MEET OUR SPEAKERS
The WCPDF would like to acknowledge and thank the following speakers for their valuable contribution to the 2024 conference:
DAY 1 AND 2 OPENING SESSIONS / NETWORKING EVENT HOSTS
AFRICA MELANE
Africa Melane – Host of the Early Breakfast Show, 702 & Cape Talk
Master of Ceremonies and Facilitator
Africa Melane is a renowned broadcaster who speaks to audiences across South Africa every morning hosting the Early Breakfast show on 702 and CapeTalk, and discussing the most topical issues of the day. In turn a well-known Master of Ceremonies, he is an accountant by training and regularly facilitates workshops for businesses on planning and budgeting, for the health sector on HIV/Aids, and in diversity training and professional development. He is also Vice Chairperson on the Board of Cape Town Opera, and chairs the panel of judges for the prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.
GG ALCOCK
GG Alcock – Economic Activist & Author of KasiNomics
Keynote Speaker – Day 1
GG Alcock was born white but raised and bred as a Zulu man, growing up in a mud hut with no running water, electricity or modern conveniences, living with and like young Zulu boys. He has at times been a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker, African adventurer and successful businessman. Fluent in Zulu and conversant in most South African ethnic languages, in 1999 he founded Minanawe Marketing, an activations business which pioneered marketing to township and informal mass markets in South Africa. Later selling Minanawe, Alcock founded Kasinomics which provides insights, strategies, route to market and consumer marketing to South Africa’s mass markets. His books KasiNomics and KasiNomic Revolution cast light on the invisible matrix at the heart of South Africa’s informal economies and the people who live in them, exploring the revolution taking place in the great marketplaces of the informal sector and sharing lessons on doing business in these informal spaces. His book Born White Zulu Bred tells his journey from the mud hut he was raised in and the tribal forces that shaped him, to the dynamic world of KasiNomics. Alcock is a regular speaker, a thought leader and commentator on the trends and dynamics of the informal economies and societies which make up the majority of South Africa.
DEON VAN ZYL
Deon van Zyl – Chairperson, WCPDF and MD, Vorto
Speaker
Deon van Zyl holds a degree in architecture from the University of the Free State, a diploma in project management and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Cape Town. He cut his teeth in the redevelopment of brownfield land, with exposure to land remediation, and his passion lies in development facilitation through a multi-disciplinary approach. Deon is the MD of the newly formed VORTO, a specialist development management consultancy which is part of the AL&A group of companies focused on the built environment. He has been the Chairperson of the WCPDF since 2011 and is a regular industry commentator, informed by various development industry sub-sectors aligned with the WCPDF.
PROF ADRIAN SAVILLE
Prof Adrian Saville – Professor in Economics, Finance & Strategy, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria
Keynote Speaker – Day 2
Prof Adrian Saville is a Professor at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and founding director of the Centre for African Management and Markets. He has authored significant indexes and has global market experience. Since 2022, he has held a visiting professorship at Rotman School of Management in Toronto, and has chaired the investment committee of a venture capital firm since 2017. Saville founded an investment firm in the late 1990s, which was sold to a listed firm in 2017. In 2023, he launched Boundless World, focusing on capital markets and growth strategy. His academic record includes a BA Hons cum laude, MCom cum laude and a PhD in Economics. His research is recognised by UNESCO and he is a member of several industry bodies, reflecting his broad expertise and contributions to economics, finance, and strategy.
WRENELLE STANDER
Wrenelle Stander – CEO, Wesgro
Host of the Day 1 Networking Event
Wrenelle Stander has over 30 years of work experience in the aviation and energy industries. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sector. Finding the sweet spot in the nexus between the two is the thread that strings together her various roles. Prior to joining Wesgro, Wrenelle held three other CEO roles, including that of Chief Executive Officer of Comair Limited JSE listed company, Managing Director of Sasol Gas Limited and Managing Director of Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company. She has extensive Board experience both as an Executive Director, as well as a Non-Executive Director. She currently serves as an independent, Non-Executive Director of Sishen Iron Ore. Wrenelle holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, as well as a BA (Hons) degree from the University of Cape Town.
