Creating valued and valuable Property Managers

The WeconnectU Annual Industry Event

Friday
17th FEB
9:00 - 12:00
Register Now
Live online Zoom event

Game-changing insights are waiting for you at Engage '23

The industry is challenging, but it’s also exploding with opportunity. Are you ready to do what it takes to turn that potential into reality this year and engage in high gear?

What to expect:

Stand a chance to win amazing spot prizes and giveaways.

Network with industry stakeholders and peers.

Key strategies on how to bring the whole Team together.

New CMS features that will enable the whole team to be more pro-active.

How to make the change from post box to platform of value.

Get industry shaping statistics to benchmark your business.

Eye-opening discussions unpacking the SILVER LINING of the industry.

Ground-breaking talks to help you excel and be the change you want to see.

What you can do to be recognised – and paid – for the full value you deliver.

How you can empower and equip your team to overcome their biggest challenges and make 2023 the best year yet.

Join us on our mission to create more valuable and valued property managers.

3 non-verifiable CPD points are available for all event attendees.

ENGAGE HOST

Schalk van der Merwe

Agenda

08:00-09:00
Registration and Refreshments (Coffee/Tea/Juice)

09:00 - 09:20
Session 1: Welcome & The WeconnectU Journey – Shaping the Future of Property Management

Dive into the origins of ENGAGE and discover why it’s become a driving force in shaping the future of property management. Explore how shared experiences and groundbreaking solutions are transforming the industry—this is where the journey begins!

Schalk
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Danie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
09:00-09:15
Welcome

09:15-09:35
ENGAGE’25: The Past, The Present, and Blueprint for the Future

09:20 - 09:40
Session 2: Macro Market Overview – Trends Shaping 2025

Gain valuable insights into key trends influencing property management in 2025. From change management and technology as an enabler to inflation, interest rates, greylisting, international dynamics, remote work, and cybercrime, this session offers a comprehensive view to help you stay ahead in a shifting landscape.

Johann
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
09:35-09:55
Community Management: Market Overview and Key Industry Metrics

09:40 - 10:10
Session 3: The Future of Rentals: Trends & AI-Driven Innovations

Explore 2025’s key rental market trends, including opportunities, risks, and evolving tenant and investor needs. Discover upcoming innovations in Rental Asset Management, from AI-driven tools and streamlined investor reporting to advancements in digital signature management, making processes faster and more efficient.

Schalk
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Jean
Joubert
WeconnectU
09:55-10:15
Panel Discussion: Highlighting and Unpacking the Key Industry Trends affecting Community Managers

Industry Stakeholders discussing key trends affecting the industry

10:10 - 10:30
Session 4: RedRabbit, The Journey of Value and Innovation

Celebrate the continued evolution of RedRabbit, powered by WeconnectU, as we unveil exciting innovations. Discover “Ticketing on the Go”, designed to create efficiencies with streamlined, mobile workflows, and get an exclusive preview of a major upcoming feature release.

JP
Pretorius
WeconnectU
10:15-10:45
Mid-morning Tea Break

10:30 - 10:50
Session 5: Hack the Human – Mastering Cybersecurity

Dive deep into the world of cybersecurity and learn how to protect yourself from modern threats. This session offers practical tips and strategies to safeguard your digital presence and stay one step ahead in an increasingly connected world. Don’t miss this essential guide to staying secure!

10:50 - 11:20
Session 6: Community Management - A Blueprint for Growth

Celebrate the journey of value and innovation with our new app launch. Discover “Ticketing on the Go”, designed to create efficiencies through streamlined, mobile workflows. Join a Q&A on the “Drive to Zero” initiative, showcasing real-world solutions shaping rental management's future.

Danie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Tobie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Marina
Constas
BBM Law
Glen
Smit
NAMA
10:50-11:20
Bringing the Team together: Culture and Leadership Keynote

Reaching new heights in team performance through culture and leadership

11:20 - 11:40
Session 7: CMS Product Journey – What’s Next for 2025

Reflect on the CMS product journey and discover the exciting features coming in 2025. Explore practical AI use cases set to transform workflows and get insights into the next steps in tackling communication challenges. This session is your guide to the future of CMS innovation!

