SAPOA President Michael Deighton sets goals for year ahead

South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) president Michael Deighton is a qualified civil engineer whose vision has contributed to changing Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

At the annual SAPOA International Convention and Property Exhibition which took place between 19-21 May in Durban, Deighton was officially elected as the President for the year 2015/2016.

He also serves as the Managing Director of Tongaat Hulett, an agriculture and agri-processing business, focusing on the complementary feedstocks of sugarcane and maize.

Tongaat has an enviable reputation for successfully transforming agricultural land into some of the most superior real estate investment areas in South Africa.

Head of Stanlib Direct Property Investments and outgoing President Amelia Beattie, handed over the Presidency to Deighton wishing him well in his term.
 
Deighton thanked Beattie for all her efforts and paid tribute to SAPOA Chief Executive Officer Neil Gopal, who he dubbed as an inspirational leader. “The advocacy that we enjoy in the industry is due to Neil and SAPOA and we are thankful for the organisation,” noted Deighton.
 
Deighton says SAPOA also has to assist its members to deal with an increasingly complex regulatory environment and lack of skills in the country.

During the Convention, SAPOA announced that it had raised R40-million for its Bursary Fund. The money was raised through a contribution by the Services SETA (SSETA) after negotiations with SAPOA took place over the last two months.
 
Education is a central priority and SAPOA will be establishing a further initiative in order to see where SAPOA stands in terms of skills needed, he said.

“While relationships are critically important, research is just as crucial. We need to collaborate on research with each other and with government in order to acquire better data which can help pull us together and help move the country forward,” explained Deighton.
 
Deighton also paid homage to Estienne de Kler, Executive Director at Growthpoint Properties and Chief Executive Officer of Pareto Limited, Marius Muller who have resigned as SAPOA Board members.
 
“To Estienne and Marius, both of you have had a great impact on the organisation and I commend you for your ability to juggle your executive duties and your service to our industry,” said Deighton.
 
“We have initiated a Lifetime Achievement Award Committee which will recognise stalwarts of the industry. The award will be the most prestigious accolade, honouring dedication and excellence in leadership,” noted Deighton.

The industry can look forward to the first award being presented at the 50th Anniversary of SAPOA in 2016.

With Deighton as president, SAPOA’s board for the 2015/2016 period includes:

* Neil Gopal
* Amelia Beattie, Immediate Past President
* Michael Deighton
* Dr Sedise Moseneke, Executive Director at Vukile Property Fund.
* Nomzamo Radebe, Managing Director of JHI Properties - President Elect of SAPOA 2016/17.
* James Aling, Managing Director of Halls & Sons.
* David Green, Director at ProAfrica Properties.
* Izak Petersen, CEO of Dipula Property Fund.
* Vuyani Hako, Executive Head: Properties at Public Investment Corporation.
* Peter Levett, Managing Director of Old Mutual Property.
* Ipeleng Mkhari, CEO of Motseng Investment Holdings
* Jeffrey Zidel, Independent Non-executive Chairman of Fortress Income Fund Limited

SAPOA was established in 1966 by the leading and large property investment companies to bring together all role players in the commercial property field aiming to create a powerful platform for property investors. Its members control about 90% of all commercial and combined portfolios in excess of R500-billion