In a world where "sold" signs often steal the spotlight, it's easy to forget the human stories behind the success. But this Women’s Month, we shift the lens from luxury listings and closing deals to the women behind the property portfolios.
These are the women of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate — women who are rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a property professional. They are not just agents; they are mentors, mothers, community champions, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers. And this August, we celebrate not just what they do, but who they are.
Courage in Transition: Reinventing Careers, Reclaiming Power
Many of these women didn’t set out to be in real estate. They arrived here through unexpected pivots — from corporate boardrooms, classrooms, cruise ships, vineyards, and even textile studios.
Take Anneke van Rooyen, a former prosecutor turned mother of three who re-entered the workforce to find a career that offered both flexibility and fulfilment. Today, she co-owns and runs a Greeff office with her husband, mentoring others in the rental market with quiet confidence.
Or Bhavinee Siepman, a former luxury hospitality recruiter, who transitioned into real estate during the pandemic and has since become the top-performing agent at Arabella Estate. With a sharp mind for strategy and a heart for service, she has transformed not just her career, but an entire community’s perception of its property value.
Debbie Braunlich, over 60 and starting anew after a divorce, entered real estate without prior experience. In under two years, she’s earned accolades and respect, proving that reinvention doesn’t come with an age limit.
And Reanli de Jager, whose background in building and wine exports gave her the resilience to thrive in the high-pressure world of rentals. “Rentals are like marriages,” she says. “They’re built on trust.”
Built on Grit, Guts and Grace
There’s nothing soft about the real estate industry. Yet, these women bring a different kind of strength, one rooted in perseverance and people-first principles.
Gail Stopforth says it best: “Each day is a new challenge. Put your blinkers on and focus on your own energy.” For her, success is about consistency, community sponsorships, and personal relationships nurtured over 21 years.
Lorrainne Henning, after three decades in banking, didn’t just sell homes; she helped elevate the standard of real estate in Kleinmond, securing the area’s two most valuable property sales — all while hosting fundraising potjiekos competitions for local senior centres.
Then there’s Christine Klinck, a former physiotherapist who joined real estate when her career hit a wall. She jokes that she’s grown an "extra layer of dermis," but behind the humour is a story of quiet resilience and learning to thrive amidst challenge and change.
A Sisterhood of Mentors and Movers
If there's one thread that runs through every story, it's the role of mentorship and collaboration. These women don’t compete they uplift.
Cornelia Vallun speaks of learning to lead with empathy over ego, shifting her mindset from "closing deals" to "creating relationships that last." Charmaine Hunter credits her growth to a partnership with her life and business partner, Richard, and the deep coaching culture at Greeff
Melinda Greeff captures the spirit of the team when she says, “Give passionately your time, your service, your skills.” Whether hosting self-defence workshops in Napier or offering market guidance in Bredasdorp, her heart remains rooted in contribution.
What Drives Them? The Answer is Never Just Property
Yes, these women love property. But they stay in real estate because they love people more.
Liza Botha, who left a career in fashion to pursue her true passion — architecture and homes — now draws strength from the network of clients and friends she’s built across provinces.
Ilham Cariem joined sales after working in marketing for real estate. Her insight? “You create your own pace.” Her partner, Shahieda Bardien, has sold the same home three times in her career each sale a testament to trust built over time.
Jenny Barbour, a single mom, found in real estate the flexibility to raise a family, while still building a legacy of professionalism and integrity. “Smile and wave,” she says, tongue-in-cheek but it’s the small kindnesses, she insists, that close deals.
What They Want the World to Know
This industry is not for the faint of heart. It requires grit, emotional intelligence, and stamina. But for those who persevere, it is deeply fulfilling.
“Real estate isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle,” says Paige Greeff, a former surgical sales rep who now thrives on the rush of the deal. “No one will make it happen for you. You need to make it happen.”
Leonie Roux, who joined the industry after years as a luxury automotive exec and full-time mum, adds: “You don’t have to be perfect to begin — you just have to begin.”
And Anita van Schaik, a former teacher, sums it up: “Going through good and bad times — life happens. Never give up.”
This Women’s Month, Let’s Celebrate More Than Sales
Let’s celebrate the late-night negotiations, the school pickups between showhouses, the handovers that turn into hugs, the agents who become neighbours, and the colleagues who become lifelong friends.
These women are more than professionals. They are proof that in real estate, as in life, it's the people behind the properties who matter most.
So here’s to the women who are building more than homes.
They're building legacies.
They're building each other up.
And they’re doing it all with fierce grace.
