Broll Beacon - September 2007 (558.45KB)

Martin Fitchet, MD of CBRE MAS
A
year ago CB Richard Ellis Mass
Evaluation Service (CBRE MAS) in
Durban consisted of four people.
Today there are more than 40 staff
members with site offices in Ladysmith,
Newcastle, Nelspruit, Pietermaritzburg and
Richards Bay that pits the company among
the leading municipal valuations players in
the country.
The 2004 Municipal Rates Act set in motion
South Africa’s largest valuation exercise
involving the appraisal of around 9-million
properties from vacant rural land to oil
refineries, shopping centres, body corporate
fl ats and free-standing homes.
The managing director, Martin Fitchet, credits
the process with being “a significant
opportunity” for the country that on
completion – legally expected by June 2010
but likely to be pushed out – will provide
accurate, sound economic data about South
Africa’s property market.
By July 2008 the company will have
completed R75bn worth of municipal
valuations and submitted tenders for several
further regions throughout the country. The
company recently acquired the MetGovis
Growing from
strength to strength
software system that enables
CBRE MAS to supply local
governments with an interface
between the valuation roll and the
billing system.
The system’s first upgrade called
MetVal was launched in
September and CBRE MAS has
already been contracted to
provide supplementary valuation
services in three municipalities
until 2012 using his system.
Martin says across South Africa there are a
host of projects underway, but only within
about 25 municipalities – or 10% of the
national total – refl ecting the limited skills and
the need to extend the deadline beyond
2010. However, he praises KwaZulu-Natal
and the Local Government, Housing and
Traditional Affairs Department for the
proactive way in which they are facilitating
the process. Others can take a leaf from
their book.
Smaller municipalities – in some cases up to
10 – band together as a single entity to
tender, maximising economies of scale, which
means that the province can finish the project
within deadline.
The full staff complement at CBRE MAS.
The provincial government provides
councillor orientation sessions that offer
communication plans, ongoing discussions
and assistance with tendering and
procurement to smooth a process that is
essentially a new experience.
Martin says there are very few properties not
traded on the open market (shopping centres,
mine shafts, oil refineries) for which CBRE
MAS imports specialist skills. Thereafter,
pounding the pavements to assess position
and gain access to properties to wholly
understand rental peaks and valleys is a
critical element in procuring accurate data.
In this vein the synergy between the Broll
businesses comes into play as CBRE MAS has
access to sound rental and capitalisation
information. ‘South Africa has set aside the
capital to invest in this key project. It is
essential we complete it properly and
accurately gather the information,’ he says.
Looking ahead, Martin says as Africa has
shifted towards private ownership, there is a
growing need for mass evaluation projects to
underpin property tax environments. Broll
and CBRE MAS thus have a potentially bright
future exporting their expertise beyond South
Africa’s borders.
beacon
KEEPING THE BROLL FAMILY IN TOUCH
Welcome to the family
8
Meet the new brolletjie:
On 20 July 2007, at exactly 17h16,
Janine Schultz - Broll ApexHi Property
Manager for the Eastern Cape Portfolio -
and her husband Sam, welcomed their
baby into the world.
Sam with her baby at 2 weeks
[ Contributions and
comments ]
Please forward all ideas,
stories and comments to:
The Editor Broll Beacon
Cullum Johnston
Tel 021 461 1705
cullum@imbongisa.com
IMBONGI COMMUNICATIONS TEL: 021 461 1705 www.imbongisa.com
2007, Edition 3
Inside
this
issue....
Helping out at
New
Jerusalem
2
Broll’s
Nigeria
training
Fran’s
secrets to
success
3 7
Martin Fitchet
on CBRE MAS
8

The secrets of Fran’s success
The Cape Town Women’s Day Tea offered scrumptious treats
Sylvia Maobee enjoys a break
from work.
The ladies - Michelle Needham, Margie Pillay, Joanne
Mileham - have their cake...
Women’s Day Celebration
The women at Broll’s Cape Town and Johannesburg offices
enjoyed the decadent Women’s Day tea parties that were
organised by Dave Bennie in Cape Town and Marketing in
Illovo. ‘The catering was outstanding and the women felt
pampered,’ says Yvette Huysamer from Cape Town. ‘It was a treat to
just relax and catch up with all the ladies in the company.’ In
Johannesburg, the ladies were equally happy and felt that the event
was a treat.
Embracing the day - Ken Gerber,
Director Marketing.
... and eat it in Johannesburg
Broll does it best
The Broll Foundation’s volunteer committee hands over some of the goods they collected to the New Jerusalem Children’s
Home. Standing from left: Tilly Gasela, Ann Campbell, Izak Kriel, Bianca Beaumont, Nation Molele, Savita Rae, Anna
Mojapelo fom New Jerusalem, Caiphus Mothapo, Dawn van den Berg. Front from left: Yvonne Behari-Ram, Riaan
Lochner and an assistant from New Jerusalem.