DERICK HENSTRA
Derick Henstra – Executive Chairman & Founding Partner, dhk Architects
Host of the Day 2 Networking Event
Derick Henstra studied architecture at the University of Cape Town and building studies at Cape Technikon (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology), before founding Derick Henstra Architects (DHA) in 1983. dhk Architects was formed as a multidisciplinary practice in 1998, with Derick as executive chairman. As design principal, together with founding partner Peter Fehrsen, Derick takes an active role in the design development of the practice’s projects across the board. Derick regularly presents public lectures on dhk’s work. He has served on the jury for the Cape Institute for Architecture’s Awards, and continues to be involved in architectural education through various academic advisory boards and regularly attending student crits at universities. Derick often takes on a pro-bono advisory role for various social development projects in local township communities. His passion lies in the pursuit of good architecture and design with a focus on the urban context. Under his leadership the practice has established a global reputation as an innovative design-driven commercial practice.
SESSION 1 - MUNICIPAL REPORT BACK FROM 2022/2023 CONFERENCES
How has the public sector fared in the Western Cape over the past two years? With Mayoral Committee members from four of the most prominent municipalities in the Western Cape, we interrogate the changes and innovations in public legislation and policy, as well as infrastructural and other development with which the municipalities of George, Stellenbosch, Overstand and the City of Cape Town have been involved over the past two years. How has their relationships with the property development and construction industry grown, and what are the challenges we still need to work on together to unlock the full potential of the Western Cape?
TASHREEQ JAFFAR
Tashreeq Jaffar – Senior Associate, Property Law & Land Development Department at STBB
Facilitator
Tashreeq Jaffar is a practising Attorney and Conveyancer in the Property Developments Department at STBB. He obtained his LLB Degree from the University of the Western Cape, completed his Articles with STBB and was admitted as an Attorney in February 2018 and as a Conveyancer in December 2018. He is currently a Senior Associate at STBB and Member of the WCPDF Management Committee serving on multiple sub committees. As a Conveyancer in a specialised Property Developments Department and as a WCPDF Management Committee Member he remains acutely aware of challenges faced by the private sector professionals and developers.
ALD EDDIE ANDREWS
Ald Eddie Andrews – Executive Deputy Mayor & Mayoral Committee Member, Spatial Planning & Environment, City of Cape Town
Speaker
Eddie Andrews isn’t just a politician; he’s a man of many hats. He holds an honours degree majoring in Politics and Public Administration. A former rugby player for Western Province, the Stormers, and even the Springboks, Andrews’ dedication to teamwork extends beyond the pitch. Driven by a desire to serve his community, Andrews co-founded the Joshua Foundation, an organization focused on youth development. This passion for public service led him to enter politics. For a decade (2011-2021), Andrews served as a ward councillor for Mitchell’s Plain in Cape Town. He also held leadership positions within the City Council, including chairperson of subcouncil 12 and Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Spatial Planning and Environment. His commitment was recognized when he was voted City of Cape Town’s Cllr of the Year in 2020. In 2021, Andrews’ career reached new heights when he was sworn in as both the Executive Deputy Mayor and the Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment. In this role, he tackles the challenge of addressing Cape Town’s spatial inequalities, a legacy of apartheid. He also focuses on economic growth and innovation to keep Cape Town at the forefront of urban development. Respected for his integrity and motivational leadership, Eddie Andrews continues to make a significant impact on Cape Town.