Maritza
Botha
WeconnectU
Alize
van Vuuren
WeconnectU
11:20-11:40
Building Skyscrapers of Value – Part 1

Operational Levels: Tools and tactics - Strategic team collaboration and client engagement

11:40 - 11:50
Session 8: Launching Your Level-Up Journey

Get ready to embark on your Level-Up community management journey, starting at ENGAGE 2025 In-Person Events. Discover why these exclusive events are pivotal and what to expect as we unveil an all-new roadmap to success in 2025. Your next step in community management starts here!

Maritza
Botha
WeconnectU
Tobie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
11:40-11:55
Building Skyscrapers of Value – Part 2

Activating Elevators of Value: OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and Bank Integration

11:50-12:30
Session 9: Engaging with the Experts - Stakeholder Discussion

Join industry leaders for an engaging panel discussion tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities in property management. Gain diverse perspectives, actionable insights, and collaborative strategies to navigate 2025 with confidence. This is your chance to hear directly from the experts shaping the future!

Thato
Ramaili
PPRA
Marlon
Shevelew
Marlon Shevelew and Associates
Berry
Everitt
Chas Everitt International
Nicole
Marshall
Pam Golding
Chantel
van Heerden
Bellbuoy Group
11:55-12:25
Building Skyscrapers of Value – Part 3

Solving the communication challenge: New CMS Features Launch - AI Assistant and CMS App

12:25-12:40
Community Management LEVEL UP Journey Launch: Empowering the Next Generation of Community Asset Managers

12:40-13:00
WeconnectU Panel Discussion: Summary of the morning session topics

13:00-14:00
Lunch Break / Networking, Stakeholder Engagement, and Interviews

14:00-14:50
ENGAGE Activation Sessions – Part 1 (3 Break Away Sessions for Business Owners, Community Managers and Finance Managers)

14:50-15:10
Mid-afternoon Tea Break

15:10-16:00
ENGAGE Activation Sessions – Part 2 (3 Break Away Sessions for Business Owners, Community Managers and Finance Managers