Broll’s staff pulled together to raise
close on R50 000 worth of clothing
and goods for donation to the New
Jerusalem Children’s Home. The
goods, including clothing, blankets and
items essential to the effective running of
the home, were handed over to co-founder
Anna Mojapelo by the company’s staff at a
function on Friday 31 August.
‘Staff in our Illovo head office led the way,
with our national branches participating
as well,’ said Tilly Gasela, head of the
Broll Foundation, which leads a volunteer
fundraising committee. ‘Apart from
appealing for donations of clothing and
blankets, we arranged the sponsorship of
several prizes for a raffle. For a R20-ticket,
staff stood the chance of winning a first prize
of a return air ticket to any South African
destination. Second prize was a dinner for
two, with a confectionary hamper on offer
for third prize.’ The money raised by the
raffle was used to purchase pedal-operated
waste disposal bins for New Jerusalem –
a facility that they require by law, but
were lacking.
It’s not just the Broll staff that made the
effort to support the Children’s Home – the
company is matching their spirit with a
donation of its own. ‘Our IT Department has
renovated 18 personal computers, that they
will give to New Jerusalem complete with
the full Microsoft Office suite. They have
also volunteered their time to train the New
Jerusalem staff how to best use this to boost
their infrastructure,’ Tilly continues.
The New Jerusalem Children’s Home is in
Midrand, and works with traumatised or
abandoned youngsters/minors, and children
who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. In
its seven years of operation, it has made a
difference in the lives of over 1000 children,
and plans to increase its capacity from 50
people to around 120 full-time residents.
Broll Properties operates a social
responsibility programme across all its
branches, through which staff offer their
support to those in need of assistance.
Beneficiaries have included various children’s
homes, as well as recipients of homes built
by Habitat for Humanity using funds raised
by the company and staff.
Tilly Gasela from Broll with Anna Mojapelo and her
assistant, from the New Jerusalem Children’s Home.
Just a few members of the high-powered Gauteng office broking team. From left: Fran Teagle with Jane Parker, Elza Human, Jonathan Klopper and Keke Khojane
Fran Teagle’s advice to people
wanting to succeed in property is,
‘be constantly proactive, network
all the time and canvas on an ongoing
basis. And above all, you have to
be passionate about this industry and be
hungry to make it work.’
Fran and her Commercial Property team
in Johannesburg are a highly successful
broking combination. ‘It’s a group effort,’
says Fran. ‘We have 10 brokers ranging
in age from 23 to 70, which means we
have a great range of personalities
and consultants to suit each of our
landlords’ and leasing/purchasing
clients’ requirements.
We’re all very focused and driven by the
commission that we make, particularly the
younger members of the team, eager to
make their mark,’ she continues. ‘We’re
particularly proud of Keke Khojane, who’s
taking the Johannesburg CBD by storm,
after only being with us for four months.’
Fran explains that part of their success is
taking pride in providing quick service,
which they do through the database
they’re all committed to maintaining.
‘Every agent updates the database every
day, and when a new client approaches
us to find space for them, we are able to
get back to them the same day with
suggestions,’ says Fran, explaining the
secrets of the team’s success.
‘We also spend a lot of time networking
with our landlords to make sure we know
what’s possible and where new
opportunities are in the market. It’s vital
that we’re on top of what’s happening
in the business world to understand
the dynamics of our clients’
businesses and to identify potential
business,’ Fran continues.
One of the other keys to the team’s
success is its diverse range of services.
Not only does its leasing portfolio extend
from Johannesburg’s CBD to the West
Rand, East Rand and Pretoria, but the
team is active in facilitating land
assemblies and new developments. ‘We
identify sites that have potential for
commercial development, and then
facilitate the process of re-zoning. Once
developers have done their work on site,
we then have additional stock to add to
our portfolio,’ she says.
Fran started her career as a residential
estate agent but soon needed a bigger
challenge. After five years at Broll she is
still excited by the challenges she’s
presented with every day.
2 7

Do you know your status
On 9 February 2007, the
Government published the first
official version of the Codes of
Good Practice on BEE. This
document provides guidelines and targets for
companies wanting to achieve a BEE status.
As the Property Charter is still only a draft
document under discussion, the Codes – as
they are known – provide the only official
benchmark for companies in the property
industry to be measured.
‘As a company we are fully committed to the
letter and spirit of this process,’ says
executive chairman Jonathan Broll. ‘While
there are no penalties for not meeting the
benchmarks, any business that ignores the
codes will rapidly become uncompetitive in
the market place.’