CLLR CARLI VAN WYK
Cllr Carli van Wyk – Mayoral Committee Member: Planning, Local Economic Development, Tourism – Stellenbosch Municipality
Speaker
Carli van Wyk graduated with a BA Law Degree from Stellenbosch University in 2019 and completed her Post- Graduate LLB qualification in 2021. During her time at Stellenbosch University she served as the residence leader (Primaria) of the biggest female residence on campus, Irene, and Chairperson of the Student Representative Council (SRC). Carli was awarded the Rector’s Award for Outstanding Leadership by the Vice Chancellor in 2019. Carli was elected in the 2021 Local Government Election as Ward Councillor for Ward 8 at Stellenbosch Municipality. She was soon after selected to serve as the Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Planning. In 2023 her portfolio was extended to MMC for Planning, Local Economic Development and Tourism. Carli is currently pursuing her MSc in Property Studies through the University of Cape Town (UCT).
DR ANNELIE RABIE
Dr Annelie Rabie – Executive Mayor, Overstrand Municipality
Speaker
Alderman Annelie Rabie holds a D.Admin degree in Public Management, specializing in Local Government. She currently serves as a member of the National Executive Committee of the South African Local Government Association and is also a member of the Western Cape Chapter of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council. Dr. Rabie was the Executive Mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality and is the incumbent Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, which is an award-winning Municipality, achieving 11 Consecutive Clean audits, ranked number 1 in water standard in South Africa, walked away with the top honors in the Municipal Awards for the Western Cape, and a myriad of other accolades and awards. Annelie was awarded the Order of the Disa, received from the Premier of the Western Cape for her work in crime prevention.
LAUREN WARING
Lauren Waring – Director Human Settlements, Planning and Development & Property Management, George Municipality
Speaker
Lauren Waring holds a Masters Degree in Town and Regional Planning (University of Stellenbosch) among various other tertiary qualifications. She served as the Municipal Manager, as well as Director: Community Services and Director: Planning and Development at Knysna Municipality between 2006 and 2014, and as Executive Director: Planning and Development at Drakenstein Municipality from 2016 to 2021. She has vast leadership experience in local government, honed over many years at municipal level. Her passion for land and development was ignited during her first appointment at the Regional Land Claims Commission: Western Cape. With extensive management and strategic leadership experience, Lauren has consulted to government, private sector, and non-profits on a broad range of projects and held positions on various boards.
SESSION 2 - MOBILITY = ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Divided into two parts, the first half of this session will highlight the upgrades that SANRAL has planned for the Western Cape, and specifically look at Western Cape Government’s partnership with SANRAL in the extension of the all-important R300 corridor. The second half of this session reflects on the disruptions which took place mid-2023 around the taxi, and where – if any – inroads have been made to recognise and bring this important economic sector into alignment with both public and private partners. In particular, how can we build bridges between the taxi and private property sectors, especially when considering the economic strength of the taxi industry and its potential to improve public transport to private sector developments.
SHAUN DYERS
Shaun Dyers – Town and Regional Planner, SANRAL
Speaker
Shaun Dyers is a Town and Regional Planner (Pr.Pln) who has worked at the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) since 2013. He is currently the chair of the Statutory Control Focus Group, and previously the chair of the Land Administration and Valuation Committee. Involved in current and future road network interventions, Dyers assesses development proposals that have an impact on national roads. He is also responsible for the assessment of petrol stations along national roads, wayleave applications and access applications for new accesses. As Acting National Facilities Manager (with a portfolio including Head Office and four regional offices), he also manages the regional property portfolio for the Western and Northern Cape including land acquisition for road infrastructure purposes, the administration of lease agreements, land alienation, and general maintenance and security of sites. Dyers was a member of the Urban Mobility Technical Committee at the World Road Association (PIARC) for the 2020-2023 Cycle.