Panelists

Johann
van der Merwe
Managing Director
WeconnectU
Johann van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Johann is the Managing Director of WeconnectU, a leading property management software solutions company. Johann has a history of working with one of the top ten multinational pharmaceutical firms where he was the Head of Marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2011, he decided to end his corporate career and join his family in the property management industry. In 2017, he started WeconnectU with his brother, Danie.
Danie
van der Merwe
Director, Solutions Management
WeconnectU
Danie van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Danie is the Co-founder of WeconnectU, a leading property management software solutions company. Before the founding of WeconnectU, Danie gained his experience in the property sector while being the MD of PropConnect, a company specialising in the management of Sectional Title and Home Owners Associations. Danie believes success is largely determined by the impact and success one can create for others.
Schalk
van der Merwe
Director, Sales & Marketing
WeconnectU
Schalk van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Before joining WeconnectU, Schalk gained international experience working in property management in the UK. He returned to South Africa in 2006 and started his real estate career as a franchisee. He was responsible for the management of multiple franchises, which included the management of the residential and commercial property portfolios. Schalk has seen how digital transformation can be leveraged to create incredible customer experiences and how this will enable you to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Schalk believes that meeting the needs of the “always-connected” customer is essential and that it is inevitable that businesses must embrace technology to be relevant and profitable going forward.
Tobie
van der Merwe
Business Development Manager
WeconnectU
Tobie van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Tobie is a Business Development Manager at WeconnectU. Before joining WeconnectU, Tobie spent many years specialising in the field of Marketing and Sales in the Professional Services and Software as a Service (SaaS) industry. Besides a deep rooted passion for people, marketing and sales, Tobie believes that Property Professionals can become more valuable as solutions providers through a strategic approach to their business.
Maritza
Botha
Product Manager CMS
WeconnectU
Maritza Botha
WeconnectU
Maritza Botha is the Product Manager at WeconnectU for the community management software solution She has more than 16 years’ experience in the property management industry, including running a prominent managing agency in Cape Town with more than 10 000 units. She is passionate about creating innovative solutions and driving product strategy and believe that tools and technology have crucial role to play in solving the core challenges of the property manager - Compliance, Manageability, Scalability and Profitability.
Jean
Joubert
Product Manager - RAMS
WeconnectU
Jean Joubert
WeconnectU
As a dedicated Product Manager, I thrive on understanding people's needs and crafting solutions to address their challenges. With a genuine passion for connecting with individuals, I leverage my leadership skills to empower my team and drive exceptional results.
Alize
van Vuuren
Product Owner
WeconnectU
Alize van Vuuren
WeconnectU
Alize van Vuuren is the Product Owner at WeconnectU for the community management software solution. She joint the product team 2 years ago and have since made a significant impact in creating innovative solutions to some of the key challenges that the the property manager faces. She drives product improvements by blending her enthusiasm for technology with a strong problem-solving mindset.
Lin-Marie
Carstens
Migration & Training Consultant
WeconnectU
Lin-Marie Carstens
WeconnectU
JP
Pretorius
Product Manager - RedRabbit
RedRabbit
JP Pretorius
WeconnectU
JP Pretorius is the driving force behind RedRabbit, overseeing its development and ensuring it meets the evolving needs of property managers. With a passion for innovation, JP is committed to delivering a solution that streamlines inspections and maintenance, maximising efficiency and value for users.
Nisha
Singh
Customer Success Consultant
WeconnectU
Nisha Singh
WeconnectU
Thato
Ramaili
CEO
PPRA
Thato Ramaili
PPRA
Thato, CEO of PPRA, brings a wealth of experience from nearly 15 years in Corporate America, where she worked across Public Accounting, Financial Services, and Government Contracting. As CEO, she is focused on enabling ease of business in the property sector while ensuring compliance with PPRA regulations. At our ENGAGE event, Thato will share valuable updates on PPRA directives that directly impact rental asset managers.
Marlon
Shevelew
Director
Marlon Shevelew and Associates Inc
Marlon Shevelew
Marlon Shevelew and Associates
Marlon Shevelew, Director of Marlon Shevelew and Associates Inc and JKS Attorneys Inc, is a seasoned legal expert with over 24 years of practice. An Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Marlon specialises in property, commercial, and compliance law. Renowned for his award-winning expertise, he is also a passionate educator, empowering clients through workshops, publications, and guidance, with a commitment to delivering ethical and high-quality legal services.
Christiaan van den Heever
van den Heever
CMS Scrum Master
WeconnectU
Christiaan
WeconnectU
Berry
Everitt
CEO
Chas Everitt International
Berry Everitt
Chas Everitt International
Berry Everitt, CEO of Chas Everitt International, is a visionary strategist who transformed the company into one of South Africa's top real estate brands. Renowned for leveraging innovation and driving investor-focused strategies, Berry’s leadership continues to set Chas Everitt apart with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in rental asset management.
Hanta Strydom
Strydom
Customer Success Consultant
WeconnectU
Hanta
WeconnectU
Glennise Pretorius
Pretorius
Customer Success Consultant
WeconnectU
Glennise
WeconnectU
Nicole
Marshall
Group Financial Director
Pam Golding
Nicole Marshall
Pam Golding
Nicole Marshall oversees the financial operations of Pam Golding Properties, including entities in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Europe. A member of the Executive Committee, she leads budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. With a deep understanding of managing large property portfolios, Nicole ensures operational strategies that exceed client expectations, demonstrating expertise in aligning operational excellence with investor goals in rental asset management.
Odette Wiggins
Wiggins
Data Migration Specialist
WeconnectU
Odette
WeconnectU
Chantel
van Heerden
Executive Director
Bellbuoy Group
Chantel
Bellbuoy Group
Chantel joined the Bellbuoy Group in 2001, becoming a director in 2011 and shareholder in 2013. With over two decades of experience, she’s a pioneer in sectional title management, holding an LLB, High Court admission, and mediation training. Chantel has served as Chairperson of NAMA National (2017–2021) and on the Sectional Title Regulations Board (2017–2019). A Master Practitioner in real estate, her leadership and expertise continue to shape the industry.
John Loos
Loos
Commercial Property Finance
FNB
John
FNB
Loveness
Kuveya
Rentals and Portfolio Manager
Easy Property
Loveness Kuveya
Easy Property
An enthusiastic and results-driven real estate professional with over 11 years of industry experience, specialising in residential property management, sectional title portfolio management, and property facilities management. Holding a degree in Economics, a postgraduate qualification in Property Development and Management from Witwatersrand University, and Paddocks certification in Sectional Title Management, I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Property Development and Management.
Michael Schaefer
Schaefer
Managing Director
ZDFin
Michael
ZDFin
Megan
Ladbrook
Creative Director
Only Realty
Megan Ladbrook
Only Realty
Megan Ladbrook has been in property and part of the group for 10 years, is a partner in the Only Realty Head Office and our corporate-owned branches as well as a shareholder in our sectional title division. Megan is a creative genius workaholic with an incredible passion for our people and brand.
Marina
Constas
Director
BBM Law
Marina Constas
BBM Law
Marina Constas is a trailblazer in the field of Community Schemes. As a practicing attorney and Director at BBM Inc. Attorneys, for the past 17 years Marina has assisted Trustees, Owners and Managing Agents in Bodies Corporate and Homeowners’ Associations to understand their legal rights and obligations. She is a best-selling author, having co-authored the first consumer-friendly South African book on sectional title property issues, “Demystifying Sectional Title. Marina regularly appears on radio and television where she updates audiences and answers questions on Community Lifestyle issues.
Johan Stander
Stander
Director
Urbtec
Johan
Urbtec
Vita Wilkens
Wilkens
Non-Executive Director
NAMA
Vita
NAMA
Serena De Freitas
De Freitas
KZN Committee Chair
NAMA
Serena
NAMA
Shannon Moore-Barnes
Moore-Barnes
Eastern Cape Committee Chair
NAMA
Shannon
NAMA
Glen
Smit
National Chairperson
NAMA
Glen Smit
NAMA
Since 2005, Glen Smit has led in property management, serving communities across KwaZulu-Natal from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward as the owner of Glen Smit Property Administration. As National Chairperson of the National Association of Managing Agents (NAMA) and a 13-year member, Glen is committed to raising industry standards and fostering professionalism. Passionate about building trust and accountability, his work continues to inspire excellence in property management.