Companies wishing to grow with SA’s
economy will need to determine their BEE
score and obtain a rating from one of the
approved verification agencies. Broll is
currently going through this exercise. These
scores will have an infl uence on how
competitive that enterprise is when
government or any other entity allocates any
of its business.
The seven core elements making up the code
are; ownership, management, employment
equity, skills development, preferential
procurement, enterprise development and
socio-economic development.
‘It’s in the areas of employment equity, skills
development and preferential procurement
where many of our staff can have a positive
infl uence by adhering to our internal policies
when recruiting and training people and
purchasing goods and services. In fact,
preferential procurement is a category that
carries the same weight as ownership when
developing a score card.’
It’s in the area of contractor allocation that
Broll exercises a large procurement infl uence
and with almost 6000 different suppliers this
is an area under the microscope.
Administered by Colleen Halford, each
supplier needs to provide proof of various
documentation before being approved, this
includes; company registration documents
with ID documents of the shareholders, SARS
tax clearance certificate and other relevant
statutory organisation’s certificates ie.
Workman’s Compensation, insurance and
banking details. Obviously, it’s best to have a
prospective supplier submit and be placed on
the approved list before work is actually
awarded to them.
According to Colleen this registration process
is an important element of the company’s ISO
rating obligation and employees not
following the process can jeopardise this
important quality benchmark.
‘Broll suppliers need not fear the
implementation of the BEE Act,’ says
Jonathan. ‘Small entrepreneurs with a
turnover of less than R5million are exempted
from the provisions while there are two
categories for suppliers over that level.
What’s critical to us, is that every one of our
suppliers does in fact determine their own
BEE score because this enables us to establish
our own rating. And we need to have that as
accurate as possible if we are to grow and
take advantage of the dynamic property
economy, which is in all of
our interests!’
Broll sponsors PDP dinner
Broll sponsored this year’s Property Development Programme (PDP),
hosted by SAPOA. Ken Gerber (left), Marketing Director, was on
hand to welcome everyone at the SAPOA PDP graduation dinner.
It is a two-week course and is South Africa’s premier management
programme on property finance, valuation, property law, negotiation,
investment, development, marketing and management. High level delegates
from all over the country attend the course to sharpen their skills and
knowledge through practical instruction and case studies.
Broll’s Nigerian team with seated second from left: Olubukola Lanipekun-Lawal (HR manager at Broll in Lagos), Fred
Bihl (Broll consultant), Jacus Pienaar (lecturer) and Prof. Chris Cloete (course director).
Broll trains in Nigeria
A
cornerstone of Broll’s African
expansion is the education of
local staff and it was with this in
mind that the company
conducted its first on-site training session
in Lagos, Nigeria. According to course
director Prof Cloete from the University of
Pretoria the quality of the participants
was outstanding.
‘Most of the people in the Nigerian team
were graduates and some even had
master’s degrees,’ he says. ‘Many of them
had studied in the UK, USA and Ghana. It
was a very interesting training session
because of all the different property laws
everyone knew about – having trained in
various countries. So it was more a session
of adaptation to create a common
framework within which to work instead of
being purely about training.’
Prof Cloete was very impressed with the
high level of experience that the
participants had – many worked in
property development and property law
overseas – before returning to Nigeria to
work at Broll. ‘The team I met in Lagos
was very strong and they all seemed very
competent,’ says Chris.
‘They only completed their training in
August so they are still in the examination
process. They haven’t yet reached the
stage of handing in assignments.
That’s where we’ll see the proof of the
training’s success.’
Overall, it was a very positive experience
and Prof Cloete was happy with the
commitment of the Nigerian team.
Prof Cloete was in Cape Town during September for an Introduction to Property training session at the Waterfront.
(Back left to right): Wesley Sissing, André Williams, Eugene Veldsman, Londi Vermeulen, Rudolph Marshall, Shasta
Le Grange, Zaimodien Toefy, Gerad Davidson, Prof. Chris Cloete (course director)
(Front left to right): Duonette Paton, Nhululeko Tsholetsane, Karin Merrifi eld, Sharon Dada, Evyette Graham, Feriaal
Gamiet, Carina Vries, Ellen Madraymuthoo, Naleen Dilraj
Chairman’s message
The launch of the Broll Star Awards employee
recognition programme should be a
hugely exciting event for every staff member.
While every employee is valued for the role
they play in making this company great,
there are those who regularly go above and
beyond the call of duty – and we want to
recognise them.
The 25 finalists will be in for a real treat. In
addition to the R500 cash prize each of
them will receive, there is a grand prize that
really is just that – a GRAND PRIZE – and
that will be awarded following a live draw at
the Johannesburg year-end function. One of
the finalists will become the instant holder of
the grand prize.
