Women should not merely participate in urban development but drive meaningful change—this was the resounding message from Helen Botes, Acting Chief Operating Officer of the City of Johannesburg and former Joburg Property Company CEO, at the EMPOWA Women in Property and Built Environment Summit in Randburg this week.
Botes stressed that the summit was more than a gathering—it was a vital platform for women leaders to shape the future of urban spaces. “We stand at a crossroads in the evolution of our cities. On one hand, we see rapid transformation, brimming with innovation. On the other, urban decay, social inequality, and unsustainable practices persist, leaving too many behind.”
Carene Breedt-Ramutla, founder of Core Impact, highlighted the need for municipalities like Johannesburg to educate women on property and built environment processes. “Policy implementation, building guidelines, and zoning are complex systems—difficult to navigate without guidance. Municipalities should host workshops to demystify these processes for women.”
She called on local government to simplify procedures, ensuring greater accessibility for women entrepreneurs in the sector. Gregory Mofokeng, Acting CEO of the Construction Sector Council, urged delegates to join organisations that champion women’s empowerment. “True change hinges on policy, regulations, and laws. We can advocate for women’s empowerment, but without legislative backing, progress remains hollow.”
He encouraged women to familiarise themselves with property sector legislation, ensuring they understand how policies shape their businesses and careers.
Kululwa Muthwa, CEO of the South African Institute for Black Property Practitioners, emphasised the importance of hands-on experience for aspiring women developers.
“Our upcoming Women Developers Programme connects theory with practice,” she said. “Mastering industry language, securing funding, and navigating approvals are critical—and we’ll pair emerging developers with seasoned mentors.”
Returning to the broader vision, Botes expressed optimism about the rising influence of women in urban development. “Women are redefining leadership—not just occupying seats at the table but reshaping how we approach cities. We bring a unique perspective, striving for equity, inclusivity, and economic vibrancy. This is the leadership our cities urgently need.”
The City of Johannesburg Property Company proudly supports the EMPOWA Summit, a premier platform empowering women in property and the built environment.
Written by Zingiswa Mndayi