Our Previous Events

Testimonials

"The atmosphere was fantastic.”
Engela Wissing
Vision Properties
“ENGAGE'23 made me feel more empowered as a property manager.”
Inger Allen
Intersect
"It was fantastic to be in a room of likeminded individuals.”
Leroy Coleman
Coleman Properties
“ENGAGE'23 Helped me better understand my value!”
Corli Calitz
Calitz Estates

FAQs

If I miss an event, will recordings be made available after ENGAGE?

Unfortunately not. ENGAGE is an in-person event, so there will be no recordings made of the event. We will however make the content that was shared available as downloadable resources after the event.

Who can attend ENGAGE?

Exclusively invited CMS clients can attend the ENGAGE regional events. We encourage attendance by Business Owners, Finance Teams and Portfolio Managers. There are not limits to registrations per company, but there are limited seats per event. Outside delegates can attend ENGAGE by booking a seat at a cost of R850 per person per event.

Is ENGAGE free to attend?

ENGAGE is a free event for WeconnectU clients only. There are limited seats available per event, so bookings are essential. These events will include catering in the form of a lunch and coffee, drink and juice. Registration of non-WeconnectU clients are possible at a cost of R850 per person.

Who can join the ENGAGE'25 event?

Everyone ready to make a positive impact is invited! ENGAGE 2024 is designed to inspire and empower rental property managers, industry leaders, and key players to share knowledge, inspire change, and showcase the power of our Rental Asset Management Solution and RedRabbit Inspections & Maintenance tools.

Will the ENGAGE exclusive event only be in person events?

The ENGAGE Exclusive Events will be in-person only events to be hosted in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, and Bloemfontein. These events will be invite-only events with limited seating available per event. Registration and bookings are essential. The ENGAGE events will take place in the months of February 2025 and March 2025. The ENGAGE in-person events are not accessible online and will not be recorded.

What are the ENGAGE Exclusive In-person events?

ENGAGE exclusive in-person events are WeconnectU’s CMS events to be hosted in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town. Durban, Gqeberha, and Bloemfontein. Tailored exclusively for WeconnectU CMS clients, ENGAGE is an event to engage in-person, discuss industry insights, talk business best practice, share stories and unpack CMS product developments. There will also be break-away Activation Sessions to discuss practical applications for Business Owners, Community Managers, and Finance staff.

What is exactly is ENGAGE?

ENGAGE is WeconnectU's annual online event. Every year, we spotlight work efficiency trends, our product development, and insightful stories from WeconnectU customers and industry experts to help you reimagine the way you work.

Is it free to attend?

Yes. This is a free event. All you need is an internet connection, a cup of coffee, and you’re good to go.

Can I catch up on the event if I miss it live?

Yes. Everyone who registers for the online event, regardless of which sessions they attended, will be able to watch all the sessions on-demand afterward.

Who can attend the ENGAGE Online events?

All WeconnectU clients, Property Managers and industry stakeholders are invited to attend.

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