ADV MURRAY BRIDGMAN
Adv Murray Bridgman – Advocate and Mediator, The Cape Bar
Facilitator
Murray Bridgman is a born and bred Capetonian, with a great love for his city. He obtained his LlB from Stellenbosch University and started practising as an advocate at the Cape Bar in 1985. During the course of his career he took many cases involving the taxi industry, resulting in a fascination with this enormous, diverse and vibrant industry. His first taxi case, in 1989, was an application for long distance permits for the new minibus taxis. Since then his taxi cases have covered murder trials, taxi association disciplinary and internal issues, interdicts against rival taxi associations (turf wars), administrative law cases against the City and Province, section 7A(20) panels of enquiry, commercial litigation against taxi financiers (banks). An interdict brought by UCT against an association he was representing ended up in an agreement with UCT for the taxi association to provide transport services to students under the banner of the then Jammie Shuttle. He was an acting judge in 2018. He is married with three children and three grandchildren.
JOHN LAWSON
John Lawson – CEO, Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Panellist
After being partner in a consulting firm, small business entrepreneur and general manager in a mid-sized firm, the end of apartheid inspired a shift in focus towards development. He has been involved in various forms of economic development since. After a few years working as a consultant to the director general of Department of Trade and Industry, he aggressively specialised in discovering pragmatic approaches to local economic development. In the process, he has been privileged to work closely with some of the world leaders in Local and Regional Economic Development (LED). His experience spans a multitude of industry sectors and work at all levels of government. His value system drives an unwavering commitment to do what is right, to ensure that local/regional economic development succeeds. Worked with Grant Thornton India to develop results frameworks and strategies for developmental initiatives of national and regional importance. Currently strengthening the cooperation platforms which unlock more opportunities for Cape Chamber members and which contribute to economic growth in the Western Cape. John is blessed to live in Cape Town where he loves to kitesurf in his free time.
MANDLA HERMANUS
Mandla Hermanus – Chairperson, SANTACO Western Cape
Panellist
Mandla Hermanus is the chairperson of the taxi regulatory body, SANTACO WC as well as its business arm, Umanyano Travel Services. Hermanus’s work experience extends further than the taxi industry. His career commenced in administration, followed by his position as a clerk and data capturer for Edgars, before transitioning to communications and fundraising training for NGOs.
SESSION 3: WHAT DOES - OR DOESN'T - MAKE HOUSING DELIVERY POSSIBLE
Much has been said about the challenges around policy, legislation and time-delaying public procedures that slow down housing delivery, particularly in the affordable market but in line with the challenges faced across the middle and upper ends of the markets that require housing. This session looks at what progress has been made in national land value capture and the tools to add this process, innovations around public housing, specific challenges around heritage and implementing UDZ policy, the strides being made by the private sector towards alternative financing, and – not neglecting the market itself – how do we tackle creditworthiness towards enabling home ownership?
PROF IVAN TUROK
Prof Ivan Turok – SA DSI/NRF Research Chair in City-Region Economies, University of Free State
Facilitator and Speaker
Ivan Turok an urban and regional economist/planner with over 30 years’ experience. His expertise includes urbanization, economic development, agglomeration dynamics, affordable housing, land markets, spatial planning and urban policy. He is an occasional adviser to the United Nations, OECD, European Commission, World Bank and African Development Bank. He is the author of over 160 academic publications, journal articles, book chapters and books. He is also Distinguished Research Fellow at the Human Sciences Research Council, and Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow. Ivan was recently Chairman of the City Planning Commission for Durban.
DELANA FINLAYSON
Delana Finlayson – Managing Director, Urban Think Tank Empower
Speaker
Delana Finlayson graduated in 1999 with a BSc Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying at the then University of Port Elizabeth. After, working on large infrastructure projects in Ireland, Delana returned to South Africa and founded Riverside Consulting Quantity Surveyors in 2004. In 2022, Delana Finlayson with Alfredo Brillembourg, established UTTE, a multi- disciplinary non-profit company and sister organisation to UTT International. UTTE focusses on projects for socio-economic transformation, most notably, the Empower Khayelitsha project, which has become a beacon of hope, introducing groundbreaking approaches to housing that combine affordability, sustainability, and community engagement. As the lead of UTTE, Delana continues working tirelessly to reshape the living conditions of South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
BRUCE WILSON
Bruce Wilson – Director, Bruce Wilson Architects
Speaker
Bruce Wilson, the founder of BWA, is deeply committed to creating sustainable and beautiful architectural designs. His enthusiasm extends beyond architecture to fostering a nurturing work environment where professionals can excel and innovate. Bruce believes in the power of good design to generate lasting value, underscoring his dedication to excellence and sustainability in both the built environment and workplace culture. This dual focus highlights his holistic approach to leadership and his ambition to leave a positive, enduring impact on the industry.
