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

09:00 - 09:10
Session 1: Welcome to ENGAGE Online – Shaping the Future Together

Discover the story behind ENGAGE and why it’s become a cornerstone for property management innovation. From its beginnings during COVID with our Masterclass series to today, learn how our shared experiences and commitment drive a brighter future for the industry.

Schalk
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
09:10 - 09:30
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
09:30 - 09:50
Session 3: WeconnectU – The Ultimate Property Management Ecosystem

Explore the most advanced end-to-end ecosystem for managing community schemes and rental portfolios, including inspections and maintenance. Designed to solve your biggest challenges, this session unveils the simple, effective solutions shaped by first-hand industry experience and your invaluable feedback.

Johann
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Danie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Schalk
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
09:50 - 10:00
Session 4: Rental Market Overview – Insights for 2025

Get ready for an insider’s view into the rental market of 2025. This session blends macroeconomic insights with rental-specific trends to give you a clear picture of the opportunities and risks ahead. Discover the evolving needs of tenants, investors, and property practitioners, and learn how to navigate this shifting landscape with confidence. If you’re ready to unlock success and stay ahead of the curve, this session is your roadmap to the future.

Jean
Joubert
WeconnectU
JP
Pretorius
WeconnectU
10:00 - 10:20
Session 5: Rental Asset Management – What’s Next?

Explore upcoming enhancements transforming Rental Asset Management, including streamlined investor reporting, a new document signature model, and a teaser of the game-changing Rent-X TPP Credit Check. Be inspired by bold forecasts and see how these innovations will shape success in 2025.

Jean
Joubert
WeconnectU
10:20 - 10:40
Session 6: Product Vision – RedRabbit, Powered by WeconnectU

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.

JP
Pretorius
WeconnectU
10:40 - 10:50
Session 7: Community Management – A Blueprint for Growth

Explore the journey of community management, uncovering key trends and indicators to leverage in 2025. Discover how community managers are closing the value gap, fostering team collaboration to overcome communication challenges, and building a foundation to elevate their teams. With the right building blocks, the sky is the limit!

Danie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Tobie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
10:50 - 11:10
Session 8: 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
11:10 - 11:20
Session 9: 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
11:20-11:40
Session 10: 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!

11:40-12:00
Session 11: Stakeholder Panel 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!

Johann
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Danie
van der Merwe
WeconnectU
Schalk
van der Merwe
WeconnectU

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 heads up the CMS Customer Success team at WeconnectU. She has more than 14 years’ experience in the property management industry, including running a prominent managing agency in Cape Town with a portfolio of more than 10 000 units. Having been in the seat of a Portfolio Manager, Operations Manager and a shareholder of a managing agency, she has a deep understanding of the challenges the Property Manager faces on a daily basis. Maritza is positive, energetic and passionate, her mission is to support and assist the Property Manager on their journey to continuously expand their value to their stakeholders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the UK. 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 financial strategies that exceed investor expectations, demonstrating expertise in aligning operational excellence with investor goals in rental asset management.
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.
Loveness
Kuveya
General 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.

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 there be a recording available afterward?

No. This is an in-person event, so there will be no recordings made of the event. We will make the content that was shared available as downloadable resources after the event.

Who is invited to ENGAGE 2024?

Exclusively invited CMS clients will attend these regional events. We want to gather 200-300 Business Owners, Managers, Community Managers and Finance teams in each event.

Is it free to attend?

Yes. This is a free event. 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. There will also be spot prizes and giveaways.

Will the ENGAGE Exclusive Events be in-person events?

The ENGAGE Exclusive Events will be in-person 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. Bookings are essential. The ENGAGE events will take place between the month of March and July.

What is the ENGAGE Exclusive Events?

ENGAGE Exclusive Events are WeconnectU’s CMS 2024 in-person events to be hosted in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town. Durban, Gqeberha, and Bloemfontein for CMS clients. We want 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 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.

Will Engage 2023 be only online?

This year’s main ENGAGE conference will be virtual. We are planning additional invite-only events in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban during the course of 2023.

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.

If I miss a session or want to share it with colleagues after — can I get a recording?

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. To qualify for 3 non-verifiable CPD points, attendance on the day is required.

Who’s invited to Engage 2023?

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

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