Meet our Speakers
DAY 1 & 2 OPENING & CLOSING SESSIONS / NETWORKING EVENT HOSTS
Africa Melane, Host of the Early Breakfast show, 702 and CapeTalk
Master of Ceremonies and Conference Facilitator
Africa Melane is a renowned broadcaster who speaks to South African audiences every morning hosting Early Breakfast on 702 and CapeTalk and discussing the most topical issues of the day. A well-known Master of Ceremonies, he is an accountant by training. Africa regularly facilitates workshops for businesses on planning and budgeting, for the health sector on HIV/Aids, and in diversity training and professional development. He chairs the Board of Cape Town City Ballet, is the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Cape Town Opera, and he also chairs the judging panel for the prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.
Premier Alan Winde, Western Cape Government
Opening Keynote Speaker
Alan Winde is a former businessman, now politician and, since 2019, Premier of the Western Cape. Before he began his political career, he started and successfully operated 10 businesses in his hometown of Knysna. Determined to contribute positively to his town, he then became a councillor, and later a member of the provincial parliament. In 2009, following the Democratic Alliance’s provincial election victory, he became the Provincial Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, with a firm focus on growth and jobs. It was this same focus that drove his campaign for the premiership, which was centred on improving economic and household prosperity by getting the basics right, such as education and healthcare, and improving safety and public transport for all Western Cape residents. He further committed to improving the efficiency of government service delivery through innovation, new technology and culture change. Since becoming Premier, he has implemented several programmes to achieve these goals, including rolling out lifestyle audits for his cabinet and launching a billion-rand safety plan through which over 1300 officers have been deployed to high crime areas. He also oversaw the province’s response to Covid-19, building an 862-bed hospital in a record six weeks. In February 2022, he announced a major focus on infrastructure to help recover the province’s economy post-covid, which included a new emphasis on improving public transport through a dedicated mobility department. In 2024, Winde was once again elected Premier with the DA having won the provincial election with an outright majority. Key focus areas for the term include improving safety and growing the economy to create more jobs.
Deon van Zyl, WCPDF Chairperson and MD, VORTO
Speaker
Deon van Zyl holds a degree in architecture from the University of the Free State, a diploma in project management and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Cape Town. He cut his teeth in the redevelopment of brownfield land, with exposure to land remediation, and his passion lies in development facilitation through a multi-disciplinary approach. Deon is the MD of VORTO, a specialist development management consultancy which is part of the AL&A group of companies focused on the built environment. He has been the Chairperson of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) since 2011 and is a regular industry commentator, informed by various development industry sub-sectors aligned with the WCPDF.
SESSION 1: UNDERSTANDING WHO HAS SKIN IN THE GAME
Understanding the current resource constraints on the public sector, how do we “State Proof” ourselves, and which national, regional and municipal entities yet understand they also need to have “skin in the game”? It’s becoming increasingly evident that all spheres of government need to renegotiate their place at the table, especially when their own income streams can no longer be guaranteed.
Deon van Zyl, WCPDF Chairperson and MD, VORTO
Facilitator
Deon van Zyl holds a degree in architecture from the University of the Free State, a diploma in project management and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Cape Town. He cut his teeth in the redevelopment of brownfield land, with exposure to land remediation, and his passion lies in development facilitation through a multi-disciplinary approach. Deon is the MD of VORTO, a specialist development management consultancy which is part of the AL&A group of companies focused on the built environment. He has been the Chairperson of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) since 2011 and is a regular industry commentator, informed by various development industry sub-sectors aligned with the WCPDF.
Ben Peters, Director of Corporate Project, Programme and Portfolio Management, City of Cape Town
Speaker/Panellist
Ben Peters is the Director of Corporate Project, Programme and Portfolio Management (C3PM) at the City of Cape Town, where he oversees the planning, execution and governance of critical infrastructure projects. His work focuses on improving project delivery, contract management and engineering management, ensuring alignment with the City’s strategic priorities. Peters is a registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng), Certified Project Manager (Pr.CPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP). He holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh), and is pursuing a PhD at Stellenbosch University focusing on dynamic capability models in project portfolio management. His expertise spans infrastructure delivery, capital portfolio planning and project governance, ensuring efficient and sustainable service delivery for Cape Town’s residents.
