MAIN IMAGE: Pola Jocum – Seeff Property Group, Camps Bay
Editor
Pola Jocum of Seeff Camps Bay celebrates 46 years in the industry—35 with Seeff Property Group—as a top achiever with the second-highest sales turnover for most of her career. She has earned top accolades, including the prestigious Seeff Chairman’s Award. Together with her partner, Nadine, she achieved R250 million in sales last year.
Describe yourself in a hashtag
#propertypositivepola
Tell us how you got into real estate?
I combined my qualifications as a secretary, top fashion model, speech and drama teacher, and motivational lecturer with my interest in property. I also had a head start in sales, working in my parents’ general store after school at a young age.
What do you listen to in your car?
I listen to the FMR music radio channel and love singing to opera, classical music and cool jazz songs.
What’s the best action movie?
If Titanic is characterised as an Action movie…I enjoyed the Action, drama and romance!
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
I am a seminar junkie and learn all the time from speakers in the industry. I am also inspired by those who were established before me, the Seeff family, and Pam Golding.
What was one of your biggest successes to date?
I consider many of my sales transactions over my 47 years in real estate as my biggest successes. When I started in 1979, the average house price in Camps Bay was R33,000. I made headlines having sold 42 properties in 1 year, totalling R4.75 million! Aside from a break-through record sales price of R41 million for a Camps Bay apartment in 2017, the consistency of repeat business with the same clients and being awarded Top No.1 and No. 2 Solitaire Achiever in sales with my partners (22 years with my daughter, Nadine) at least 42 times in my 47 years in the industry.
What are your goals for 2025?
My goals for 2025 include being the best I can be in everything and having fun doing so.
What birthday gift would you buy for yourself?
I have everything I need, but still want to travel to places I haven’t been to before.
What do you hope for, for South Africa?
My hope for SA is that the government will root out corruption, and lead our country in moral and economic excellence, and that all South Africans will have an opportunity to have a roof over their heads.
What is your superpower?
My Superpower is being active, healthy and willing to learn at any age.
What is something that makes you feel unstoppable?
Traveling makes me feel adventurous and unstoppable.
What does success look like to you?
Success in what I have achieved to date, and still striving to do the best I can.
What do you think makes a good agent, a great agent?
Like Gary player said: “The more you practice, the luckier and better you get”. In real estate, a great agent is one who goes the extra mile to give service and to earn the trust of all one’s clients.
If you weren’t an estate agent, what would you be doing?
Presently I am probably the oldest active successful estate agent in South Africa (and maybe in the world), and at nearly 89 years old still achieved Top 2 Nationally with my daughter Nadine. I would perhaps write a book on how to live an active life, and include some of the poems I have written which some may consider inspirational. I can’t imagine another career other than the ones I have experienced.
