MAIN IMAGE: Pam Golding, founder of Pam Golding Properties, will long be remembered with great respect by the real estate industry of South Africa. Photo: Supplied by Pam Golding Properties
A force in the industry. An inspiration. Legendary Pam Golding will long be remembered with great respect and fondness by the property industry.
Considered the doyenne of the property industry in South Africa, Pam Golding left a legacy to be proud off. When she passed away on Tuesday 3 April at age 90, Pam Golding Property, the company she founded had grown to one of the largest real estate companies in the country.
In 1976, a time when few women ventured into property sales and with no start-up capital, Pam began and through perseverance built up a most successful business which today has over 300 offices in Africa as well as offices in Europe and in Mauritius. The winner of numerous awards and accolades, she is remembered by many for her grace and charm and her exemplary levels of ethics and integrity. This is evident in a statement released by the Pam Golding Property Group following her death which said: “Admired and respected by clients and dearly loved by colleagues, agents and staff alike, her natural warmth and sincere interest in everyone she encountered were trademark characteristics which endeared her to all”.
Her son Dr Andrew Golding took over the reins of the company after she retired a few years ago, but she remained the company’s Lifetime President. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, 10 April at 10:30 in the St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town.
Here is what some of the leaders in local real estate had to say about her:
Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa: “Pam Golding created a highly recognisable brand both locally and internationally – and she did so with nothing but her courageous entrepreneurial spirit and dogged determination. We can’t help but respect her for that. Beyond this, she always conducted business to the highest of ethical standards, positioning herself as a positive role model for those aspiring to become a successful woman in business. Though I never knew her personally, she will be sorely missed in the real estate business. From all of us at RE/MAX, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to her family, friends and colleagues, and wish Andrew and his family a long, healthy life in honour of this iconic lady.”
Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International Property Group: “A giant has left our industry, but she will continue to be respected, admired and remembered.”
Herchel Jawitz, CEO of Jawitz Properties: “Pam Golding has left an indelible mark on the real estate industry in South Africa. There is no doubt that her legacy and impact on our industry will continue to be felt even with her passing.”
Gerhard Kotze, Managing Director, RealNet Estate Agency Group: “Pam Golding truly was an inspiration to us all and her legacy will live on in our hearts forever.”
Bruce Swain, CEO of Leapfrog Property Group: “It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of industry stalwart, Pam Golding. Pam was a force in the industry and made a permanent impression on the South African real estate landscape. She will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to her family and friends and The Pam Golding Property Group agents and employees during this difficult time.”
Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa: “Pam is probably the most well-known single personality in the South African real estate market. We wish to pay respects to her family, friends and employees of Pam Golding Properties. She managed to build and maintain a very strong brand through all the difficult times the property industry has faced over the years. We trust that her legend will live on in the success of her brand and the reputation she has built”
Tony Clarke, Managing Director Rawson Properties: “It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Pam Golding, a true legend in the Real Estate Industry. Pam will forever remain an inspiration and a role model to our fellow real estate agents and all South Africans.”
Samuel Seeff, on behalf of the Seeff property group, his mother, Carmella and brother, Lawrence and Seeff CEO, Stuart Manning, paid tribute to her for her significant contribution to the real estate industry, stating that she left a legacy that will live on.