Michelle Ellis, Director: Western Cape Government Red Tape Unit
Speaker/Panellist
Michelle Ellis is an accomplished public sector leader with over 20 years’ of experience, specialising in legislative processes and red tape reduction. She holds a BCom (Law), LLB, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Studies, equipping her with both legal and strategic foresight. Currently serving as the Director of the Red Tape Reduction Unit within the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Ellis has spearheaded several impactful initiatives, including managing the only provincial Business Support Helpline in South Africa. With a decade of dedicated experience in cutting red tape, she leads a dynamic team of young professionals driven by a shared passion for public service. Her journey serves as a powerful example for the next generation of leaders, showing how innovation and dedication can make a real difference in society.
Geraldine Liebenberg, Manager: Planning and Property Development Facilitation, Office of the Executive Director: Spatial Planning and Environment, City of Cape Town
Speaker/Panellist
Geraldine Liebenberg obtained a BSc Hons (Town and Regional Planning) from the University of the North West, where she also received academic colours. With nearly two decades of experience in local government, she specialises in large-scale development projects. Her professional journey began in 2003 at the Bitou Municipality followed by a position at the Overstrand Municipality in 2005. In 2009, she joined the City of Cape Town, advancing through various roles, including Manager of Investment Facilitation and Manager of Property Development. Liebenberg is currently the Manager of Planning and Property Development Facilitation within the Office of the Executive Director of Spatial Planning and Environment. Her knowledge and experience is instrumental in facilitating the planning approval and regulatory processes for property development. She leads strategic programmes designed to expedite development and manages key stakeholder relationships. She also actively contributes as a member of the Municipal Planning Tribunal and engages in numerous internal and external platforms that influence the sector, working diligently to address and overcome challenges that impede development progress.
Ryan Ravens, CEO, Accelerate Cape Town
Speaker/Panellist
Ryan Ravens is the CEO of Accelerate Cape Town (ACT), a business leadership organisation representing top-tier corporate business in the Cape Town city region. He is also Chairman of Amaya Space, the leading nanosatellite-focused space manufacturing and services company on the African continent. Ravens currently holds three degrees including an MBA from the University of Cape Town (UCT), in addition to numerous globally recognised professional certifications such as CIPM and PRINCE2. A life-long entrepreneur, he owned a successful management consultancy for a number of years before being approached by FIFA in 2006 to develop the first draft of the masterplan for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Which he delivered to high acclaim, and was then asked to join FIFA on a full-time basis to oversee implementation of the event. Following the successful delivery of this international event, he was head-hunted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (formally BlueIQ) where he served as Group Executive: EPMO (Enterprise Programme Management Office), as well as Group Executive: Strategic Partnerships. Three years later, Ravens returned to his entrepreneurial roots with investments in numerous start-ups including solar renewables, large-scale project advisory services, and cloud-based software development, before moving to Cape Town in 2015 to take up the ACT role. He has extensive experience in leadership positions across both public and private sectors, has worked in all the major SA cities, as well as geographically diverse regions such as Shanghai, Lagos, Doha, and Zurich. Ravens believes in the power of education to transform lives and is passionate about making a positive difference in the SA socio-economic landscape.
SESSION 2: RECALIBRATING SUSTAINABILITY TO SUSTAIN DEVELOPMENT
There is no question that building sustainably for the future is critical, especially in the face of infrastructure constraints. But it also needs to make rands and ‘sense’ to budgets in both the private and public domains. This session highlights the importance of experimentation and innovation, from waste water treatment and package plants to wheeling energy. But it also goes beyond to sustainability among social constructs, once the cranes are gone.