JOEL BAUR
Joel Baur – Co-Founder & CEO, Citra
Speaker
Joel Baur leads a pioneering start-up transforming real estate through innovative building systems and business models. With over eight years in construction, his expertise in architectural design, building tech, and entrepreneurship drives Citra’s mission to address housing, financing, and climate challenges. A visionary leader, Baur is focused on improving and enhancing housing quality, affordability and sustainability in developing countries and globally, through initiatives like Atelier Manzana and Arkiwi. A respected speaker and author, he has shared insights at institutions like EPFL and ETH Zurich. With a Master of Architecture from ETH Zurich, a Bachelor of Architecture from EPFL, and an MBA from the University of Cape Town, Baur shapes sustainable development. He is also a highly active member of the WCPDF Management Committee.
MEYER DE WAAL
Meyer de Waal – Director, MDW INC Attorneys & My Budget Fitness
Speaker
Meyer de Waal is the director of MDW INC attorneys Cape Town and My Budget Fitness. His legal and conveyancing background initiated the inspiration to start Rent2buy, My Budget Fitness, Consumer Housing Education, My Bond Fitness and Flisp Subsidy Service after participating to raise funds and the construction of houses in the Mfuleni township project. This led to developing a home ownership education programme for African Bank employees and current ‘Introduction to home ownership” for the employees of CETA. Engaging early with aspiring home buyers assisted Meyer and his team to develop assistance for buyers to improve their credit scorecards and affordability and overall buyer readiness. Meyer developed a unique rent to own structure for ASLA Construction, in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements Western Cape and the Cape Agulhas Municipality, which is regarded as a ground breaking innovative product, offering innovative housing solutions. Similar programmes are also developed for other Municipalities, such as Riversdal, Hessequa Municipality. The MDW INC Team was allocated the appointment by the Department of Infrastructure for the buyer information sessions, sales, marketing, arrangement of development pre-approval end-user finance, home loan and First Home Finance subsidies and conveyancing and overall buyer readiness for the Mountainview 278 housing project in Mossel Bay. Recipient of the 2023 “Most Innovative Real Estate Company Award a at the 7th Annual Africa Property Investment Awards.
SESSION 4: THE IMPORTANCE OF BIG DATA
Without reliable and regularly updated Big Data, townplanning decision making becomes a guesstimate, at best. In recognising this, certain municipalities are upping their game to provide information. However, how real is “semigration” to the Western Cape? And how do we plan as a province for development in all-important nodes such as the forecasted influx in educational needs over the next few years; how can the private sector partner with government on this? And, most importantly, how long does it take to accumulate reliable data and what is already available out there for the development community to make plans for future needs and economic growth?
DEON VAN ZYL
Deon van Zyl – Chairperson, WCPDF and MD, Vorto
Facilitator
Deon van Zyl holds a degree in architecture from the University of the Free State, a diploma in project management and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Cape Town. He cut his teeth in the redevelopment of brownfield land, with exposure to land remediation, and his passion lies in development facilitation through a multi-disciplinary approach. Deon is the MD of the newly formed VORTO, a specialist development management consultancy which is part of the AL&A group of companies focused on the built environment. He has been the Chairperson of the WCPDF since 2011 and is a regular industry commentator, informed by various development industry sub-sectors aligned with the WCPDF.
