Spotlight on women making waves in real estate

As the widely respected South African advocate Thuli Madonsela has said, "every girl determines who she is and what her contribution to humanity will be". In celebration of National Women's Month, the Jawitz Properties team caught up with three real women who are shining examples of excellence in the real estate field. We asked Charnae Christians from Jawitz Properties Kuilsriver, Anita Griesel from Jawitz Properties Durbanville and Christinah Malebana from Jawitz Properties Sandton for their thoughts. We connected about professional achievements, what Women's Month means and top tips for other women wanting to get into the real estate profession. Lastly, we touched on strategies for staying motivated.

Introducing our inspirational real estate experts

When Charnae Christians started her career at Jawitz Properties Kuilsriver in 2010, she was an administrator, focused merely on earning a living. "I was motivated primarily by my desire to survive, and I had initially aspired to be a packer at Pick n Pay," she shared.

"In 2016, I decided to embrace new challenges. Jawitz Properties Kuilsriver principal, Herbie de Klerk, believed in my potential and offered me the chance to become a rental estate agent. I started with just five properties, and through dedication and hard work, I have since expanded my portfolio to manage 76 rental properties."

Real estate is in Anita Griesel's blood. "My mom worked as a property practitioner, and still does. I was inspired by her passion and work ethic. She taught me the importance of financial independence and not relying on anyone else to create stability. That lesson shaped who I am today, and I'm incredibly grateful to have learnt it early in life."

Anita hails from the North West province and relocated to Durbanville in 2022. Having been accustomed to the warmth and familiarity of a small town, the move to a bigger, more fast-paced area has come with its challenges. "I had to work twice, sometimes three times as hard, to reach my goals," she says. "But I haven't let that hold me back."

Christinah Malebana had a different journey to the real estate world. "I have always loved properties, and I bought my first townhouse when I was 24 years old. The joy I felt was indescribable, and I wanted it again, so at 29, I bought two more properties and rented them out. When I decided to change my career path, it was a no-brainer: I knew I had to pursue my passion for property. I reached out to Dana Davis, who had sold me my property in Sunninghill, and the rest is history. I have been with Jawitz Properties since 2017."

Significant professional accomplishments

These three women are all carving out success stories in the real estate world. Charnae proudly recalls the moments when she has walked the red carpet at the Jawitz Properties Achiever Awards every year since 2022. "This accomplishment reflects my dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence. Maintaining this momentum year after year has been both motivating and rewarding, as I continually set higher standards for myself."

For Christinah, her biggest professional achievement thus far has been achieving an increase of over 100% in her sales last year. "But beyond the numbers, what I'm most proud of is how I build strong, trusting relationships with both buyers and sellers. I prioritise guiding and supporting them through every stage of the buying or selling process."

Anita views her biggest achievements as building strong, lasting relationships with clients. "I value being trusted not just as a real estate consultant, but as someone who can genuinely be relied upon. Repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals are incredibly rewarding because they speak to who I am, not just to what I do."

What Women's Month means

In Charnae's words, Women's Month is a meaningful time to celebrate the achievements, contributions and resilience of women across all backgrounds and sectors. "It serves as a reminder of the progress we've made towards gender equality and highlights the ongoing challenges that many women face worldwide."

To Anita, Women's Month is a time to celebrate all women - not just those who are independent or career-driven. "It's about celebrating the everyday heroes like mothers, sisters and friends who inspire us in quiet, powerful ways. It's a time to honour the strength, resilience and grace that women carry in every role they play."

Anita also reminds us that it's a time to stand in solidarity with women who are suffering in silence. "I hope this month gives them the courage and support they need to rise up, speak out and reclaim their strength."

To this, Christinah adds that Women's Month is an opportunity to reflect and breathe for a second. "Being moms and career women, we don't give ourselves time to celebrate our success stories. Women's Month gives us an opportunity to pause and celebrate ourselves!"

Advice for other women - particularly those considering launching a real estate career

From Christinah, the top piece of advice is to follow your passion and never procrastinate! "In the real estate industry, we are fortunate enough to work with a commodity that will always be in demand. Treat your real estate career like your own business - not like a side hustle."

Anita adds a reminder about learning to handle conflict with grace and respect. "Remember, you're dealing with one of the most valuable assets in your client's life," she advises. "Treat every transaction with care and integrity and go the extra mile. How you treat your clients today could turn into repeat business tomorrow."

Charnae points out the value of networking and finding mentors. "Connect with experienced women in real estate who can offer guidance, support and mentorship," she encourages. "Networking opens the door not only to knowledge, but also to referrals and opportunities."

Staying motivated

The final question we posed to the dynamic trio is what keeps them motivated through good times and bad. For Anita, the answer lies in the reward that comes with helping a buyer find their perfect home or achieving a great sale for a seller. "Guiding clients through the process and building real connections along the way is what truly motivates me," she shares.

According to Charnae, her motivation is sustained by her colleagues, her clients and the rewards that she receives from Jawitz Properties. "On a personal level, it's my family that keeps me motivated," she adds.

Christinah feels a deep responsibility to be a role model. "Being a woman of colour in real estate, I want to inspire young women to see that success in this industry is possible for them too. Knowing that people look up to me keeps me focused and motivated to keep raising the bar."

The sky's the limit if you're a determined woman who's not afraid to work hard. Find out more about Jawitz Properties' real estate careers today. Alternatively, if you're interested in buying or selling property through one of the dynamic women profiled, get in touch.