MAIN IMAGE: Thato Ramaili – CEO of the PPRA, and Maleshane Makhale – Century 21 – Serengeti/Glen Marais
Kerry Dimmer
In this, our third and final conversation between two extraordinary property women, mentor Thato Ramaili, CEO of the PPRA and her mentee Maleshane Makhale of Century 21 – Serengeti/Glen Marais, share their thoughts on women in the sector and how important it is to be a voice for others.
The beginning of a beautiful partnership
Thato: I am an accountant by profession and always dreamt of making partner in a reputable accounting firm. Upon leaving the profession, I felt the need to move on and conquer new territory, which is when I turned to the property sector, which had always fascinated me. I love architecture and have an appreciation for gorgeous real estate.
Fortunately, an international brand saw my potential, where I learned the basics and finer nuances of residential sales. In my first year, I was recognised with the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award, which inspired me even more, confirming that I was on the right path in pursuing my passion for all things real estate.
Maleshane: I attended the National School of the Arts, majoring in theatre, followed by further studies in psychology and media, which I did at Wits. With a strong background in broadcasting, business development, events, communications, and marketing, I decided to become an entrepreneur in the real estate industry. I knew immediately that I was born for this role, given that I am eager to serve and excited to explore the wide horizons. Quite honestly, I am only scratching the surface. I feel really blessed that I met and was mentored by Thato.
Paying it forward
Thato: I was mentored by Ray Pasteris. Despite now being in her seasoned years, she was and still is a fierce female property practitioner. In my opinion, she is the best in the game, and I consider myself rather privileged that she mentored me. It’s crucial that top female agents like Ray step into the role of mentor, especially as women in real estate, particularly those in executive positions, have generally had to forge their own path.
Maleshane: I invest vehemently in personal development. I managed to procure a ticket for the Private Property seminar in 2023, where Thato was a panellist. I sought her out to compliment her on her new role at the PPRA. She has a passion and fortitude for transformation. She told me that I had significant potential to be a principal and has been hounding me ever since to be accountable for my promise to become that person. She also actively presents me with opportunities where I can learn and establish myself more appropriately, and when I have issues, she escalates them immediately.
The role of a (female) mentor
Thato: Over the years, I have had some deep thoughts about women in real estate, especially about what it takes to be successful. For example, being an expert in your field requires you to know a significant amount about the business side and to invest in it intellectually, emotionally, and financially. Deals follow because people are able to not just see but also feel your commitment. And, of course, you have to love what you do.
This is where mentorship plays a meaningful role. A mentor should, however, be someone who has acquired significant experience and is deemed an expert. I believe this requires at least 10,000 hours under one’s belt, which is an achievable goal in the real estate space.
Maleshane: It matters that we have female representatives; that we see others in leadership positions, shaping new frontiers. These women resemble us, allowing us to truly believe our dreams are possible. And all it takes is for one to teach one. Women need to stand on one another’s shoulders. Although my career is developing, I follow Thato’s lead: to talk to others and inspire them with my story, the accolades I have won and the records I have broken.
Most first-time buyers are now women
Thato: In the current environment, most first-time homebuyers are women, which puts female property practitioners in a good place. Bear in mind that this sentiment prevails because (generally) consumers want to transact with people they like and trust and feel that their needs are being heard and catered for. This is something women do instinctively, and I believe this gives us a competitive advantage.
Maleshane: I agree with Thato, especially considering that there remains the notion that women need to take a masculine approach to acquiring business. However, women constantly need to state their abilities, whereas a man is presumed to be competent, when in fact, that may not be the truth. Service is a ministry: wherever you serve, do so with excellence and be an ambassador of equality.
The question of inequality
Thato: That inequality can be a problem, especially given a lack of female leadership in the national agency space. I feel there are huge opportunities for women to step up and create new leadership roles, which is one of the legacies I want to leave. Once my term at the PPRA is done, I want to be able to reflect with pride and see, at least, tenfold the number of female practitioners who have followed a similar path. I feel that by sharing my story, I may be able to inspire others. One of those may even be an apprentice or rookie who will ultimately take my role as CEO of the Regulator.
As a CEO, I interact with a vast array of professionals and stakeholders who hold me accountable and ensure that I fulfill my mandate at the PPRA. I include the staff at the PPRA, who provide me with daily support.
Maleshane: Real estate is really a wonderful platform as a career, especially as the PPRA provides us with minimum barriers to entry and a professional qualification at the end. Females are emerging as strong, active network connectors, and I think this is gradually redefining the industry overall. The current market not only provides ample opportunities to engage with a wide array of people – from owners and developers to customers – but also brings exciting daily challenges that accelerate the learning curve for beginners.
Most women today begin by featuring entry-level and administrative positions in the real estate industry and climb up the corporate ladder swiftly with hard work and talent. There are plenty of instances where women have set up their own one-stop-solution destinations for all services required by real estate participants, even vendors, loan assistance, architectural and interior designing, etc. And all this while still attending to their family needs.
The advantage of being an estate agent
Thato: One of the greatest advantages of being a female property practitioner is the flexibility of one’s schedule, meaning family can remain a priority whilst working. For example, I worked until the last day of my third trimester in my pregnancy, and I even gave viewings and signed deals with my infant in a carrycot.
Now, as CEO of this sector, it’s a bit more challenging, but I have a supportive family and tribe who understand the weight of the role’s demands. I strive to be a present wife, mother, daughter, and friend to those closest to me. I make it work…I have to!
Maleshane: For women planning to have their own businesses, there are few better options than real estate. Best of all, even though real estate is a demanding career, females can set their own hours because, ultimately, you are your own boss, even if you work for a large, established agency. You can set your own targets, work from home or the office and still attend to other priorities and obligations.
Thato’s takeaway:
You can’t be in this sector if your heart is not in the right place. Any female entering the industry should embrace any hand-holding they are offered, even if it is from a man. When given opportunities to be guided, acquire knowledge, and be upskilled, young females should grab the chance. I am the first to put my hand up, even now, when there is a chance to learn something new, and I am quick to recognise those who similarly feel driven to be the best they can be.
