Real estate players will grapple with the unemployment issue and political climate at this year’s SAPOA convention.
SA’s political climate and employment outlook are two of the single most critical factors for SA business in 2009, with many property owners, tenants and developers unsure how to manage these economic and political realities.
Timeously, the question of risks and how to manage them will be spotlighted at the 41st Annual SAPOA International Convention & Property Exhibition to be held in June 2009, sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance. This year’s convention is planned on four appropriately concise and powerful themes: Economic; Africa; Global and Political.
A fast-changing political environment is arguably the most critical challenge facing SA property right now.
“For business in general, and commercial and industrial property in particular, political developments mean a shift to the left and the rise of the ultra-left within the ANC,” explains Leon Louw, executive director of the Free Market Foundation.
“This means that business will have to put much more effort into combating perceived anti-business sentiment and policies.”
Property leaders can hear more during the Convention’s panel discussion on the Post-Election Landscape, when Louw will be joined by political analyst Steven Friedman and columnist Max du Preez.
Also providing his insight on opportunities and challenges for the property sector on the continent will be Bernard Katompa, CEO of Liberty Africa who will be taking part in a panel discussion on Africa development.
Ben Kodisang, CEO of OMIGPI will be taking part on a panel discussion on the issues regarding the Global Outlook.
Another looming challenge for SA business is unemployment, with Statistics SA numbers pointing to 22 percent of the economically active population – or 31 million people – currently out of work.
Brian Azizollahoff, CEO of Redefine Income Fund will be debating the question of ‘business unusual’ as part of the convention’s scheduled panel discussion on SA’s economic outlook. The panel will be preceded by an economic trend analysis presented by economist JP Landman.
“As an industry, property professionals throughout SA are finding ways to beat global and local economic risks, and manage the changing political landscape in SA” says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.
“Those professionals will be sharing their knowledge, ideas and solutions at this year’s convention.”
The 41st SAPOA International Convention & Property Exhibition will take place at the International Convention Centre in Durban from 3 – 5 June 2009.