Events

SACSC students shine at graduation function

Rene Albasini from the SACSC and Professor Chris Cloete from the University of Pretoria
Rene Albasini from the SACSC and Professor Chris Cloete from the University of Pretoria.

It was an evening of glitz, glamour and achievement as the 2016 Certificate of Shopping Centre Management (CSCM) and Advanced Certificate of Shopping Centre Leadership (ACSCL) students gathered to celebrate their success at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria recently.

The courses, are a joint initiative between the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) and the University of Pretoria is led by Professor Chris Cloete. Cloete said he was taken aback by the response these courses have had over the years. “Since inception some 20 years ago, we have seen a steady increase in the number of students who register for these courses. The retail and shopping centre industries have huge impacts on the economy and GDP. These industries need skilled and learned individuals who can help grow this industry even more,” he said.

One of the top performing students registered for the Advanced Certificate in Shopping Centre Leadership Nicholas Rix, claimed the first-place prize for the 2016 year. He said he was first and foremost very thankful to his employer who sponsored the course.

“My most immediate feelings are of gratitude, first, to my employer for sponsoring me, and giving me the opportunity to study in the advancement of my career. Secondly, my family and colleagues for their support during the long year of assignments and study. Third and lastly, to the University of Pretoria and the South African Council of Shopping Centres for offering such a relevant and comprehensive course.  I also feel a sense of accomplishment that all the hard work, and time committed to the course has been worth-while,” he said.

Nicholas, who is the Leasing Manager for Fairvest Property Holdings Limited added that in his current role, he oversees and conducts new leasing, and renewals for Fairvest’s 42 Shopping Centres nationally. He also added the SACSC courses have assisted him tremendously in growing his experience and abilities. “It has helped tremendously. Because of the broad scope of subjects covered in the course, it has allowed me to be more strategic and innovative in my approach to deal-making. In my current working environment, we rely on collaboration in all that we do, so the knowledge gained on this course has allowed me to give more valuable input, well grounded in property theory.  There is no better return on investment than on time and resources invested in one’s self. If you are looking to grow your knowledge, skills, and professional network, the CSCM and ACSCL should be a no-brainer. Besides challenging you academically, the course gives you exposure to spheres of property outside of your daily scope of work, which is a fantastic opportunity” he said.

Chief Executive Officer for the South African Council of Shopping Centres Amanda Stops congratulated all the students who excelled in the 2016 intake of the CSCM and ACSCL courses and encouraged other professionals and individuals who are in the retail and shopping centre space to participate in the 2017 courses. “It is inspiring to see so many people participate in these specialized courses and share their experiences with us. We at the SACSC aim to provide up-to- date and relevant information, research and educational courses for our members. This inevitably grows the industry and shapes tomorrow’s retail and shopping centre leaders,” she said.

The CSCM course is designed to impart the principles and practice of shopping centre management and development to participants. The ACSCL course is a more in-depth look into the shopping centre and retail industry focusing on  many topics such as town planning procedures, market research and financial mathematics to name just a few. For those interested in the CSCM and ACSCL courses, please visit www.sacsc.org.za or call 010 003 0228.