ANNELISE DE BRUIN
Annelise de Bruin – Manager: Metropolitan Spatial Planning & Growth Management, Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate, City of Cape Town
Speaker
Annelise de Bruin is leading the long term metropolitan spatial planing team with projects such as the Municipal Spatial Development Framework and Spatial Trends. The team works in close collaboration with many other stakeholders on the 25-year urbanisation modelling and planning for infrastructure and community services in Cape Town. Partners include the private sector property developers, the City and Provincial Government’s different departments, SOE representatives and the public. Earlier she also spent 10 years in private sector consultancy focused on property development and spatial planning in South Africa. In between 10 years were spent in South East Asia and Africa, working for international non-governmental agencies, where she managed, large teams of emergency relief workers dealing with the consequences of man-made and natural disasters such as the civil wars and the tsunami.
VERNON MOONSAMY
Vernon Moonsamy – Principal Professional Officer: Spatial Targeting and Mechanisms, Department of Urban Planning and Design, City of Cape Town
Speaker
Vernon Moonsamy is a Professional City Planner with a diverse academic background in Urban Planning, Environmental and Geographical Science and Property Studies; more than 10 years’ postgraduate working experience in local government, transport planning, business planning, property management and GIS. He currently leads the Spatial Targeting and Mechanisms unit in the Urban Planning and Design Department focusing on research, data analysis and the development of spatial rating tools and planning incentives to facilitate urban development.
DOMINIQUE dHOTMAN
Dominique dHotman – Chief Strategy Officer, ooba Home Loans
Speaker
With a Masters degree (cum laude) in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch, Dominique has over 20 years experience in spearheading the design, delivery, and commercialisation of cutting-edge Proptech and Fintech solutions within the South African residential real estate market. Dominique led the visionary team behind SwitchX, establishing it as the foremost home loan origination switch in the counter. He is also one of the founding team behind Buyers Trust, South Africa’s first ever deposit investment alternative, offering a transparent, solvency-protected, and phishing-safe deposit solution for buyers. FICA4U, a self-service KYC solution tailored for the residential real estate industry after they become accountable institutions. And was in the startup team behind Loom Property Insights, which exists to provide invaluable property data analytics. In addition to his role as Chief Strategy Officer for ooba, he has led the formation and is currently the Head of ooba Solar.
IAN DE VEGA
Ian de Vega – Chief Director: Business Intelligence Management, Western Cape Education Department, Western Cape Government
Speaker
Ian de Vega is passionate about the potential of data to transform organisations and empower leaders to make informed and strategic choices. For almost two decades he has become deeply immersed in the development and maturation of enterprise data analytics as an analyst, manager and evangelist. With an extensive background in data management, and business intelligence strategy, he has built a reputation for delivering innovative and customised solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of the organisation. For the past five years, Ian has shared his data-related insights as part of a data advisory committee and spoken at some of the largest industry conferences around the globe.
As the head of strategy at WCED, he also established a transparent and no-nonsense approach to developing business strategies that are based on actionable intelligence and aligned with goals and values of the WCED.
Ian is also committed to improving the lives of people the world over via digital technology to eradicate the ‘digital divide’. In his previous role in WCG Health, Ian led an innovative programme that had visible public service delivery impact. Under his direction, the electronic continuity of care record (eCCR) system design in WCG Health received a silver award in the category of Best Public Service Innovator at the Premier’s Service Excellence Awards in 2018. He authored the first IT Vision document for the WCG Health for a Re-imagined Future. Ian was a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on eHealth in South Africa.
Ian’s short-term priorities focuses on ensuring the development and delivery of the department’s strategy and digital roadmap that will enable the delivery of future-focused education. He has indicated that he has a keen interest in maturing ICT in order to support a new paradigm of using individual level data to support front-line services, routine reporting, and business intelligence, which is one of the WCED’s strategic assets, i.e. learner level data to drive our schools improvement planning and learner support agenda.
Ian completed a MSc in Applied Statistics and Operational Research at Birkbeck College, University of London in 2006. He worked for 12 years in the UK as a Principal Statistician in the NHS.
