With his extensive acumen as a property developer and investor, Jeff Zidel has been appointed President of the South African Council of Shopping Centres.

The highly-regarded co-founder of Resilient, Zidel has been involved in all aspects of the property industry for over 45 years. He is Deputy Chairman of JSE-listed Fortress Income Fund and non-executive director of New European Property Investment PLC. Zidel is also a director of the South African Property Owners Association, three-times past president of the Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce and the winner of the 2010 Absa Jewish Achiever Award for Listed Companies. 

Commenting on his appointment, Amanda Stops, CEO of SACSC, says, “Zidel’s unique insight and experience, both in South African and international markets, combined with his passion for mentorship and his commitment to advancing our sector, will all help to further the SACSC mandate.” SACSC is the official umbrella body of all involved shopping centres, including: owners, developers, managing agents, brokers, professionals, retailers, marketers, service providers, financers and researchers. It was officially launched in 1991 to advance the retail and retail property sectors of South Africa.

SACSC promotes the interests of the sector both in South Africa and internationally, while addressing issues and meeting challenges within the industry. It engages with associated sectors and other stakeholders on behalf of its members and highlights the role of shopping centres as a major resource for all communities in South Africa.

Over his extensive and esteemed career, Zidel has played a hands-on role in an admirable number of landmark shopping centre developments and deals. As President of SACSC, Zidel intends to build on the excellent foundations already in place and find new ways to expand horizons for South Africa’s community of shopping centre owners and retailers.

“South Africa has one of the world’s leading shopping centre industries. There is a powerful opportunity to capitalise on our growing international profile as we become more active in the arena of global retail,” says Zidel. “It’s important to showcase the exceptional calibre of our capabilities and make it clear that we are worth taking seriously – both South Africa and Africa as a continent, and our skilled professionals.”

Leadership will take centre stage at the 20th South African Congress of Shopping Centre’s at the Sandton Convention Centre from 7 to 9 September 2016. The theme of this year’s congress, LEAD, is particularly fitting in light of the significant contribution that the  retail and property sectors make to South Africa’s economy and society.

Hosted by SACSC and sponsored by Property Finance at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, the retail sector's annual flagship event will feature the latest insights on leading trends, technology and customer engagement. It is also a meeting place for industry leaders, current and future, as well as leading retailers and brands.

* For more information about SACSC’s 20th Annual Congress visit www.sacsc.org.za or email sacsccongress@sacsc.org.za