RealNet appoints new Operations Manager

RealNet Holdings has announced the appointment of Yolanda Schubert as the real estate group's new Operations Manager, with effect from 1 September.

"Yolanda is no stranger to RealNet, having been an estate agent and owner of various franchises in the group between 2004 and 2012," notes RealNet MD Gerhard Kotzé. "However, she has also gained vast expertise in a variety of other fields during the course of her career that will make her a particularly valuable addition to our management team."

Yolanda says she began her career in the South African Air Force where she learnt the importance of discipline, determination, perseverance and teamwork while training as an officer and an air traffic controller. She later joined the Namibian Department of Transport as a civilian air traffic controller before undergoing further training in aviation management.

"Then during 1990 when Namibia gained independence, I was fortunate enough to be able to work closely with the United Nations team and gain knowledge of different cultures, religions and backgrounds while organizing Namibia's first South African Development Community (SADC) conference."

In 1994, Yolanda was headhunted to become operations manager for VIP Aircraft Handling Company at OR Tambo airport, where her role included welcoming Heads of State, foreign dignitaries and owners of global corporations as well as celebrities and international sportsmen - including former President Bill Clinton, Microsoft's Bill Gates and actor Pierce Brosnan.

Then in 1998, she moved to Switzerland to take up a position as supervisor of the national air traffic control training centre, based at Zurich's international airport. "This was an extremely professional environment. The Swiss are a very proud nation and strive for perfection. Not only do they produce watches that are technologically advanced and aesthetically appealing, but they also place great importance on being accurate and punctual and providing excellent service."

After six years, Yolanda returned to SA and by chance ran into an old friend who worked as an agent for RealNet and persuaded her that she should also enter the real estate industry. After qualifying as a full-status agent, she bought the RealNet Mooikloof and RealNet Silver Estates franchises, which she ran until 2012, when she decided to sell them.

"To honour my restraint of trade, I left the real estate industry and worked as a public relations officer for two well-known legal firms specialising in conveyancing. This has given me great insight into the property transfer and bond process, the FICA Act and more, but now I am excited to be rejoining the RealNet family. I am really looking forward to working hard at building the brand and increasing our national footprint."

Kotzé notes that in addition to her responsibilities as Operations Manager, Yolanda will also act in an advisory and support role to franchisees in the group's Inland Region. She can be contacted on 072 797 2019 or yolanda@realnet.co.za