owners. Tshwane’s R194 monthly ‘cleansing levy’ and Johannesburg’s higher refuse tariff for non-sectional title properties were both found to lack legal basis. Meanwhile, SAPOA is challenging Cape Town’s new cleaning and fixed water tariffs, arguing they unfairly penalise property owners. These rulings reinforce that municipalities cannot impose unlawful levies to cover budget deficits.

The RICS Africa Conference, supported by WPN, IFC, Fortress, IREM, and BROLL, convened economists, urban planners, and investors in Johannesburg to explore Africa’s economic and urban future. Key topics included climate resilience, economic reform, and the urgent need for green building. Experts discussed urbanisation challenges, innovative property valuation, project financing, and the transformative role of technology, with Rwanda’s Kigali Innovation City showcased as a model for sustainable, knowledge-driven urban development across the continent.

South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) said the ongoing deterioration at municipal levels not only put strain the financial viability of property owners but also create an environment of uncertainty that could drive investment away from South Africa’s real estate market

When he isn't fighting the good fight on behalf of SA's biggest property owners, Neil Gopal, CEO of the South African Property Owners' Association, also likes to dabble in a bit of physics and some good rocking tunes. He spoke to News 24 journalist, Nick Wilson.

The South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), representing over 90% of the country’s commercial property sector, has raised serious concerns over illegal multimillion-rand developments in Tshwane, warning of their detrimental effects on property values, municipal infrastructure, and the local economy.

Navigating successful engineering business leadership roles requires more than technical expertise; it demands a blend of business acumen and leadership skills. Companies that invest in the career development of their young engineers are positioning themselves for long-term success.

Planning and real estate can shape a better South Africa, and SAPOA is positioned at the forefront of building a better future. With the new Government of National Unity (GNU) and growing positive sentiment in and about South Africa, the new President of SAPOA discusses the organisation’s role in seizing the opportunity presented by the current climate of cooperation and progress.

Itumeleng Mothibeli steps into his role as the new President of the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) with a clear and ambitious vision: to steer the property sector towards inclusive growth, innovation, and transformation.
As the Managing Director for Southern Africa at Vukile Property Fund, Mothibeli brings both industry expertise and a forward-looking strategy focused on education, research, and collaboration. He is determined to empower the property sector to drive solutions for some of South Africa's most pressing socio-economic challenges.