New blood for the Johannesburg Metro branch of IEASA

PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release)

The move towards professionalising the Real Estate industry received another boost this week with the unanimous election of Charl Heydenrych as chairman of the Jhb Metro branch of the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA). Since he passed the board examinations in the early 90’s he has been involved in the property industry. Lately as a Skills Development Facilitator for some of the leading agencies in the region.

Currently IEASA has 5 500 members – the Jhb Metro branch, which potentially represents the highest proportion of this membership, has the lowest. Mr Heydenrych said of this situation: “We will only be taken seriously as a professional industry if we are truly represented by the number of our members.” He added: “Specifically in this region there have been many attempts to unify the voice of the players in the field – without much success. But now, in the light of recent developments on the regulatory front it is imperative for estate agents to act in unison.”

He urged members of the profession to throw their weight behind the new committee which is not only embarking on a drive to get new members, but also plans to canvass member views on issues that affect the industry. “While the recent spat between the Services Seta and the EAAB has had an effect on the ongoing attempts to professionalise the industry, it has also provided us as real estate agents the opportunity to mobilise and contribute to the future landscape of the industry – not just to act as spectators but as drivers of our own destiny” said Heydenrych.

The IEA was founded in 1937 to promote professional standards in the estate agency industry. Over the years it has introduced many training courses, established a recognised code of ethics for its members, and fought for industry interests. Membership is voluntary and, in the interests of the public, they are bound by a strict code of ethical standards.

The Jhb Metro branch is looking to expand the range of services to agents, from training and information sharing events, to assistance with obtaining the new qualifications and supporting new blood into the industry through Seta and DOL sponsored learnership programmes.

The Jhb Metro branch of IEASA can be contacted on 011 431 4107 or admin@ieasajhbmetro.co.za.


8 October 2009