Liezel Kruger-Fountain, Principal Professional Officer – Urban Sustainability Unit, Urban Planning and Design, Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate, City of Cape Town
Facilitator
Liezel Kruger-Fountain is a qualified architect, planner and urban designer with 11 years of international private sector experience and now over 15 years of local government experience, during which she anticipated market responses, impacted community involvement and influenced policies/strategies within the built environment and at different scales. Kruger-Fountain takes great pleasure in bridging the public-private divide through frank and honest engagement. She is known for disruptive thinking, innovation and systemic actions. She consistently uses her negotiation skills, energy and tenacity to empower, support and inspire those she encounters. Alongside her passion for people, contextual fit and cultural appropriateness, she brings an enthusiastic and visionary approach to her work that now also stretches into the promotion and delivery of sustainability. In addition to her planning and design skills, she also excels as an entrepreneur, property investor and business owner, as well as a business coach, facilitator and mentor. Kruger-Fountain currently heads up the Urban Sustainability Unit in the Urban Planning and Design Department at the City of Cape Town, and is the visionary and champion of an exciting local initiative called the Potsdam Sustainability Campus which is a sandpit for learning and innovation towards a more sustainable future, for all.
Gerhard Cronje, CEO, Maskam Water
Speaker/Panellist
Gerhard Cronje has over 30 years’ experience in the water industry, with his passion being sustainable on-site water solutions, ranging from rainwater harvesting to greywater and wastewater re-use, and more. He has founded four businesses, three of which he built up and sold. While studying at the (then) Cape Technicon he started working part-time for XPS Couriers. Nine years later, he was a member of the company’s ManCo. While with XPS, he founded a domestic and commercial garden service and landscaping company in 1993 and, in 1994, he founded Eikestad Irrigation where he designed turf irrigation systems. In 1998, he founded a Commercial cleaning company, which then say him resigning from XPS to focus on these companies. In 2010, one of his irrigation customers was looking for a solution to re-use his black and grey water. Cronje found a solution in the USA and partnered with Zoeller Pump Company , becoming their sole importer and distributor in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through this, Maskam Water was born which is today the sole importer and distributor for 10 different brands.
Emma Muller, Founder/CEO, KaacKai
Speaker/Panellist
Emma Muller is founder-CEO of KaacKai, a provider of game-changing wastewater recovery systems, using the most up-to-date, proven, Danish decentralised modular technology, generating high quality water for reuse. Since launching KaacKai in 2021, a primary focus has been on improving the Standard Operating Procedures and regulatory framework for onsite water reuse via real-time projects with the City of Cape Town and multiple other municipalities to showcase the positive environmental impact and financial advantages for developers and the community to recycle their wastewater on-site. Previously, Muller founded BOTM (Bringing Opportunities To Market), a boutique advisory firm with a longstanding track record in investment facilitation for investments intended to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact to address the world’s most pressing challenges. She also serves as CEO of Homestead Diamonds, an ESG award-winning regenerative diamond sampling and mining operation.
Francois van Themaat, Managing Director: Large Projects, Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS)
Speaker/Panellist
Francois van Themaat is a co-founder of SPS Group, a leading pan-African funder, developer and operator of solar PV and battery storage plants in the commercial and industrial (C&I) market. SPS Group was formed through the merger of Mettle Solar ̶ an early investor in renewable energy co-founded by Francois, Dr Christo Wiese, Louis Norval and Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), a leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company active in South Africa and Namibia since 2008. Following the merger, the combined entity now operates under the Sustainable Power Solutions brand. SPS is currently a portfolio company of Gridworks, part of British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution and New GX Capital Holdings, owned by South African entrepreneur Khudusela Pitje. New GX is an active investor across the infrastructure spectrum with material investments in Fibre, Renewable Energy and Supply Chain. The SPS team is proactively driving renewable energy initiatives within the C&I sector, with over 135 MWp of solar and 40 MWh of battery storage projects installed to date. Some of the company’s landmark projects include installations for Aqunion, B2Gold’s Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, Darling Green Estate, the V&A Waterfront and Four Seasons Resort in Seychelles. Van Themaat holds an LLM degree from Leiden University and an MBA from Oxford University’s Said Business School. His primary focus is on developing larger and more complex renewable energy projects for the SPS Group across Southern Africa.
