Scott Thorburn (chairman of Sapoa Property Management Committee); Thato Mongali (student); Prof Francois Viruly; Nomsa Ndlovu (student); Faizal Ally (MD of Otis).
With student applications for the Property Management Programme (PMP) nearly doubling in 2010, Sapoa’s newest accredited education course has clearly hit the mark.
The course was introduced in 2009 as part of the detailed SA Property Owners Association Education Strategy, which aims to standardise industry education and ensure it is aligned with industry needs. This year more than 30 potential students applied to take up the challenge of the PMP at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
The PMP was developed by Wits University Professor Francois Viruly, head of the school of Construction Economics and Management in conjunction with the Sapoa Property management committee.
“In 2007 Sapoa identified the need for a comprehensive property management course that would meet the objectives of the industry. Starting from scratch, a brand new programme was created to reflect the specific needs of South African property practitioners,” says Sapoa chief executive, Neil Gopal.
The programme has been approved by Wits University, which is also the training provider, and a full set of notes were written in 2009.
PMP is an eight-month professional course for property managers and will include modules on property law, economics and finance, marketing, technology and facilities, and property management. The course comprises weekly lectures, delivered by academics and property professionals, as well as continual assessment.
Delivered for the first time in 2009 the inaugural class of 19 students graduated on February 18.
“Participants are coming away from this course with relevant, professional knowledge that will enhance their industry-specific skills and give a boost to the expertise in the sector as a whole,” says Viruly.
“Reinforcing the need for such a programme, the number of participants in the 2010 PMP has increased to over 20 short listed candidates, taken from a group of carefully screened applicants.”
Margie Chessman, Sapoa’s human resources development manager, says Sapoa has received extraordinary support for the property programme from businesses and from the property management committee in putting the course together.
“A number of companies have demonstrated their commitment to quality education and achieving the highest professional standards in the sector by putting forward their property management personnel as candidates for the course,” says Gopal. “Generous praise must also go to the programme sponsor, Otis, which has supported Sapoa education programmes and activities for over 10 years.”
Otis South Africa managing director, Faizal Ally, says the firm is committed to supporting and encouraging lifelong learning to expand knowledge and capabilities.
“We believe education is one of life’s most powerful tools. Open access to education creates limitless possibilities for our business and individuals alike.”
Sapoa works closely with the Services SETA and Estate Agency Affairs Board to ensure effective learning pathways in the commercial property industry. It is also an active participant in the Service SETA Employer Association, Commercial Property Chamber Board, Organising Framework for Occupations, and Committee of Expert Practitioners.
Jay Junkoon will be taking over as course director for 2010. The latest PMP programme started this month, but there are still a few vacancies and applicants can visit www.sapoa.org.za to apply.