Congratulations are due to Ken Gerber and
the Corporate Services team for securing the
contract to manage Bidserv’s national leased
portfolio. Bidserv forms part of the Bidvest
Group and is the holding company for wellrecognised
companies like Prestige, Steiner
and Magnum Shield. This is a significant
achievement and should unlock opportunities
for other divisions within Broll. We look
forward to a long-standing relationship
with them.
Also worthy of mention is the performance
of Fran Teagle and her team. Under her
capable leadership, the Office Leasing Team
has established a reputation for professionalism
and service excellence, in the process
becoming a dominant force in the Gauteng
commercial broking market. Well done Fran.
We are heading at full speed to the end of
2007; it’s been a busy year but much
remains to be done. Let’s keep our eye on
target and not drop the exacting standards
we’ve become known for.
Regards
6 3

Spearheading the rest
Broll hosts the world
The Cape Town Spearhead team: Front: Unica Masters, Amelia Kayser, Anne Voorneveld. Middle: Sibongile Masombuka, Samantha Lambert, Lameez Adams, Vanessa Sullifant, Tracey-
Lee Saayman, Diane van Rooyen, Mazel Matthews, Rentia de Wet. Back: Surur Allie, Amina Adriaanse, Bronwyn Solomons, Renato Mion, Peter Dicks, Qaaid Mesias, Nigel Smithie.
At the end of last year Broll took over management of the
Spearhead/Redefine portfolio consisting of a number of
industrial, commercial and retail properties. The Cape
Town Spearhead team, managed by Anne Voornveld, is
responsible for 45 properties and the team itself, now totalling 18
members, has doubled in size since it was formed in December
last year.
This lady has the right attitude
From messenger to property administrator – Aa’ishah Starke’s story
is one that inspires people to work hard and be patient.
Aa’ishah, a property administrator,
has been working at Broll for 15
years. She began her career here as
a casual, which soon led to a
permanent position as a messenger.
She enjoyed the job very much, but, after
seven years she felt like she was ready for a
new challenge. One day, while on her way to
work, she thought to herself, ‘There’s something
more,’ she says.
Unknown to her, her hard work over those
seven years had been noticed and soon she
was promoted to secretary. She was excited
about the change and was sent for courses to
improve her skills.
Aa’ishah completed two courses and received
certificates for: Lease Negotiation and Property
Principles both from the academy. Aa’ishah
was successful in her new role and continued
working until 2005 when she went on
maternity leave. She had a baby and was
meant to come back last May but was unable
to. She became seriously ill and had to take
disability leave. Aa’ishah is very thankful to
her husband and Broll in Cape Town for
supporting her over the six months it took for
her to recover.
She returned to work last September and has
been working like crazy ever since. Aa’ishah
takes pride in her work and even though it is
not a requirement, she sometimes stays late so
that she is up-to-date with everything.
With a demanding list of daily responsibilities, such as managing
day-to-day property maintenance, leasing; re-renting; budgeting;
rental collections and of course keeping the clients and tenants
happy, the Spearhead team admits there’s never a dull day in
the office.
In her spare time Aa’ishah enjoys going for
drives and walks, ideally on Sea Point
promenade, chatting to her husband Nazim
with her two children; Aaisheqah, 7 years old,
and Junaid, 18 months old. She says, ‘I
treasure my family. My life is my family and
this job. Broll is my security; they’ve given me
opportunities and I will always give them
my loyalty.’
Broll’s display at The Shopping Centre Convention.
The International Council of Shopping Centre’s world summit
– held every two years – was hosted in Cape Town for the
first time and Broll was one of two Platinum Sponsors for the
global event.
Attracting more than 1500 delegates from across the world, the
Shopping Centre Convention has become the ideal place for those
involved in the retail property sector to meet, compare notes and
brush up on old contacts.
‘As the continent’s leading shopping centre management company
– we presently manage over 100 centres throughout Africa – it
The ABSA
Relay Challenge
The Absa Relay Challenge, South Africa’s biggest corporate
relay took place on 5 August this year in Johannesburg.
Broll entered teams to compete in the running
and walking categories.
made sense for Broll to take a leadership role at this year’s prestigious
event,’ said chief operating officer Leonard Michau. ‘Our
exhibition space has been hugely popular and a great meeting
point for clients and other industry players.’
This year’s theme was ‘Shopping centres make a difference’ and
the programme included speakers from around the world. Western
Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool welcomed the delegates to Cape
Town while former president FW de Klerk also featured on the
speaker’s platform.
The day started at the ABSA towers in the CBD and ended at The
Expo Centre at NASREC, Absa. One of Absa’s Corporate Social
Investment programmes, Casual Day - a project managed by The
National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South
Africa - benefits from the race entry money.
4 5