FW de Klerk, Advocate Thuli Madonsela to deliver keynote addresses at 2012 SAPOA Convention

Public Protector Adv. Thuli Madonsela

Former State President FW de Klerk and Public Protector Thuli Madonsela will be the headline speakers at the 44th annual SAPOA International Property Convention & Exhibition, SA’s leading knowledge sharing and networking forum for the commercial and industrial property industry.

Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, this year’s SAPOA Convention will take place on 30-31 May 2012 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

The theme for the Convention is Today and Tomorrow, which is particularly resonant in a global economy at risk of double-dip recession and some key structural changes to the operating environment for the industry in SA.

SA’s fearless Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela will present the keynote address on the Convention’s first day, with FW de Klerk scheduled to speak on the second day.

“Mr de Klerk, notably through his Global Leadership Foundation, is widely involved in peace, democracy and development initiatives throughout the world and brings a wealth of insight and experience to the Convention,” says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.

“We look forward to hearing him speak about the protection of property rights in SA.”

Frank Berkeley, Managing Executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance echoes this sentiment and adds that the keynote speakers this year will provide valuable insights as they highlight issues that are imperative to the industry.

In addition to the keynote speakers, specialised speakers and panels will cover a range of topical property issues throughout the two days of the Convention.

For instance, key opportunities for property investment and development in Africa will be tackled head on by a high-powered panel including Liberty Properties CEO Samuel Ogbu; Growthpoint Properties Executive Director Estienne de Klerk and JHI CEO Marna van der Walt.

And on a more humorous – but nonetheless sharply insightful – note, the presenter of The UK & European Property Horror Show, Jim Shankland, will provide a commentary on the cause and effect of misunderstanding risk.

For more information on the programme and speakers, as well as registration details, please visit www.sapoaconvention.co.za