“Awards that brings community to life”
Almost 200 entries received from property investors across South Africa as the finalists are revealed ahead of the prestigious Investor of the Year 2026 Black Tie Gala Awards Evening.
South Africa’s property investment community is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events on the property calendar, with the Investor of the Year 2026 (IOTY) finalists officially announced following an impressive response of almost 200 entries from property investors across the country.
Now in its fifth season, Investor of the Year continues to shine a spotlight on the individuals, investors and dealmakers making their mark across South Africa’s property landscape.
The 2026 finalists represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, from emerging investors and young property entrepreneurs to established players, women in property, township investors, innovative dealmakers and short-term accommodation specialists.
With the winners set to be revealed at the Investor of the Year 2026 Black Tie Gala Awards Evening on Saturday, 19 September 2026, anticipation is building around who will take home the coveted category titles and ultimately be crowned Investor of the Year 2026.
Meet the Investor of the Year 2026 Finalists
The Beginner Category recognises investors at the start of their property journey. This year’s finalists are Amanda Stone, Sphelele Zuma and Pieter Wessels.
The Intermediate Category features Michael Brink, Miranda Melk, Rob Patson and Mojalefa Rampono, highlighting investors who are progressing their property journeys and building stronger portfolios.
Competing in the Big League Category are Jacques Coetzee and Frank Ngwenya, while the Rookie Category finalists are Dimakatso Makgato and Ntando Phewa.
The Rising Star Category celebrates investors showing exceptional potential and momentum, with Seanice Lojede, Sphelele Zuma and Amanda Stone named as finalists.
The Women in Property Category sees Seanice Lojede and Meikie Segone competing for recognition in a category celebrating the contribution and achievements of women within the property investment sector.
In the Township Investment Category, the finalists are Dimakatso Makgato and Fikiswa Fesi, highlighting the growing importance of investment opportunities and entrepreneurial activity within township economies.
The Innovative Deal Maker Category features Nthabiseng Masithela and Jordan & Daniella Taylor, while Nyasha Mhishi and Jerome McClement are finalists in the Reno Under Pressure Category, recognising investors navigating the challenges and opportunities of property renovations.
The Short Term Accommodation Category includes Seanice Lojede, Kiaran Reddy, Craig Pitt and Pieter Wessels.
The Youth in Property Category features Ntando Phewa and Kiaran Reddy, placing the spotlight on the next generation of South African property investors.
Rounding off the categories is the SAPIN Member of the Year Category, with Jerome McClement and Anastasia Davydova named as finalists.
A Distinguished Judging Panel
The final stage of Investor of the Year 2026 will be guided by a distinguished judging panel bringing together expertise from across South Africa’s property and finance sectors.
The judging panel includes Nondumiso Ncapai, Managing Executive at Absa Home Loans; Neale Petersen of Real Estate Investor Magazine; and Mabuye Mokoena of Mokoena Africa Group.
Together, the panel brings extensive industry knowledge and experience to the judging process as IOTY prepares to crown its Season 5 winners.
Their involvement reinforces the importance of recognising not only financial success, but also the strategy, resilience, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking behind each finalist’s property investment journey.
Strong Industry Support for IOTY 2026
Investor of the Year 2026 is proudly supported by an impressive group of industry partners and sponsors who continue to contribute towards the growth of South Africa’s property investment ecosystem.
Absa Home Loans returns as the Headline Partner, while Tile Africa, Mokoena Group and Tuhf Capital serve as Premier Partners.
Real Estate Investor Magazine is the official Media Partner.
The 2026 sponsors include BSA Law, SA Hosts, Zwashu, uMaStandi, Gauteng Property Inspections, GVSC, AfricanTree Developments, Lightstone, Framework Integrated Solutions, Xpello, Business Partners and Benneton Insurance Brokers.
Their support helps create a platform where property investors can be recognised, connected and celebrated while giving greater visibility to the people and businesses shaping the sector.
The Big Night: 19 September 2026
All roads lead to The Maslow, Sandton, on Saturday, 19 September 2026, for the Investor of the Year 2026 Black Tie Gala Awards Evening.
Starting at 18:00 until late, the evening will bring together property investors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, partners, sponsors and members of South Africa’s wider property investment community.
Guests can expect an evening dedicated to celebrating successful property deals, but equally important, the stories behind those achievements — including the hard work, challenges, risks, persistence and determination that come with building a successful property investment journey.
The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the category winners, followed by the crowning of the Investor of the Year 2026.
With almost 200 entries received, the competition has demonstrated the depth of talent and ambition within South Africa’s property investment sector.
Celebrating the People Behind the Property
Investor of the Year is about more than recognising successful property transactions. It provides a platform to celebrate the people behind the deals and the different pathways into property investment.
Whether starting with a first property, building a substantial portfolio, investing in townships, developing innovative deal structures, creating short-term accommodation businesses or entering the industry at a young age, each finalist represents a unique story of ambition and perseverance.
As the property market continues to evolve, platforms such as IOTY play an important role in highlighting the investors who are finding opportunities, adapting to changing market conditions and contributing to the growth of the broader property economy.
The Season 5 finalists now have just one more step before the winners are announced.
Congratulations to every Investor of the Year 2026 finalist. The industry will be watching on 19 September as South Africa’s property investment community gathers to celebrate its champions.
Investor of the Year 2026 Gala Details
📅 Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026
📍 Venue: The Maslow, Sandton
⏰ Time: 18:00 till late
🎩 Dress Code: Black Tie
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