Why we are stronger together
In honour of Women’s Month in South Africa, we sat down with our Attacq CEO Jackie van Niekerk to discuss women’s pivotal role in the company. With a workforce of 50% female, Attacq stands as a testament to the power of gender balance. Jackie’s insights reveal the challenges women face in the property industry and the opportunities and successes that come from fostering an inclusive environment. In this Q&A, Jackie shares her vision for the future, the importance of diversity and why celebrating both women and the men who support them is crucial in achieving true equality.
What role do women play at Attacq and why is it important to highlight their stories?
Women are integral to our success. We don’t push a gender bias. But we do value everyone’s contribution equally. We believe in “sending better people home” and that our people should enjoy a holistic life, not just work a 12-hour day. Women bring a humane, calm perspective that enhances our workplace environment, balancing the phenomenal strength that men contribute. Highlighting their stories is essential because it showcases the balance and diversity that drives our success.
As CEO, what has inspired you the most about the women at Attacq?
The resilience and ability of women to juggle careers, family and personal challenges inspires me daily. From our cleaner who works tirelessly to provide for her children, to our female dealmakers who hold their own in negotiations with remarkable intuition, the women at Attacq are true powerhouses. Their ability to listen through the noise is extraordinary. Despite adversity, they continue to bring their best to work, which is truly remarkable. People sometimes say, “you’re a CEO, you’re an influential woman,” and I say absolutely not! The women that I work with are the real powerhouses at Attacq. It’s inspiring to experience their continued passion and resilience.
What are the challenges that women in the property industry face? How is Attacq addressing these?
Property and construction have traditionally been male-dominated fields, which presents a challenge for women. At Attacq we address this by creating policies that support a balance between career and family. Our flexible work policy is vital, allowing women (and men) to manage their personal lives while still achieving professional success. I’m an advocate of work-from-office but allowing staff to work from outside the office when it’s easier to manage a sick child or pet, for example, is more flexible. Women shouldn’t have to choose between having a family and a career. We’ve developed an environment for our people to have both.
Naturally we won’t compromise on the quality of work, so we strive to create an environment for people to deliver what is required whilst being adaptable.
How does Attacq approach diversity and inclusion, particularly when it comes to gender?
It starts at board level, where everyone’s voice is valued equally. Although we don’t have women-specific programmes, we are intentional about ensuring diverse representation in our teams. This intentionality comes from understanding that women and men bring different perspectives. Blending these views leads to the best outcomes. The approach from our chairman Pierre Tredoux is that everyone’s view matters. This point of view cascades down in the business. From the very top, we ensure that women’s voices are heard and respected in the boardroom.
Can you share some stories of women at Attacq who have made a significant impact?
With her nurturing approach, our social executive Janine Palm has been a catalyst in building a positive culture at Attacq. Her leadership in initiatives in cultivating our culture has had a profound impact. The growth we’ve seen has been phenomenal. Our deal-making liaison Lunga Sikutshwa brings infectious positivity to her tough role, always with a smile. And then there’s Bavisha Morar, who, despite battling serious health issues, continues to contribute to our team with grace and resilience. These women, among many others, shape the very fabric of Attacq.
What is your vision for the role of women at Attacq in the future?
For every woman at Attacq to achieve her dreams, whether that’s climbing Kilimanjaro, getting her children through school, or becoming the next CEO. We want to be a company that helps women fulfil their goals, whatever they may be.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in the industry?
There’s no such thing as balance and if someone tells you there is, they’re lying. You need to have a dream and be prepared to work hard for it, despite setbacks. Listen, learn and never lose sight of your goals. There’s no quick recipe for success, but with perseverance, you will achieve what you set out to do.