ERWIN RODE
Erwin Rode – CEO, Rode and Associates
Speaker
Erwin Rode is a property economist and consultant, professional property valuer, publisher and editor-in-chief of a portfolio of property research publications. Over the past four decades he has done pioneering research on the SA property market, and in 1987 he founded the national property research firm Rode & Associates. He holds a BA and MBA from the University of Stellenbosch. Erwin is a fellow of the SA Institute of Valuers (FSAIV) as well as an eminent fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS).
SESSION 5: ENERGY INNOVATION IN THE WESTERN CAPE
This session looks to update delegates on the Western Cape and, as the largest metro, the City of Cape Town’s own strategies towards energy provision. With other municipalities such as Midvaal in Gauteng devising their own aggressive energy strategies, we ask what lessons the Western Cape can learn from other initiatives.
SEBEKEDI MOTLHABANE KOLOI
Sebekedi Motlhabane Koloi – Energy and Green Economy Specialist, Wesgro
Facilitator
Sebekedi Motlhabane Koloi is an energy and green economy specialist and co-opted exco member at Wesgro, focusing on future proofing the Western Cape economy towards sustainability, and a unique value proposition of the Western Cape as a climate conscious market, for trade tourism, and foreign investments. part of his role is on industry transition and market readiness to meet the Western Cape’s Climate Change Response Strategy for Net Zero by 2050. He is German Chancellor Fellow, having done research on energy policies under the fellowship, A Bill & Melinda Gates Global GoalKeeper, an award for change markers towards the Sustainable Development Goals. He served on the board of Silicon Cape, and as a Senior Advisor for the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth as well as an Advisor for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
ALWIE LESTER
Alwie Lester – Special Advisor to the Western Cape Premier, Western Cape Government
Speaker
Alwie Lester is currently Premier Alan Winde’s Special Advisor on Energy. Before joining the Western Cape Government in January 2023, he was employed at Eskom for over 20-years, where he worked in various portfolios, including Distribution, Transmission as well as Information and Strategy Management. For past 15-years he was General Manager for Eskom in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Free State.
KADRI NASSIEP
Kadri Nassiep – Executive Director: Energy, City of Cape Town
Speaker
Kadri Nassiep is the Executive Director of Energy at the City of Cape Town. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has close to 30 years’ experience in the Energy sector. He has played a key role in coordinating energy research in the country to advocate for a greater share of cleaner energy in our energy mix. During his career he has been responsible for the development of policy, strategy, legislation and regulations supporting the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy. He was the CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute and has held several senior management roles in National Government and Eskom. He has also held several advisory positions, both locally and internationally, including representing South Africa at the International Energy Agency’s Committee on Energy Research and Technologies, as well as the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21).
PETER TEIXEIRA
Peter Teixeira – Executive Mayor, Midvaal Local Municipality
Speaker
Peter Teixeira joined Midvaal Local Municipality as a Ward Councillor where he served on three mayoral committee (MMC) posts before being sworn in as Executive Mayor on 15 November 2021. As an MMC for Engineering Services, Teixeira made a meaningful contribution in driving Midvaal’s growth and success through infrastructural development and prioritising the marginalised communities. His leadership and ability to mobilise employees and communities helped to create stability and bring sterling progress and service delivery. Under Teixeira’s Mayorship, Midvaal Local Municipality has been rated the most Financially Sustainable Municipality by Ratings Afrika for two consecutive years. Teixeira has ensured the municipality received its ten clean consecutive audits. Teixeira was instrumental in ensuring the electrification of 400 households in Savanna City and over 200 households in Kuvuki Land. He installed and ensured the timely completion of a R22 million water pipeline in Risiville which saw the area become independent from Emfuleni’s pipeline. He also oversaw the installation of a water reticulation system in Sicelo.
