Jackie van Niekerk, a leading figure in the local listed property sector, has officially taken on the position of chair of the South African Real Estate Investment Trust Association (SA Reit), as announced by the organization on Tuesday.
She is currently the CEO of JSE-listed Reit Attacq Limited and succeeds Estienne de Klerk, the Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties.
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SA Reit stated that this leadership shift follows the organization’s recent AGM conducted in Johannesburg on July 20, 2026.
Van Niekerk brings over ten years of experience to her new role, having previously served as CEO of Pivotal Property Fund when it debuted on the JSE in 2014 (the fund was later taken over by Redefine Properties in 2016). She also has held the position of former president of the South African Property Owners Association and led the marketing and conference committee at SA Reit.
De Klerk stepped aside as chair after effectively guiding the association through the obstacles brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery of balance sheets and investor trust in the listed property sector.
“It has been a privilege to chair the association during a period that severely tested the industry and ultimately rewarded its resilience,” remarks De Klerk.
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“Jackie offers significant industry expertise, the credibility drawn from her leadership at Attacq, and a strong results-oriented approach,” he adds.
“This transition was thoughtfully planned and executed. She assumes the chair with a robust foundation and genuine momentum in the sector. I have full faith in the association’s future under her guidance,” asserts De Klerk.
“I consider it a privilege to take on the chair during such a pivotal moment for the sector,” states Van Niekerk.
“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Estienne for his leadership and the strong groundwork he has laid. I am pleased that his experience and relationships will continue to benefit the executive committee, as maintaining institutional knowledge is as crucial as innovation,” she adds.
“Our primary objective is to promote South African Reits as an attractive asset class for both local and international investors,” remarks Van Niekerk.
This leadership transition comes as South African Reits are reportedly in their most robust position in years, according to the association.
“The sector recorded a total return of 38.6% in 2025, following a return of 35.8% in 2024. Market capitalization has increased significantly, with member companies raising over R11.4 billion in new capital through oversubscribed book-builds in 2025.
“Having shifted from a phase of balance sheet recovery to one defined by growth, renewed business activity, and heightened investor confidence, the sector is moving into its next chapter with an association strategically restructured to align,” highlights SA Reit.
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The association noted that under De Klerk’s guidance, SA Reit has improved the sector’s disclosure standards. The third edition of the SA Reit Best Practice Recommendations was released in May 2026, along with enhanced advocacy towards government, regulators, and investors.
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SA Reit highlighted an international milestone in September 2025 with the formation of the Global Reit Alliance during the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) Conference in Stockholm.
This occasion brought together Reit associations from 24 countries and regions, managing approximately 98% of the global $2 trillion Reit market capitalization.
“I am passing on an organization that is stronger, more globally connected, and better equipped to serve its members,” remarks De Klerk.
“Standing in Stockholm as South Africa joined the Global REIT Alliance was a testament to what the figures already signify. Our sector has rightfully earned its place among the leading REIT markets worldwide.”
