Leading with Purpose: Women reshaping property in SA

Highlights

• Women are taking the lead across development, sales, estate management, and proptech.
• These leaders blend business acumen with empathy, resilience, and innovation.
• From security to CEO roles, women are shifting industry perceptions and possibilities.

Introduction of Women’s month - August

As Women’s Month begins, we celebrate the remarkable women who are redefining the South African property landscape with heart, purpose, and vision. These leaders are not just occupying space in the industry, they are shaping the future of it.

Meet the women turning challenges into impact, balancing careers and families, and driving transformation across residential developments, estate management, marketing, security, and proptech innovation.

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‍‍‍Janna Strang - Head of PR & Reputation Management, Rainmaker Marketing
Janna Strang is a powerhouse in the world of public relations, known for her bold thinking, resilience, and ability to navigate complex media landscapes. After Rainmaker Marketing acquired her PR agency, PRomote Communication, in 2021, she became the driving force behind Rainmaker’s communications strategy, locally and abroad.

Her award-winning crisis communication work for the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic in 2019 earned her a prestigious PRISM award in 2020. Janna leads a dynamic team on KZN’s North Coast, managing reputation, crisis strategy, branding, and design for top-tier property clients.

As a mother and businesswoman, she’s proof that you can lead with grace and still raise the next generation. Her passion for people, clear values, and focus on collaboration make her one of the most respected voices in property communications.

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Maril Subban - Estate Manager, Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate
Maril Subban is a seasoned estate manager with two decades of experience—and a reputation for integrity, empathy, and excellence. At Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate, she manages more than just operations; she creates a thriving community.

Her background in building control gives her deep insight into the technical side of estate management, but it’s her human approach that sets her apart. Maril listens, leads with honesty, and believes in setting realistic expectations. Every day brings a new challenge, and she thrives in that dynamic environment. Her motto, “Do what makes your soul happy and focus on yourself #SelfLove”is not just a mantra, but a way of living. She’s building a legacy, one relationship at a time.

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Melanie Clarkson - Head of Marketing, Collins Residential
Melanie Clarkson brings passion, polish, and personality to property marketing. As Head of Marketing at Collins Residential, she drives all brand and communications initiatives for their prestigious property developments. With a background that includes Tongaat Hulett Developments and Urban Management, Melanie has helped shape the public face of some of the most influential property brands in South Africa.

Known for her warmth, infectious energy, and creative flair, Melanie lights up every room she enters. Based in Durban, she finds balance in her family life, the outdoors, and a mission-driven approach to brand storytelling. Melanie is a marketer who truly gets the human side of real estate and knows how to make people believe in it.‍

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Pamela Naidu - Director of Sales & Marketing, Devmco Realty
As Director of Sales and Marketing at Devmco Realty, Pamela Naidu leads one of the most innovative sales teams in the South African real estate industry. Her sharp strategic thinking and people-first leadership style have played a pivotal role in driving Devmco’s developments like Oceans Umhlanga and the Ridgeside Precinct into the national spotlight.

Pamela is known for building high-performance teams that reflect the company’s vision for smart urban living. Beyond sales metrics, she champions customer experience, digital transformation, and purpose-driven growth. With a strong presence and calm authority, Pamela is more than a marketing executive, she’s a mentor, motivator, and game-changer in modern real estate.‍

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Rose Mthembu - Security Supervisor, Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate
With over 13 years in the security industry, Rose Mthembu stands tall as a leader in a space few women occupy. As Security Supervisor at Zululami, she ensures residents’ safety with professionalism and compassion.

Since joining in 2019, Rose has not only protected the estate but helped create a culture of respect and trust. Her strength lies in empathy, listening carefully, responding with calm, and building relationships across all levels of the estate. She’s an example of how leadership isn’t about control, it’s about care. Her bright smile and unmistakable laughter leave a lasting impression on everyone she encounters. Rose is proof that true strength is rooted in service.

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Palesa Masiteng - CEO, FracProp
Palesa Masiteng is disrupting South African real estate by making property ownership more inclusive through fractional investment. As CEO of FracProp, she’s pioneering a proptech model that gives first-time buyers, stokvels, and women-led households access to high-value property assets, one fraction at a time.

With a background in branding, front-end development, and media, Palesa brings a unique combination of tech, storytelling, and purpose to the table. From Miss SA finalist to wellness entrepreneur to property innovator, her journey is anything but conventional. Her mission is clear: to democratise property investment for the masses and unlock wealth for the financially excluded. Palesa is not just leading a company, she’s leading a movement.

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