Kirsten Wilkins, Founder, ContestedSpaces
Speaker/Panellist
Kirsten Wilkins is an experienced Urban Designer with over 20 years of design and city planning experience, based primarily in Cape Town. She holds a Masters Degree in City Planning and Urban Design as well as an undergraduate degree in Architecture from the University of Cape Town. She currently serves as the founder and urban development specialist at ContestedSpaces. Her work is focused on creating urban solutions that centre the human experience in the development ecosystem. Wilkins’s previous roles include Technical Director at Zutari Engineering. She currently serves on the Managing Committee of the Western Cape Property Development Forum and co-authored the technical specifications and research foundation for the current Incentive Overlay Zoning By Law (2024) for the City of Cape Town.
SESSION 3: THE ROLE OF CITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS IN CREATING INVESTOR-FRIEDLY CENTRES
The success of City Improvement Districts in South Africa remains unique to the City of Cape Town, falling as they do under the CID Bylaw and Section 22 of the Municipal property Rates Act. With each CID operating in a special rating area (SRA), CIDs are able to offer complementary services to those of the City. With the number of CIDS climbing year-to-year as ratepayers vote them into operation, how have these contributed to investor confidence? And, more importantly, how much more could they offer if given the mandate to do so?
Simon Nicks, Managing Member, CNdP africa
Facilitator
Simon Nicks is a committed urbanist and environmentalist, who started his career as a housing activist helping communities in informal settlements resist forced removal. He has qualifications in commerce, architecture, urban design and planning, and has been practising for nearly 40 years, beginning with the Cape Town City Council before moving to the private sector. Nicks has specialised in policy formulation and physical project design and implementation so as to ensure a robust approach to both. He has a vibrant interest in restructuring the Apartheid City; environmentally sustainable design; management of poorly-resourced cities in developing countries; and the integration of transport and urban planning. This work has focused on how cities can reduce the psychological and fossil-fuel energy required to function while promoting economic growth, job creation and nice places to live. Along with presenting numerous conference papers, contributing to books, and receiving national and international awards, Nicks’s international experience includes work and study tours to Curitiba and Sao Paulo in Brazil, Dakar, Nairobi, Harare, Kigali, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Agra, Rome, Zurich, Belfast, Leuven, and Copenhagen. He visited Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Madison, Chicago and New York to study recent advances in public and non-motorised transport in US cities. His recent work includes upgrading Newlands Cricket Stadium; urban design and planning approval for a 6 000-unit informal settlement upgrade scheme in Khayelitsha; high-density residential buildings in the CBD and Woodstock; and 10 informal markets around the city. He is currently working on Public Transport Interchange precinct upgrades in Nyanga, Nolungile and Vuyani.
Executive Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, City of Cape Town
Speaker/Panellist
Alderman Eddie Andrews holds a Bachelor of Administration (HONS) majoring in Public Administration and Politics (University of Western Cape). Before entering public office, he played professional rugby for Western Province, Stormers, and Springboks. As a consequence of being an active community activist and wanting to do more, he transitioned into politics in 2011 as a City of Cape Town Councillor and has since served as a Sub Council Chairperson, Portfolio Committee Chairperson, and Mayoral Committee Member. He is currently serving the residents of Cape Town as the Executive Deputy Mayor and the Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment. He remains resolute in his desire to ensure that the City of Cape Town fulfils its enabling obligation and contributes sustainably towards Cape Town’s shared future.
