Pareto Limited

10 young promising property tycoons have been given a career boost thanks to an innovative property sector initiative lead by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and property loan stock company Pareto Ltd.

The launch of the SAPOA Pareto Bursary Trust Fund will initially support six first-year university students, two second-year students and two third-year students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds across South Africa in their property sector related studies at Wits University and the University of Cape Town.

Driving the commercial property bursary project which aims to attract South Africa’s top young minds and talent to the property sector is a R1.2 million sponsorship by Pareto together with the financial and mentorship support of Growthpoint Properties Limited.

“The bursaries will assist previously disadvantaged young people who have shown, through their academic results and a proven capacity to work independently, that they have what it takes to succeed, but lack the financial resources to pursue their studies,” says Margie Chessman, Human Resource Development Manager at SAPOA.

In identifying the best candidates, SAPOA actively showcased the property sector and its associated vocational opportunities at some 200 schools to create greater awareness of this exciting, challenging and rewarding career path. Previously disadvantaged schools which have produced finance and engineering graduates over the past 15 years were targeted.

“We believe that we have some excellent candidates on board that will ensure a succession of young individuals to sustain the industry into the future. We are confident that this bursary initiative will grow from strength to strength,” says Chessman. Strict criteria were applied to a competency based selection process compiled by industry leaders which was supported by final interviewing in selection which took place in December 2009.

Nomzamo Radebe, managing director of Pareto Ltd points out that the positive impact of the bursary initiative has far reaching consequences. “In addition developing skills of previously disadvantaged individuals and the pool of wisdom in the sector, it will serve to improve and broaden the base of the South African economy.” The property market is one of the key underpins of commerce and industry in any country.

In addition to providing the 10 promising young students with resources for their formal education, JHI, Growthpoint, Eris and Pareto have all committed to provide the learners with workplace experience with vacation work and assign each youngster with a workplace coach.

“The SAPOA Pareto Bursary Trust is an important initiative which will ensure the highest level of current and future skills within the commercial property industry,” notes CEO of SAPOA Neil Gopal.

The SAPOA Pareto Bursary Trust Fund candidates are Philani Mzila who will be reading for a B Com Accounting at UCT, Dintle Mahlatsi who is pursuing Property Studies at Wits, Machabane Mogodi who is learning Property Studies, Khutjo Ramogale who is undertaking Property Studies at Wits, Nomcebo Nxumalo who is reading for a BsC Quantity Surveying at Wits, Kgomotso Malele who is reading for a B Com Accounting at UCT, Kennetse Menoe who is studying a B Com Accounting at Wits, Sanga Thandokazi Magalela who is reading for a LLB at Wits, Mathoto Mefolo who is studying a BsC Quantity Surveying at Wits and Nomazwi Ngcungama who is reading for a BsC Property Studies at UCT.

For more information about the SAPOA Pareto Bursary Trust Fund visit www.sapoa.org.za.

Source: www.creamermedia.co.za