From closing deals to breaking barriers, women at the Rawson Property Group are redefining what success looks like in South African real estate. This Women’s Month, we celebrate the mentors, leaders, and trailblazers who are opening doors for the next generation – and proving that when women rise, the whole industry rises with them.

The face of real estate is changing. In a business where trust, tenacity, and teamwork are everything, women are bringing fresh energy and a new standard of leadership. Across the country, more women are stepping into leadership roles, building thriving businesses, and mentoring others to do the same.

Jeanne-Mare Oosthuizen, the first female Director at the Rawson Property Group, says this shift is no accident. 

“When women champion each other’s success, it transforms not just careers, but the entire industry,” she explains. “Real estate rewards resilience, adaptability, and vision – qualities women demonstrate every day. By sharing our knowledge, opening doors, and creating opportunities, we’re not only shaping the future of the property market; we’re building a stronger, more inclusive South Africa.”

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Success

Ask any successful property professional how they got started, and chances are they’ll mention someone who showed them the ropes. At Rawson, mentorship is a deliberate and valued part of building strong careers.

For Belinda Feldmann, the journey into real estate came after years in corporate leadership roles and a long-standing interest in property. She had felt the pull towards the industry for at least five years before finally finding the courage to make the leap, knowing she would need to start over and build her name from scratch. 

Eighteen months ago, she did just that, with the guidance of André van Niekerk – a mentor with over two decades of experience. 

“His calm leadership and willingness to share his own journey helped me build my skills without feeling overshadowed,” she recalls. “That same spirit of generosity runs through our whole office. We collaborate, support one another, and that’s what keeps us motivated and high-performing.”

Rieindree Moodley’s path to real estate began in her early fifties, after leaving a demanding job and relocating to Johannesburg. While selling her late parents’ home, she was inspired by her agent’s freedom to choose her hours, clients, and earning potential. She joined Rawson in October 2024 as a candidate agent, and soon realised how complex the industry could be. Having a mentor was essential. 

“Every transaction has legal and risk implications,” she explains. “Having someone to review my work, join me in the field, and keep me up to date has been invaluable. That support shortens the learning curve and builds confidence quickly.”

Both women agree that strong mentorship develops skills, builds confidence, and helps newcomers persevere through early challenges. Their advice to aspiring agents: choose an environment where guidance and support are part of the culture.

Flexibility as a Key to Long-Term Success

When Lizette Joubert and her family moved to Paarl, they fell in love with the town’s schools, scenery, and community spirit. While looking for a home of their own, she spotted a business opportunity – and with family already in the Rawson network, she purchased the local franchise. 

Eighteen years later, she’s built a thriving business and a career that has grown alongside the evolving property industry.

Lizette believes the combination of professional growth, financial independence, and personal flexibility makes real estate an ideal choice for many people – especially those balancing multiple roles. 

“With new regulations and qualifications, women can establish themselves as recognised professionals while earning an income,” she says. “We’re often managing many responsibilities in our households and communities, so the flexibility to work from anywhere is incredibly valuable. And there’s no fixed retirement age in this business – you can continue building your career for as long as you choose.”

Her advice to those starting out is to embrace the learning process. The property sector offers the chance to earn a national qualification while gaining hands-on experience, but success comes from commitment and professionalism. 

She points out that communication, organisation, and genuine client care are qualities that turn transactions into long-term relationships. 

“We guide people through what is often the biggest financial and emotional decision of their lives,” she says. “Understanding that and offering genuine support makes a lasting difference.”

Inspiration from Role Models

The opportunity to build a meaningful career becomes even more powerful when you can see someone you admire doing it well. For Andrea Lovell, Franchisee of Rawson Properties Ottery, that inspiration came from her mother – a successful Rawson franchise owner whose career combined professional achievement with personal growth.

After leaving university, Andrea joined the Rawson brand and began her journey in the rental sector. She soon discovered her strengths in sales, passed the industry board exam, and worked her way to principal status, adapting to the evolving qualification requirements along the way.

Andrea credits her mother’s example for showing her what was possible, but she has her own formula for success: keep learning, adapt to change, and stay committed to exceptional service. 

“The market will always have highs and lows, but integrity and passion carry you through,” she says. “Keep up with legislation, sharpen your skills, and never forget the fundamentals. Treat every client’s property as if it’s their most valuable asset – because, to them, it is.”

Driving Transformation and Ownership

For Noelene Snyder, Franchisee of Rawson Properties Kuilsriver, real estate has been a career of both independence and purpose. She joined the industry in 1995 after deciding to leave her 9-to-5 job, inspired by an advert that promised the chance to “write your own cheque.” 

One interview was all it took for her to realise this was the profession she wanted to build her future in. Nearly thirty years later, she still finds joy in seeing the satisfaction on her clients’ faces when a deal is concluded.

Noelene’s ambitions now extend beyond her own success. She’s passionate about transformation in the industry and wants to see more women – particularly women of colour – owning their own real estate businesses. 

“I want to encourage women to claim their space in real estate,” she says. “There are so many opportunities, from rentals to commercial property. The flexibility allows you to be there for your family while still building a career.”

Her advice for those starting out is to join an established company that offers solid training and support. 

“You need the right skills and qualifications to become the professional you want to be,” she says. “Follow the correct processes, stay compliant, and keep learning – that’s how you build a reputation that lasts.”

The Rawson Commitment

At Rawson, mentorship and professional development are embedded in the company’s culture. Agents have access to free, flexible training through an eLearning platform and live webinars, ensuring their knowledge remains current and their skills competitive. The focus is on creating an environment where everyone – regardless of background or starting point – can thrive.

Jeanne-Mare Oosthuizen says this approach is essential for building a stronger, more inclusive industry. 

“We will continue our focus on offering an all-inclusive and truly diverse environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” she says. “We are committed to providing the resources and support needed to help women thrive in their real estate careers. Together, we can achieve great things and continue to drive positive change in the industry.”