VELDA DERROCKS – #TUHFWOMEN
We at TUHF are celebrating Women’s Month this August. We have taken this opportunity interview some of TUHF’s most influential woman, and gain some insight into their lives on both a professional and personal level by delving into their property insights and preferences.
1. What impact do you think women’s right to vote had on our country?
It gave women a voice – it is our right to be able to contribute and be part of decisions that impact our lives and that of our communities. We must be willing to use the voice that other women before us fought so hard for and give our all to strive for true equality and not be apologetic about it.
2. Describe yourself in 3 words?
Engaging, energetic, passionate
3. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with family, travel and reading
4. How do you conquer fears?
I tend to break down the situation into its component parts and rationalise it by looking at how others dealt with similar situations and usually end up saying to myself that if others can do it, I can do it as well.
5. In this day and age what is the biggest challenge facing woman in South Africa?
The single biggest challenge is Gender Based Violence (GBV) where the ones that women should be trusting most, end up being the ones hurting them.
6. What has been the biggest risk you have ever taken?
In 2003 when I was working at Absa in the Business Banking Division, I got the opportunity to join the Commercial Property Finance team as a Consultant. I had no experience in Commercial Property whatsoever and always viewed the industry as one that was male-dominated. Needless to say, it was a massive risk as I was doing well in general business banking at the time. I took the risk and made the most of it. I was supported by a brilliant male mentor who invested time, effort and patience to teach me a lot of the technical aspects in the field and also introduced me into the various networks. I’ve never looked back since. My take-out from this has always been to surround yourself with like-minded individuals, don’t be scared to ask questions and never stop building a strong support network.
7. Any advice for women who want to start a Career in this industry?
Go for it! Make sure you connect with other like-minded people in the industry and work hard to establish your network. The worst that can possibly happen is someone saying no. Even then, Be persistent!
8. What is your take on property investments?
Property is a wealth creation vehicle and should not be used to make short term gains. It can be likened to a seed that eventually grows into a solid tree. It takes time, effort and patience. Most importantly, you must have an investment strategy and know why you are investing into property. Ultimately, your strategy will guide your behaviour and appetite for risk.
9. What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
I’ve always been known for my work ethic. I derive satisfaction from good performance and achievements. My most notable achievement was working as a property finance consultant for 3 of the major banks (Absa, Standard Bank and Investec) and being part of the deal teams that structured some of the most interesting deals in the Commercial Property Finance industry. I gave my all into learning and developing myself in order to do my job well. I read, did research and continuously developed myself by attaining various qualifications, including an Honours Degree in Finance and 2 Masters Degrees. All this enabled me to do my work remarkably well, as well as preparing me for my long-term career in South Africa’s property industry.
10. What message of inspiration do you have for the woman of South Africa?
Do not ever sit back and wait to be served at a table. Make sure that you are visible enough (in deeds and/or words) to be acknowledged and respected. And if you do not get acknowledgement and respected, do not hesitate to move along and create your own table. As women, we stand tall on the shoulders of those women who fought hard for our rights and do not be afraid to lean in and lend a hand to another woman. We cannot expect others to empower us, we need to empower ourselves.