Rob Kane, Chairperson, Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and Founder/CEO Boxwood Property Fund
Speaker/Panellist
Rob Kane retired as CEO of JSE-listed Texton Property Fund Limited (formerly VPIF) in mid-2015 which he started in 2006 and then listed on the JSE in 2011. Since inception, he grew the fund to an asset value of R5.5 billion comprising 350 000m2 of commercial, retail and industrial buildings throughout South Africa. In 2014, Kane diversified the business offshore and the fund had 25% of its asset base in the UK. In the same year, he concluded a BEE transaction placing 26% of the listed shares in black hands. In addition, he is the non-executive Chair of the Cape Town City Improvement District (CCID), a Public-Private Partnership which is responsible for public safety, urban management, social development, and PR/Communications. The CCID is accepted as the organisation primarily responsible for the turnaround of the Cape Town CBD. Kane sits on the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Board for the Western Cape Committee and is an occasional lecturer at UCT. He holds a B.Sc. Civil Engineering degree from UCT and an MBA from Bath University, UK.
Derek Bock, Chief Operations Office, Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID)
Speaker/Panellist
Derek Bock spent nearly 19 years in the South African Army, serving both as a non-commissioned officer and as an Officer, leaving with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. During this period, he attended senior Officer courses at the South African Army College, South African Military Intelligence College, South African Army Battle School and the Royal British Military Academy of Science (UK), among others. In 2002, he became the Security Manager at the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and, in 2003, was promoted to Chief Operations Officer. In 2007, he became the Head of Operations at Eurocape Holdings (an Irish property development company, with an office in Cape Town). In 2012, Bock was appointed as the first Chief Operations Officer of the VRCID – an area commonly known as Cape Town’s “2nd” Central Business District. In 2023, the VRCID received the Award of Excellence from the International Downtown Association (IDA), for establishing a Centre of Hope (Safe Space for the homeless) in Parow. Bock’s passion for public safety and security within the City/Business Improvement District scenario has seen him invited to address conferences in several countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Namibia and the USA.
Gene Lohrentz, Geocentric Services
Speaker/Panellist
Gene Lohrentz leads the Geocentric Group, a group of companies specialising in urban regeneration and management, including urban renewal initiatives like City Improvement Districts (CIDs). Since 2000, he has been involved in CID projects, beginning with the establishment of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID). Over the past 25 years, he has gained experience in CID development and management, consulting to numerous districts across Cape Town. He has been a key consultant in establishing several CIDs, including the Groote Schuur CID, Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District, and others in industrial and business areas such as Stikland, Brackenfell, and Somerset West and Parow East. Further afield, Lohrentz has also supported the establishment of improvement districts in towns such as Stellenbosch, including the Jonkershoek SRA. Originally founded by Lohrentz in 2008, Geocentric has since expanded into three companies specialising in urban management, cleaning, maintenance, and advanced urban CCTV surveillance, and the group currently manages 13 improvement districts. Lohrentz holds an Honours degree in Geographic Information Systems and a Master’s in Geography from Stellenbosch University.
DAY 2 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Hahoon Bhorat, Director, Development Policy Research Unit, School of Economics, UCT
Keynote Speaker
Haroon Bhorat is Professor of Economics and Director of the Development Policy Research Unit at the University of Cape Town. His work has been hugely influential in policy making in respect of poverty, inequality and labour market issues in South Africa. He is the most cited South African economist globally. He is an advisor to President Ramaphosa, serving on his Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), and has also served as an economic advisor to two past Ministers of Finance, and previous Presidents Mbeki and Motlanthe.
SESSION 4: THINKING CREATIVELY ABOUT FINANCING
While a handful of banks are starting to think creatively around financing for the affordable market, much work still needs to be done to innovate and allow experimentation within the traditional banking system and its Statutory and Credit Act environment, across the entire property landscape. In the vacuum of system change, private equity, crowd funding and asset tokenisim are making strides to fill the space.
Dr Allan Davids, Director, Financial Innovation Hub, University of Cape Town
Facilitator
Dr Allan Davids is a Senior Lecturer in Economics and the Director of Financial Innovation at the University of Cape Town. He is also a research fellow at the Centre for Household Finance at Stellenbosch University. Davids’s research covers topics related to housing, household finance, and consumer finance. He has served as a visiting academic at several prestigious universities, including the Stern School of Business at New York University, the Institute for New Economic Thinking at the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London. Additionally, he previously held the South African Reserve Bank Research Chair in Financial Stability Studies. At UCT, Davids teaches courses on housing policy, financial technology, and econometrics, and convenes UCT’s Master’s in Financial Technology, the first Master’s degree specialising in Financial Technology on the African continent.
