As we celebrate Women's Month, we embark on a journey to explore and honour the dynamic and diverse roles that women are playing in shaping the landscape of real estate.
Belinda Feldmann Sales Partner at Rawson Properties Brackenfell / Kraaifontein and Helga Clemo, licensee for Seeff Century City, and Linah Marijeni, director of Tyson Properties Richards Bay (since 2017) share their journey into the real estate sector, what inspired them to pursue a career in the field, and what it takes to achieve success
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I’m in my mid-40s. Real estate has always intrigued me because of the unique combination of people, property, and purpose. My career started in the corporate world, where I worked as a Sales & Marketing Manager and later as an Operations Manager. Those roles taught me how to lead teams, build strong client relationships, and deliver strategic results under pressure.
I’ve always loved working with people, and building lasting relationships has been a core value throughout my career. About five years before making the move into real estate, I already felt a strong pull toward the industry — but I couldn’t yet find the courage to step away from everything I had built. I had worked hard to establish myself in the corporate world, and I knew that if I made the shift, I would have to start over and build my name from scratch.
Eventually, that inner calling became impossible to ignore. I wanted a career that was more personal, more purposeful, and more aligned with who I truly am. Real estate gave me that — a platform to combine my experience, passion, and commitment to people in a meaningful way. I made the leap into real estate 18 months ago, and it has been the most challenging, yet deeply rewarding, chapter of my professional journey.
What stands out most for me is how the theory connects with the realities of the day-to-day work — from compliance and contracts to client care and negotiation. I’ve made it a priority to apply what I’m learning immediately in my real estate practice, and I believe that continuous education will be one of the key drivers of my long-term success. I’m passionate about building my knowledge so that I can guide my clients with clarity, confidence, and integrity at every step of their journey.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Surround yourself with the right people. Having a mentor who genuinely invests in your growth can make all the difference. When I started in real estate, I was fortunate to learn from André van Niekerk, whose calm leadership and over two decades of experience helped shape my confidence and skills. He guided without overshadowing, and that kind of support is invaluable.
Also, never underestimate the power of a collaborative team. Being part of a motivated, supportive group that works toward shared goals not only drives performance but also keeps you inspired. Seek out environments that foster teamwork and mentorship — they’ll accelerate your growth and keep you passionate about your career.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
I pride myself on my strong negotiation skills, meticulous attention to detail, and open communication with clients. Helping families find the perfect home and guiding them through this important journey is what motivates me every day.
I think Women often bring a deep sense of empathy, personal connection, and community-mindedness to the property industry. In my experience, clients appreciate the care and dedication I bring to their journey — many have told me they feel truly blessed to work with someone who sees them as more than just a transaction.
We have the ability to build meaningful, trust-based relationships, and that emotional intelligence is a powerful asset in real estate. I also believe women are often deeply committed to making a positive difference, not just in clients’ lives but in the broader community. I’m passionate about supporting local initiatives that uplift housing and neighbourhood wellbeing, and I view every opportunity as a chance to contribute positively.
Ultimately, the goal is to build a real estate brand founded on integrity, personalised service, and long-term relationships — values I believe women are especially strong at upholding.
How did you get started in the property industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
My real estate journey started in January 2010 with another agency after receiving an unsolicited phone call from the Principal Agent asking if I would consider joining his sales team. My immediate response was “I need to discuss with my husband, and I will get back to you”. Coming from the Motor Car Industry, the pursuit of a career in Real Estate seemed like a career shift and hence daunting at the time. Nevertheless, fate was stubborn and with the support of my family, my foray into industry was very successful from day one.
The opportunity to change people’s lives, assisting families to secure homes, putting a smile on clients’ faces, the potential to network on a large scale and the capacity to continuously learn and develop was a major driving force to pursue this career.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Real Estate is worth every penny and it’s extremely rewarding. Focus, hard work, persistence, resilience and passion are key ingredients for one to be successful. The industry is tough and very competitive; therefore, your choice of a mentor and Real Estate brand is a game changer. Working for commission is great as you can determine the size of your pay-check with your efforts, work ethic, performance and service levels.
In your experience what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
Women are generally interactive and family oriented, hence these skill sets are crucial and make it easier to connect with all kinds of people in the community. These attributes combined with excellent listening skills, strong emotional intelligence and customer service set women apart. Maintaining high levels of integrity and confidentiality are critical for success as we deal with personal and private information, of which sometimes it’s of a very sensitive nature, for example divorce, liquidation, deceased estates etc. Women tend to handle such matters better and seamlessly.
Helga is one of the real estate business owners within the Seeff Property Group. She has worked her way up from initially being a real estate agent to being a business owner and continues to achieve excellence and success in her business.
How did you get started in the property industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I started my career in real estate back in 2006 as an agent in Century City. I was drawn to the industry because it offered the perfect balance of people and property, two things I’ve always been passionate about. I have always loved building relationships, understanding clients’ needs, and guiding them through one of the most important decisions of their lives. Century City quickly became my professional home, and over time I developed a deep knowledge of the area and a real connection with the community. That passion, combined with a drive to grow and lead, eventually led me to acquire the Seeff license in 2015, allowing me to not only sell property but also mentor other agents and shape the future of our office.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build a successful career in the property sector?
Firstly, believe in your own capabilities, and secondly, confidence is key in this industry. Real estate can be challenging, but if you stay committed, keep learning, and build strong relationships, you can achieve incredible success. Be prepared to work hard, remain adaptable, and focus on providing exceptional service. Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for leadership opportunities or to start your own business if the opportunity arises. Surround yourself with a strong network of mentors and peers, and remember that persistence often pays off more than immediate results.
In your experience, what unique skills or perspectives do women bring to the property industry?
I believe women often bring a strong sense of empathy, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence, all of which are invaluable when working with clients who are making big financial and life decisions. We’re often able to balance professionalism with a personal touch, which helps build trust and lasting relationships. Women also tend to be natural multitaskers, which is a huge advantage in an industry where you’re constantly juggling negotiations, marketing, client communication, and team management. In my experience, these qualities can make a real difference in both client satisfaction and business success.
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