REBOSA

NEW REPRESENTATIVE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY BODIES FORMED
In an important and positive move which will enable the South African real estate industry to participate more effectively in key decision-making within the sector, two representative bodies have been formed - one, an employees’ and real estate agents’ organisation (representing labour), and the other an employers’, principals’ or business owners’ organisation (representing business). This move is in line with current recommendations in order to separate these differing interests clearly but also to allow for greater and more widespread representation and inclusivity.
The formation of the two bodies has the support of The Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA). IEASA is currently structured to represent the interests of both business and labour (employers and employees, and this will in time evolve to represent only the labour component of the industry, namely the agents and employees, while a new employers’ organisation for real estate business owners, which is to be known as REBOSA (Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa) has been formed. REBOSA was established at a meeting of real estate stakeholders held in Johannesburg on 29 March 2011, where the steering committees from the various provinces also proposed principle terms of reference for a constitution and a code of conduct.
As organised business, and as organised labour, these two real estate industry associations will be able to participate in key decision-making processes. REBOSA will join the ranks of the Business Coalition of South Africa or Business Unity South Africa and as such will be represented at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). NEDLAC's aim is to make economic decision-making more inclusive, and to promote the goals of economic growth and social equity. Via this process, government comes together with organised business, organised labour and organised community groupings to discuss and reach consensus on issues of social and economic policy.
As far as skills development goes, real estate organised labour and business will both participate on the SSETA structures and participate in developing their own future qualifications as the SSETA includes the Property Chamber. In terms of the Skills Development Act 97/1998 a chamber must consist of an equal number of members representing employees and employers and may include such additional members as the SETA determines.
A further important role that these two constituencies will play is to actively promote and facilitate the professionalisation of the real estate industry by registering as official Real Estate Professional Bodies with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). In this way new representative bodies will be able to become involved in the development of a body of specialised knowledge in accordance with international benchmarks, as well as be able to develop, award and revoke its own professional designations.
These are but three areas of specific involvement that the new structures will have influence over and need to work together and deliberate on. Over and above these are, of course, the multitude of general and specific industry issues that arise on a continuous basis (the plethora of new legislative changes being current examples) and which need to be dealt with in the best interests of the industry in general.
In May 2011, IEASA/REBOSA will be hosting a road show for both real estate employers and employees in 14 different regions throughout South Africa (including those who are not IEASA members), in order to explain and further determine the road forward . It is naturally important that all who are interested in this significant development and who wish to have a say, attend these road shows, which have been sponsored by SA Home Loans as primary and PayProp as secondary sponsors, thereby making it possible for this essential event to be offered free of charge to the real estate fraternity. The dates and venues for the road show can be viewed on www.ieasa.org.za and there will be a lucky draw with a trip to this year’s NAR Conference in California, USA to be won.
For further information and online bookings go to www.ieasa.org.za