Gilly Dlamini, General Manager, Banking Association of South Africa (BASA)
Speaker/Panellist
Gilly Dlamini is a well-experienced economist and banker, with ju over 25 years of practical managerial experience within, and extensive knowledge of, agricultural finance. During his professional formative years, he trained as a credit management professional (SBSA) and acquired further extensive credit management knowledge and experience. Dlamini has also assisted organisations with Strategy Management (development, implementation, monitoring & reporting) and Strategy Review. He is currently employed by the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) as a GM: Public Policy, where he oversees three distinct portfolios: Property (Human Settlements), Agriculture, and Energy and Sustainable Finance (ESG). BASA promotes advocacy for the banking sector on strategic matters that may be counter-productive in their business. This is done through stakeholder management, advocacy, and consultation. Dlamini’s current responsibilities include the promotion of sustainable finance initiatives and strengthening agricultural financing – a key driver for job creation and rural economic development in South Africa. Lastly, his role is key in supporting transformation in the banking sector through inclusive lending, finance for affordable housing, and innovative funding for commercial property development, contributing to broader socio-economic goals. He holds a Certificate in Senior Management Development from the University of Pretoria, Banking and Credit Management Training, and both a Masters of Agricultural Economics and a B.Sc. Agriculture from the University of Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal).
Paul Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, TUHF
Speaker/Panellist
Paul Jackson is a co-founder of TUHF and has been its CEO since its inception in 2003.
His career in Development Finance began in 1987 at the Development Bank of South Africa as an Agricultural Economist, working his way up to the position of Divisional Manager, Rural Development. He then moved on to become General Manager of the Transitional National Development Trust, and was chair of the KwaZulu Natal Agricultural Forum during the transition. Jackson joined the Johannesburg Housing Company as Operations Manager in 1999. In addition to his Executive Director position within the TUHF Group of Companies, he holds board positions with the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance (CAHF) and Divercity Urban Property Fund. He has held board directorships on the Mvula Trust, Alexander Social Housing Company, Johannesburg Social Housing Company and Brickfields Housing Company. Joackson holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics (University of Natal), and a BSc Agricultural Economics (Hons) (University of Pretoria). He has also completed the Property Development Programme (SAPOA) and the Wharton International Housing Finance Course (University of Pennsylvania, USA). He also represented South Africa in Europe for rowing before his appointment as National Coach of the South African Olympic Rowing Squad for the Atlanta, Sydney, London and Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games – bagging a gold medal at the London Olympics.
Friedrich Meisenholl, Regional Investment Manager, Northern Cape, Metro, Property and Tygerberg, BusinessPartners
Speaker/Panellist
Friedrich Meisenholl has been an integral part of Business Partners since 2009. Having previously been the Area Manager for Tygerberg, his current position sees him now make a significant impact across various roles in the Western Cape. His passion for entrepreneurship and dedication to supporting businesses have shaped his daily interactions over the past 14 years. With a Certificate in Coaching Practice in Executive Development from the Stellenbosch Business School, Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management and Financial Analysis from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Bachelor of Accountancy Degree from the University of Stellenbosch, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Focusing on deal sourcing, negotiation, and structuring support for our investment teams, Meisenholl also plays a pivotal role in fostering intermediary growth, maintaining client relationships, and providing ongoing training and leadership to enhance team performance across the client life cycle.
