Women powering Cape Town’s property future

• Women are shaping Cape Town’s CBD revival, driving development, tourism growth and investor confidence through leadership, innovation and partnerships.
• Female leaders are leading mixed-use projects, sustainability initiatives, and legal clarity in property, unlocking long-term urban and investor value.
• Their role is set to expand, ensuring Cape Town’s skyline reflects inclusion, resilience, and global competitiveness in property and tourism.

Women driving Cape Town’s success

‍Cape Town’s CBD is buzzing with new energy. Investment has soared from R3.5 billion in 2022 to R7.3 billion in 2023, with nearly 40% of developments now residential. And at the heart of this transformation are women leaders shaping the future of property, law, and urban living in the Mother City.

Shaping Skylines and Communities at The Box

‍

‍Sarah Divaris, COO of Boxwood Property, is one of these changemakers. She led the transformation of the old Shell House into The Box, a community-inspired office block that embodies Cape Town’s shift from purely commercial spaces to mixed-use and green developments. “We’re not just developing buildings,” Divaris says, “we’re shaping skylines, communities and the environments in which people live, work and connect.”

Legal & Investment Clarity

‍

‍Ronel Straughan, director of Straughan Inc. Attorneys, is helping both local and foreign investors navigate the market. With international buyers investing nearly R2.5 billion in Cape Town between January and May 2025—the strongest five-month surge in five years—her role is pivotal. “Cape Town offers excellent value growth and stability,” Straughan notes. “Our goal is to make the legal process clear and straightforward so more investors can confidently enter this space.”

Tourism Meets Property

‍

‍Thuthukile Moloto, General Manager of Pullman Cape Town, highlights the vital connection between property and tourism. Recently returning from Saudi Arabia, she sees Cape Town as uniquely vibrant. “Thoughtful property development creates spaces where visitors want to stay longer, while tourism breathes life into these developments,” she says. The synergy of tourism and property development, she adds, is a cornerstone of the CBD’s renewal.‍

Revitalising Iconic Spaces

‍

‍Joy Millar, asset manager at Benzing Properties and CCID board member, is committed to reviving Long Street, which she calls “the pulse of the city centre.” For Millar, urban revitalisation is more than an economic exercise—it’s about jobs, small business support, and fostering civic pride. “Investing here means contributing to Cape Town’s broader story of renewal and inclusivity,” she explains.

Sustainability at the Core

‍

Samantha Lambert, general manager at Redefine Properties and CCID board member, ensures sustainability is central to Cape Town’s property future. “Investors want both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility,” she says. With listed REIT Redefine owning extensive CBD assets, Lambert believes long-term strategies are essential to balance current needs with future demands.

The Road Ahead

Cape Town’s property story is no longer just about buildings, it’s about people, communities, and leadership. The women shaping this landscape are not only redefining the skyline but also creating inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive spaces.

Their influence will continue to grow, ensuring Cape Town remains one of the world’s most desirable cities to live, invest, and thrive.

‍