ANTON GROENEWALD
Anton Groenewald – Municipal Manager, Midvaal Local Municipality
Panellist
Anton Groenewald is currently the Municipal Manager of Midvaal. He was appointed on 1 July 2022. Prior to this function, he was Municipal Manager at Swellendam Municipality (2017 to 2022) in which he obtained 5 unqualified audits (so-called clean audits). In the interregnum between leaving the City of Cape Town in 2015, he was director of three companies namely Cloud Leap Ltd, Cape Town Pass Pty Ltd) and Amgro Services Pty Ltd a niche economic consulting firm. From 2012 to 2015 he was Executive Director for Tourism, Events, Economic Development and Marketing for the City of Cape Town. He obtained clean audits for this period. From 2006 to 2012 he was Director, Chief Director and Deputy Director General (acting) in the Department of the Premier for the Western Cape Government. He is an avid cyclist and enjoys playing bad golf around the country.
SESSION 6: IN CONVERSATION WITH WESTERN CAPE PREMIER ALAN WINDE & CITY OF CAPE TOWN EXCUTIVE MAYOR GEORDIN HILL-LEWIS
For a number of years now, the government of the Western Cape and the City of Cape Town have been opening their doors ever- wider to the private property development and construction industry. In a one-on-one dialogue, this session looks to place the challenges (and the triumphs) centre-stage as local leaders answer the most-pressing questions for which our industry seeks answers. This final session will culminate in setting a path for the year ahead, to further cement the unique relationships between the public and private sector that are already evolving in the Western Cape.
AFRICA MELANE
Africa Melane – Host of the Early Breakfast Show, 702 & Cape Talk
Facilitator
Africa Melane is a renowned broadcaster who speaks to audiences across South Africa every morning hosting the Early Breakfast show on 702 and CapeTalk, and discussing the most topical issues of the day. In turn a well-known Master of Ceremonies, he is an accountant by training and regularly facilitates workshops for businesses on planning and budgeting, for the health sector on HIV/Aids, and in diversity training and professional development. He is also Vice Chairperson on the Board of Cape Town Opera, and chairs the panel of judges for the prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.
WESTERN CAPE PREMIER ALAN WINDE
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde
Alan Winde is a former businessman, now politican, and since 2019, Premier of the Western Cape. Before he began his career in politics, he started and successfully operated 10 businesses in his hometown of Knysna. Determined to contribute positively to his town, he then became a councilor, and later, became a member of the provincial parliament. In 2009, following the DA’s victory in the provincial election, he became the Provincial Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, with a firm focus on growth and jobs. It was this same focus that drove his campaign for the premiership, which was centred on improving economic and household prosperity by getting the basics right, such as education and healthcare, and improving safety and public transport for all the residents of our province. He further committed to improving the efficiency of government service delivery through innovation, new technology and culture change. Since becoming Premier, he has implemented several programmes to achieve these goals, including rolling out lifestyle audits for his cabinet and launching a billion rand safety plan through which over 1000 officers have been deployed to high crime areas. He also oversaw the province’s response to Covid-19, building an 862-bed hospital in a record 6 weeks. In Februrary 2022, he announced a major focus on infrastructure to help recover the province’s economy post-covid, which includes a new emphasis on a dedicated mobility department to improve public transport.
CITY OF CAPE TOWN EXECUTIVE MAYOR GEORDIN HILL-LEWIS
City of Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
Geordin Hill-Lewis, 37, attended Edgemead High School, obtained an Honours degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from UCT, and a Masters in Finance specialising in Economic Policy from London University. He is a husband to Carla and father to an eight-year old daughter. Hill-Lewis became politically active during his high school years. During his studies at the University of Cape Town, he founded the Democratic Alliance Students’ Organization (DASO). He worked as Chief of Staff in the office of former Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. In 2011, Hill-Lewis was elected as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, becoming the youngest MP at 24 years old. During his time in the National Assembly, he has served on various portfolios, such as Trade and Industry and Finance, and most recently served as the Shadow Minister of Finance. On 18 November 2021, Hill-Lewis was inaugurated as the youngest Mayor of the City of Cape Town.