Walking around in the rain, site map in the hand, looking for suitable areas to accommodate people who are still renting the facility on the site, negotiating with the seller, local authority representatives and the odd vicious dog while keeping everybody happy within the framework of the law. "This is a normal day for a property manager," says James Slabbert, Chief Director of Property Management.
James Slabbert, Chief Director: Property Management (middle), Mervyn de Jongh (left), the architect of the project, and John Titus, property development officer, resolve some final issues for the fast tracking of the construction of the Masiphumelele Secondary School.
"Remember," says James Slabbert, leader of the delegation, "before any school or hospital can be built in this province, we as property managers have to acquire land that is accessible to the community. Shane Hindley's directorate will normally react to such a request by verifying whether the province has property in the relevant area. If we need to purchase land, a team of consultants will help to identify suitable sites for the building of the proposed facility."
In the case of Masiphumelele, the land was zoned for agricultural use and the property management team had to apply for consent to erect the school. "We bought the land for R2,25 million, the most expensive land ever bought for the construction of a school site," says John Titus, property development officer, who concluded the transaction with Chris London, the previous owner of this 2 ha site.
The morning turned into afternoon and another successful negotiation process has made this team a winning team. ANT asked Mr Slabbert what the most important aspect of good property management is. "Affordability within time," was his answer. And what must a property manager strive for? "To be innovative, paving the way for monuments to be erected."
Enquiries:
Chris Prins
Manager: Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 2132
Email: cwprins@pgwc.gov.za
