The Women of Eris: Architects of Impact

For nearly two decades, Eris Property Group has cultivated a culture where performance and precision thrive. In this space, women are not just participants—they are architects shaping the future of the property industry. What began as a bold vision has become a blueprint for innovation, transformation, and delivery.

As we honour Women’s Month, we celebrate not only the roles women fill, but the profound impact they make. Their leadership isn’t remarkable for its rarity—but for its depth. It challenges norms, drives performance, and propels the industry forward. This Women’s Month, we spotlight the women of Eris who are not only contributing to this journey—they are leading it. Their passion for working in property is tangible. It’s not just about buildings or balance sheets. It’s about shaping futures, mentoring the next generation, and redefining leadership in real estate.

We spoke to a few women across our organisation about their motivations and daily achievements. Let’s meet these extraordinary leaders.

Leading the property management charge in a high-demand, mixed-use student accommodation development in Cape Town, Units on Cape Station is Mandy Gabriels, Property Manager. Situated within a historic transport node, this flagship development is more than a residence—it’s a living, breathing urban ecosystem. Mandy’s role demands precision, agility, and vision as she balances operational excellence with the needs of hundreds of young adults.

She’s proud of her journey—from being part of the dedicated team behind Units on Cape Station to stepping into the role of Property Manager. The development’s recognition as Best Student Accommodation in its first year of operation stands as a testament to the collective effort she contributed to. Her inspiration? Driving positive change and shaping future communities through innovative student accommodation. Her advice to future leaders is simple but profound: “Honesty. Reliability. Communication—being able to listen and not just hear. Hard work. Dedication. Standing out in silence.”

Naseema Venter, Legal Manager, is the strategic anchor behind Eris’s legal compliance across a vast and complex property portfolio. From lease negotiations to supporting property management operations, her work ensures that every transaction is protected, every stakeholder safeguarded, and every risk mitigated.

“Every day, I aim to make Eris better through integrity, diligence, and a proactive mindset,” she says.It’s no small feat maintaining legal precision across billions in assets—but Naseema does it with clarity and conviction. Her vision is to leave behind a culture where legal strategy is seen not just as risk management, but as a driver of innovation. Her advice to emerging professionals?
“Don’t wait for permission to lead. Own your space, and elevate others as you rise.”

At the helm of Park Square—a dynamic mixed-use precinct in the heart of uMhlanga Ridge—is Lauren Randall, Centre Manager. With a keen eye for placemaking and a deep understanding of tenant dynamics, Lauren leads with purpose in one of Durban’s most competitive commercial environments. “In property, it’s about shaping spaces that shape lives,” she explains.

Inspired by Dr. Myles Munroe’s words on women’s transformative power, Lauren’s work is grounded in community-first development. Her legacy is one of inclusion, adaptability, and purpose. Her advice: “Stay curious. Property is evolving—and so should you.”

Taking centre stage in our Student Life programme is Shadi Ramantshane, Student Life Manager—a dynamic leader driving mentorship, engagement, and holistic development across Eris’s expanding student accommodation portfolio and regional footprint. Shadi doesn’t just manage student life; she architects it. Her influence spans multiple provinces and properties, ensuring that every student experience is rooted in community, connection, and care. “Mentorship is crucial in building future leaders who can carry forward the legacy of excellence,” she says.

From designing programmes that foster belonging to cultivating environments where young adults thrive, Shadi’s leadership is shaping a generation—and setting a new standard for what student living can be.

Behind the scenes of Eris’s high-performing property services systems is Lungile Ngubeni, Operations Support. Her work may not always be front facing, but its impact is foundational, driving precision, partnership, and performance across the organisation.
“Nothing beats a good cup of coffee, but working with amazing professionals tops it all,” Lungile shares. Inspired by the teams she collaborates with, she brings consistency, innovation, and reliability to every process she touches.

One of her proudest achievements? Facilitating internal reporting for Property Services, aligning compliance and enhancing building risk mitigation. “The property sector is evolving rapidly, and I’m proud to be part of a space that sparks my innovative nature,” she says. Her advice to future leaders is clear: “Integrity builds trust. Stay honest in your approach and grounded in your values, no matter the pressure.”

These women are not just shaping Eris, they are shaping the industry. They represent a glimpse into the countless women who build and contribute to what Eris delivers every day. Exceptional women. Delivering exceptional results. They manage billions in assets, influence strategic decisions, and lead initiatives that drive performance and impact. Their leadership is not symbolic. It is structural.

Barend de Loor, CEO, affirms:
“We are privileged to work alongside women whose leadership and insight help shape the future of our business. Their contributions are a standard of excellence that inspires us all.”

As a performance-driven organisation rooted in innovation, Eris continues to break new ground, both literally and strategically. From high-impact urban precincts to sustainable developments and market expansion, the company is curating spaces that are intentional, people-first, and built for long-term value.

With thousands of beds under management, billions in assets, and a growing footprint across the continent, this is momentum with meaning—evolution driven by precision, purpose, and impact.

And at the heart of this evolution?
Women who show up. Every day. With clarity, conviction, and care.
They make it happen, not just for the business, but for the communities we serve and the industry we’re shaping.

Their stories are proof that property is more than a profession, it’s a platform for transformation.

To the next generation: property remains one of the most dynamic and rewarding career paths.
It’s where strategy meets creativity, where data meets design, and where leadership is built from the ground up.

Whether your passion lies in law, finance, development, sustainability, or community engagement—this industry offers a career with depth, diversity, and lasting impact.

The future of property is not just being built. It’s being led. And it’s waiting for you.

They aren’t the exception.
They’re the blueprint.

The Women of Eris. Architects of Impact.