Investor of the Year 2026 launch ignites SA’s property momentum

• SAPIN and Absa Home Loans officially launch the 2026 Investor of the Year Awards.
• A night of inspiration, insight and bold investor stories sets the tone for 2026.
• New categories spotlight innovation, transformation and real wealth-building impact.

Investor of the Year 2026 launches with energy, purpose and powerful partnerships
Johannesburg hosted a vibrant and inspiring launch of the Investor of the Year (IOTY) 2026 Awards, marking the official start of a new season dedicated to recognising South Africa’s boldest and most credible property investors. The exclusive event took place this week at Villa Bianca, bringing together past winners, industry partners, emerging investors and the SAPIN community in a room buzzing with confidence and optimism.

The evening opened on a high note as Absa Home Loans, the headline partner for 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering investors across South Africa. Tshepo Mashashane, Absa Home Loans’ Head of Strategy and Partnerships, delivered a grounded and purpose-driven address, emphasising how the long-standing partnership between Absa Home Loans and SAPIN continues to unlock opportunity, credibility, and financial inclusion across the sector.

From there, guests were taken into the heart of real investor journeys.

Patricia Tshitema, the 2024 Investor of the Year, shared her story of growth and resilience, a moment that quieted the room and reminded everyone of the power of authentic lived experience. Several 2024 entrants followed, offering candid insights layered with humour, lessons and determination.

SAPIN CEO Andrew Walker then unpacked the refreshed 2026 IOTY categories, designed to highlight innovation, community impact, transformation, and the evolving nature of South Africa’s property landscape. He also introduced what’s to come on the road to September 2026, where the national Gala Event will honour the country’s most exceptional investor stories. A hopeful 2026 entrant even shared his first property deal, offering a glimpse of the new wave of talent emerging into the ecosystem.

True to SAPIN style, the night ended with vibrant conversation, laughter and genuine community connection. Guests stayed long after dessert, networking, sharing experiences and carrying the excitement for the 2026 season well past the official close.

The launch of the Investor of the Year 2026 Awards, powered by SAPIN and Absa Home Loans, reinforces why this platform has become one of the most credible and empowering forces in South Africa’s property ecosystem. The 2026 theme - “Where Credibility Meets Opportunity” signals a year focused on real stories, real impact and real investor growth.

Entries open January 2026, with the awards culminating in the national IOTY Gala Event in September 2026.

South Africa’s next generation of investor leaders has officially entered the stage and the journey to IOTY 2026 has begun.

FOR MORE INFO go to https://investoroftheyear.co.za/

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