Nigel Adriaanse, Chief Empowerment Officer, Enterprise Development Property Fund (EDPF)
Speaker/Panellist
Nigel Adriaanse has over 25 years’ experience in the property sector, having held positions such as property manager, portfolio manager and senior asset manager in a number of renowned Gauteng and Western Cape Companies. These included Director of Operations at Billion Asset Managers, property and financial manager of various portfolios within JHI and in the retail division of Old Mutual Properties as financial manager (Gauteng) and new business development. He spent time with African Alliance Properties first as a commercial asset manager and then Senior Asset Manager, during which the company listed in 2012 as Ascension Properties Limited. He then moved to become Senior Asset Manager (Commercial) at Rebosis Property Fund Limited, where he was as Senior Asset Manager managing a national portfolio worth over R10 billion. He is currently the Chief Empowerment Officer of the EDPF which is an IMPACT Fund empowering people of colour to enter the property sector, with businesses focused on transformation ̶ including the EDPF Incubator, Property Academy, EDPF Stokvel, Crowdfunding Platform, and the recently-launched Online Academy. He has previously been a sub-committee member on BBBEE of the SAREIT Association SAREIT Association, and Chairman of Black Umbrellas. He continues to work on Black Empowerment strategies in his current position.
SESSION 5: TAKING PRODUCT WESTERN CAPE TO THE WORLD
Which international stages exist for presenting Product Western Cape, and especially Western Cape property development? Where are the latest world-wide trends revealed, and through which platforms? Where and how should we be aspiring to present our own projects to attract international investment? This session will speak to investment agencies to find out what they’re doing, private property developers who have attended the international MIPIM event in France, and those in the AI space.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO, Wesgro
Facilitator
Wrenelle Stander has over 30 years of work experience in the aviation and energy industries. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sector, and finding the sweet spot in the nexus between the two is the thread that strings together her various roles. Prior to joining Wesgro as the CEO in October 2021, Stander held three other CEO roles, including that of Chief Executive Officer of Comair Limited JSE listed company, Managing Director of Sasol Gas Limited as well as Managing Director of Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company. She has extensive Board experience both as an Executive Director, as well as a Non-Executive Director. She currently serves as an independent, Non-Executive Director of Sishen Iron Ore. Stander holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, as well as a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Cape Town.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development, City of Cape Town
Speaker/Panellist
Alderman James Vos is on a mission: as Cape Town’s MMC for Economic Growth, he aims to enhance the city’s business landscape, covering tourism, trade and investment, property transactions, and strategic assets. He is focused on making Cape Town a dynamic place to work, visit,and live. Among the youngest ever to earn the Alderman title, James has served as a Ward Councillor, Member of Parliament, and Shadow Minister of Tourism, earning the International Merit Award for his civic dedication. As part of the Mayoral Priority Programme, Ald Vos led the creation of Cape Town’s Ease of Doing Business Index, cutting red tape with ten streamlined indicators that make life easier for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. He also spearheaded the Jobs Connect initiative, matching job seekers with training and employment opportunities. Collaborating with partners like Wesgro and Cape Town Tourism, Ald Vos has helped bring more flights to the city, boosting tourism and opening global markets for local businesses.
Harold Spies, CEO and Founder, Similan
Speaker/Panellist
Harold Spies established the residential property company Similan in 2010, to transform how homes are designed, developed, and sold in South Africa. A property entrepreneur and strategist, Spies has built a global network and is committed to sustainability in the built environment. Under his leadership, Similan has delivered over 3 500 homes, valued at R2.8 billion, setting benchmarks for innovation, affordability, and sustainability. His latest project, Newinbosch, is a R3.2bn development with 1 330 units (330 completed) that is redefining sustainable urban living, having earned a 6-Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts certification from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) in 2024 – the first in Africa to achieve this rating. It has also received top industry accolades, including the Transforming Tomorrow award from the GBCSA and 5-Star awards for Best Residential Development 20+ Units and Best Sustainable Development in Africa at the International Property Awards. Similan’s Fourleaf Estate was Africa’s first EDGE-certified development, backed by the IFC and World Bank. Through Similan, Spies has championed sustainable development, focusing on future-proofing communities, advancing green-building principles, and fostering resilience in urban design. He is a sought-after speaker and panel moderator at leading property conferences, particularly on affordable housing, sustainability, and the evolving role of developers in tackling climate challenges.
