MAIN IMAGE: Rieindree Moodley – sales partner at Rawson Properties, Paulshof, Tamantha Frankland – Lew Geffen Sotheby’s Realty International, Tokai, and Zanele Kunene – candidate property practitioner at REMAX All Stars, Germiston
Senior writer
This Women’s Month, we spotlight three female candidate property professionals who made the move into real estate after 40. They epitomise what it takes to emerge as strong real estate agents of the future, demonstrating commitment and determination to make their new careers the best change in their lives.
Rieindree Moodley – sales partner at Rawson Properties, Paulshof
In 2024, Rieindree Moodley found herself at a significant turning point in her life. She had left a demanding job and relocated back to Johannesburg from Pietermaritzburg, KZN.
“At that time, I needed to sell my late parents’ home and engaged the services of a real estate agent. It fascinated me that she had the freedom to choose her hours and her clients, and even better, she had control over her earning potential. I realised I already had all the necessary tools to venture into real estate–”a cell phone, laptop, and car–”and along with my strong passion for communication, I felt eager to explore the property industry as a career.”
This is quite a significant decision for a woman in her early 50s, but Rieindree felt ready for new horizons despite some reservations. “I rationalised that if I could find a property company that prioritised agent training and upskilling, I would be in the best position to succeed.”
She found this at the Rawson Property Group. After spending five months at Rawson Northriding and having successfully placed tenants in nine rental properties, Rieindree moved over to Rawson Paulshof, which is closer to her home.
“As a candidate property professional, the consistent support I received from Rawson was the reason I persevered and succeeded. The Rawson Paulshof team continually helps me navigate the emotional challenges that come with working with clients and facing disappointments. This support truly helps balance out the incredible highs of selling a property to a happy client or securing a new mandate. I feel that the right team and a good culture within the office are a must to reach success sooner.”
Another realisation is the value of a mentor. “The property industry is complex, and every exchange, whether verbal or written, carries significant legal and risk implications. I feel particularly fortunate, therefore, to have a mentor who is always available and incredibly easy to work with. My mentor, Carol Davidson from Rawson Paulshof, oversees my documentation and accompanies me on valuations for both rental and sales inspections,” says Rieindree. “She has been instrumental in guiding me on how to effectively close the loop between valuation and a signed mandate and consistently keeps me updated on the latest changes in property law.”
Since joining Rawson Paulshof, Rieindree has concluded one rental placement mandate and placed a tenant via one managed rental mandate. She has also signed five sole mandates and closed two sales, both within 23 days.
Tammy Frankland and her family recently relocated to Cape Town from KZN, “seeking a better quality of life,” she says. “For me, this required a complete change in career from a static, corporate 8-5 workday to something with more ownership, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to grow my income on my own terms. Joining Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty has provided me with the right platform to explore all of my goals and much more.”
Although only in her first month of training and development, Tammy is “blown away” by the amount of data and tools available to support candidate property professionals in their journey in the property business.
“You cannot fail. I love how we are being taught to reframe our thinking about selling and change up our language and skills to respond to various interactions with clients. The model we are following is revolutionary. Traditional selling does not work in this highly competitive market; it’s about connection, niche focus, and standing out in meaningful ways. And, having a strong mentor is absolutely vital in this industry.”
Tammy feels very fortunate to be working with Brent Townes. “His leadership in the sectional title space was a big part of why I chose this path. Brent’s team is dynamic, collaborative, and supportive. He provides weekly training, regular huddles, deep market insights, and constant encouragement, which has made a huge difference. You don’t have time to wander in real estate; your window to succeed is short. Having someone to keep you focused and growing is invaluable. A great agency does not just build a brand but grows its people. I feel incredibly blessed to have landed exactly where I need to be.”
Zanele Kunene, who is passionate about working with people, has chosen to pursue a career in real estate because of the opportunity to dually experience personal growth and help people make life-changing decisions through their property choices. “Whether it’s their buying of a dream home, selling, or investing in property, I find the dynamic nature of this industry fulfilling and exciting,” she says.
Currently completing her NQF 4 qualification in Real Estate, Zanele’s interest has been stimulated by sections on the legal framework of property transactions and the Code of Conduct. “Understanding the rights, responsibilities, and ethical expectations in this industry gives me confidence when engaging with clients and helps me operate professionally.”
Zanele’s confidence has also been boosted by her mentor, Marcellus Gordon, who has been instrumental in guiding her through real-world scenarios and teaching her how to navigate complex deals. “Having a mentor is incredibly important, especially in real estate, where practical experience is as valuable as academic knowledge. It has also been made clear through Marcellus that property practitioners must maintain professionalism at all times.
“What I enjoy most about working alongside Marcellus is his sharing of successes and challenges. He leads by example and encourages me to grow with integrity and confidence.”
In Zanele’s mind, confidence and trust go hand-in-hand. “One of the biggest challenges is earning clients’ trust while building a name in the industry. The market is highly competitive and constantly shifting, which requires candidates to adapt quickly and stay informed. Accessing leads and converting them into deals takes persistence, patience, and ongoing learning. It’s not always easy, but the experience is invaluable.”
Zanele is also a realist. She has come to realise that being a candidate property professional requires resilience, especially as one builds a network. “I believe that success in this field doesn’t come overnight, but with dedication, mentorship, and the right mindset, growth is inevitable. I’m proud to be part of REMAX All Stars and excited for what the future holds in this industry.”
