The SAIV 2026 National Seminar & AGM brought together valuation professionals, property experts, and industry leaders for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing at the Gateway Hotel in Umhlanga. With a strong focus on the future of the property and valuation sector, the event blended technical expertise, market analysis, and real-world exploration.
The seminar officially opened with a warm address by Kobus Nel, President of SAIV, setting the tone for collaboration and forward-looking dialogue. Delegates were welcomed into an environment designed to foster industry updates, networking, and meaningful connections.
Session 1 was presented by Eileen Andrew, MSCI-Real Assets, and Vice President-Client Coverage and Malusi Mthuli, Head: Unlisted Prop Invest PIC unpacking the latest data and trends in listed and unlisted property sectors. The session also celebrated Dianne De Wet, recipient of the Fellowship Award for her contribution to the valuation profession. Session 2 focused on ports, logistics, and intermodal infrastructure, with insights from Mihlali Gqada, Strategist & Logistics Infrastructure Specialist at the Dept of Transport, Dineo Mazibuko, PhD, GM: Commercial Services Transnet National Ports Authority and Warwick Lord, Chief Executive Officer: CRLHC. A panel moderated by Dean Ward, Prop Val Head: Area North City of Cape Town explored the future of transport and infrastructure development in South Africa. In session 3, delegates ventured out for a site visit to the Sibaya Precinct and North Coast developments, led by Stefan Botha, Managing Director of Rainmaker Marketing. This immersive experience connected industry discussions with real-world projects, showcasing regional growth and infrastructure expansion.
Day 2 of the National Seminar and AGM continued the momentum with sessions that explored the economic and market forces shaping property investment. Workshop 1 was facilitated by Thys Beukes, with insights from Eileen Andrew and Malusi Mthuli, this session explored investment drivers such as yields, interest rates, risk, and returns, helping delegates better understand current market forces. During workshop 2, Dean Ward unpacked the complexities of hospital valuations, highlighting unique factors influencing healthcare property markets and sparking discussion on methodology and evolving sector demands. In Workshop 3, Xoliswa Ndlovu,
Environmental Management & GIS professional at eThekwini Municipality presented on interpreting spatial evidence from GIS into value, demonstrating how geographic data supports informed valuation decisions and emphasizing the growing importance of GIS technology in the profession.
Across both days, the seminar reinforced the critical role of valuation professionals in navigating an evolving property landscape. From infrastructure and healthcare to investment strategies and spatial data, the sessions highlighted the diverse challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. With expert speakers, immersive site visits, and engaging discussions, the 2026 National Seminar & AGM proved to be a platform for collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, leaving delegates better equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing sector.