Pieter du Toit, Development Manager: New Business Similan
Speaker/Panellist
Pieter du Toit is a seasoned Development Manager at Similan, bringing a wealth of experience in project management, real estate finance, and strategic decision-making. Qualified as a chartered accountant [CA(SA)] and project manager [PMP, PMI], he started his career at PwC in Stellenbosch, working with clients in agriculture and mining, before relocating to the USA to focus on real estate finance at PwC New York. There, he specialized in loan and acquisition due diligence, asset valuation, and underwriting services for major investment banks and real estate funds. Returning to South Africa in 2010, he co-founded Equity Recovery Fund and later launched his own advisory business, guiding startups and private investors across tech, mining, and real estate sectors. After serving in an advisory role at Similan in 2015, he joined the group on a permanent basis as Development Manager, playing a critical role in procuring new projects and overseeing the financial and strategic direction of award-winning developments like Newinbosch. Du Toit was also involved in Fourleaf Estate, Africa’s first EDGE-certified development, setting new benchmarks for sustainable housing. At Newinbosch, a R3.2 billion, award-winning mixed-use development, he ensures the realisation of a pioneering, integrated community. This is the first development in Africa to achieve a 6-Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts certification from the GBCSA, reinforcing its position as a leader in urban sustainability.
Tarquin Geldenhuys, Project Manager, Similan
Speaker/Panellist
Tarquin Geldenhuys is an experienced Development and Project Manager at Similan, specialising in the successful delivery of large-scale residential developments. With a BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, he brings a structured, hands-on approach to project planning and execution within the construction and real estate industry. Geldenhuys has played a key role in Fourleaf Estate, Africa’s first EDGE-certified development, where his expertise in sustainable building practices and project coordination helped set new benchmarks for green housing. At Newinbosch, he is instrumental in managing the complexities of a R3.2-billion, award-winning mixed-use development, which has been recognized as a leader in sustainable living. Newinbosch is the first development in Africa to achieve a 6-Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts certification from the GBCSA, underscoring its pioneering approach to urban sustainability. With a strong background in customer service, stakeholder engagement, and project execution, Geldenhuys thrives in high-performance environments where strategic planning and on-the-ground management are critical to delivering exceptional developments that reshape the way people live.
Michael Eilertsen, CEO, Meta-dology
Speaker/Panellist
Michael Eilertsen is a visionary entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience founding and scaling innovative businesses across technology, publishing, marketing, and events. As the driving force behind Meta-dology, he has pioneered the integration of AI, 3D virtual technologies, and immersive platforms to transform the property development landscape. His leadership has secured global partnerships with tier-1 clients across sectors like pharmaceuticals and telecommunications, delivering disruptive solutions that redefine industry standards. A dynamic keynote speaker, Eilertsen has graced international stages, sharing insights on the Metaverse, AI, and business transformation. With a proven track record of successful fundraising, global expansion, and award-winning ventures, including LIVEOUTLOUD Magazine and URUP, his ability to innovate and inspire continues to shape Meta-dology’s future as a global leader in property technology.
SESSION 6: LARGE-SCALE EVENTS, TOURISM, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Cape Town is fast positioning itself as a prime tourist and international event destination, with prospects on the horizon such as Formula 1. As an ever-increasing visitor destination, and with job creation at the centre, how will we ensure we actually have the infrastructure capacity that these will require, from eventing venues and hotels to public transport.
Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, City of Cape Town
Speaker/Panellist
Geordin Hill-Lewis attended Edgemead High School, obtained an Honours degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from UCT, and a Masters in Finance specialising in Economic Policy from London University. Hill-Lewis became politically active during his high school years. During his studies at the University of Cape Town, he founded the Democratic Alliance Students’ Organization (DASO). He worked as Chief of Staff in the office of former Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. In 2011, Hill-Lewis was elected as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, becoming the youngest MP at 24 years old.
During his time in the National Assembly, he has served on various portfolios, such as Trade and Industry and Finance, and most recently served as the Shadow Minister of Finance.
On 18 November 2021, Hill-Lewis was inaugurated as the youngest Mayor of the City of Cape Town.