August 8, 2024

Continuing Rabie’s Legacy: New Executive Team at the Helm

Inspired living begins with visionary development. This is evident in Rabie’s 46-year legacy of innovation, creating homes and spaces where people can thrive. Established in 1978, Rabie is one of South Africa’s leading property developers, creating new urban landmarks and delivering ground-breaking public private partnerships.

Rabie has successfully delivered a diverse portfolio of iconic projects including award-winning residential, commercial, retail and mixed-use developments. From luxury apartments and modern office complexes to bustling shopping precincts and master-planned, multi-generational neighbourhoods, Rabie is driven to create vibrant and thriving communities. Ground-breaking developments, such as Century City, Burgundy Estate, Clara Anna Fontein, Hermanus Golf Course, Big Bay, Atlantic Beach and Royal Ascot, are just some of the developments that have shaped Cape Town.

In 2018, Rabie launched Oasis Life, an innovative retirement offering, the first of which was located within the lifestyle estate of Clara Anna Fontein in Durbanville. Burgundy Estate followed at the end of 2019 and Constantia was launched at the beginning of 2023, currently under construction. Sunningdale along the West Coast, is launching in September 2024.

The Group recently celebrated 20 years in Century City at an event entitled, “The dream lives on”, where Leon Cohen, co-founder, handed over the baton to the next generation.

“It has been an incredible journey thus far, and it could not have been possible without the valuable contributions of too many names to mention. From inception we have been extremely fortunate to have had an excellent team at our side, who have been confidants, sources of inspiration, sounding boards and fellow visionaries.” says Leon. “We are beyond humbled and grateful for the past, but we are looking forward, by guiding and nurturing a new executive team to continue building the dream.”

From 1 July 2024, the new executive management team for Rabie Property Developers took over the reins, with Mariska Auret as Chief Executive Officer at the helm. Miguel Rodrigues as Chief Operating Officer, Chris McMaster as Chief Financial Officer and Colin Green as Director will lead the Group into the next decade. Leon Cohen steps into the role of Chairman for Rabie Property Developers and Rabie Holdings, with John Chapman and Colin Anderson Directors of Rabie Holdings, Hilton Saven Non-Executive Director and Chris McMaster as CFO.

“We work as a team, both within and across departments, to ensure our approach to projects remains fresh, inspired and well thought through, from the inception of an idea to its transformation into reality. We succeed together, with a deep respect for collaboration.” says Mariska. “It is therefore an incredible honour that Leon, John, Colin and Hilton remain a part of our team, as they are the very DNA of Rabie and its legacy.”

Mariska Auret joined Rabie in 2014, bringing a visionary approach that has been key to developing vibrant and connected lifestyle communities, including Clara Anna Fontein in Durbanville. She spearheaded the launch of Rabie’s flagship Oasis Life retirement village within this estate. At Century City’s Bridgeways Precinct, Mariska has played a pivotal role in creating innovative mixed-use and residential projects around Ratanga Park. She is also a driving force behind Rabie’s commitment to innovation and green building initiatives across various developments. Mariska places a strong emphasis on fostering relationships and prioritising exceptional client service, believing that these elements are the cornerstone of sustainable business success.

Miguel Rodrigues was appointed a director in 2016 with the particular responsibility of overseeing new residential developments. Miguel’s leadership has been instrumental in Rabie’s involvement as the controlling developer within Burgundy Estate, shaping this new urban suburb into a covetable address for home owners and investors alike. Miguel is dedicated to optimising operational efficiency, and ensuring seamless execution across all departments to support the company’s growth and success.

Chris McMaster joined Rabie in 2017 from international auditing and consulting firm, Mazars. Chris is dedicated to ensuring financial stability and sustainability for Rabie Holdings and its multiple subsidiaries, central to which is Rabie Property Developers. Chris is known for his strong leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence – driving efficiency, transparency, and accountability across all financial operations of the business and maximising shareholder value.

Colin Green joined Rabie in 1997 with the particular responsibility of heading all infrastructure projects, sourcing and identifying opportunities to improve urban planning and connect development nodes across the Western Cape so people and businesses can connect and thrive Colin is instrumental in widening Rabie’s scope of operation, shaping the urban landscape with ground breaking development solutions.

2024 marks 20 years of Rabie’s involvement in Cape Town’s smart city, Century City. The company acquired the remaining development land in 2004 and together with the management company, Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA), has transformed it into a superbly maintained, sophisticated precinct, attracting a cross-section of local and international investors, global corporates, residents, and visitors.

In recent years, Rabie has revitalised and restored the ex-Ratanga Junction site, transforming it into the lush Ratanga Park, with an investment exceeding R100m. Renowned for its landscaping across all development projects, Rabie’s focus on indigenous planting within the park has been to create sustainable green corridors to support and attract a variety of plant and animal life. Ratanga Park serves as the focal point for existing and future developments alongside the park’s perimeter, which is connected to 8.5km of Century City’s canals.

Bridgewater, the first development set on the edge of the park, was built in 2020 and comprises a modern blend of apartments and offices along with a hotel and restaurants overlooking the park. Since then, three apartment developments have been launched – Nine Palms in 2022, On Park in 2023 and Park Place in 2024.

“The holistic plan is to build world-class developments around the water body of Ratanga Park, which each development enjoying the incredible vistas and serenity of the gardens and water.” explains Mariska.

Not only does Rabie strive to offer an excellent quality of life for the residents of each new development, but its green journey reached new heights with an EDGE Certification for Nine Palms. Launched in May 2022 and completed at the end of 2023, this development was the first in the Rabie portfolio to have been designed and constructed with the goal of receiving an EDGE certification.

“To receive this certification was no small feat, and we are incredibly proud of all involved in the entire life cycle of the project for this achievement,” says Mariska. “It is worth mentioning that Nine Palms surpassed its original certification submission for EDGE standard certification and achieved EDGE Advanced Final certification. This means that our energy measures exceed 40% improved compared to the base. To achieve EDGE, you must obtain a minimum of 20% improvements in the three categories, energy, water, and embodied carbon in materials.”

The recently launched Park Place will continue what you can expect from a Rabie development – excellent security, full back up power and exceptional lifestyle amenities within the development itself, including a clubhouse and swimming pool. Designed by vivid architects, the three independent buildings that make up Park Place are set in an expansive green parkland of mature trees and indigenous planting. The ground floor apartments will also offer private garden spaces.

In addition, a 12 000m² commercial development, Junxion Park, will be built to provide flexible office spaces and a restaurant, making this the ideal location for companies seeking a secure and stylish location, close to all lifestyle amenities and set within nature.

Chris McMaster explains, that it is Rabie’s intention to continue their strive for excellence in green building practices. “We look forward to embracing and testing new and innovative methods of construction, not only achieving certifications, but ultimately ensuring that we play our part in environmental sustainability. At the heart of our financial strategy is a commitment to building more than just properties, we’re building futures.”

Not remaining within the boundaries of Century City, Rabie’s entrepreneurial spirit continues as it launched a new secure development in Burgundy Estate on 3 August. “Umberwood has been a long time in the making,” says Miguel Rodrigues. “Burgundy Estate has grown from strength to strength and has become a sought after neighbourhood for families, young professionals and retirees alike. Umberwood will consist of various blocks of two-storey walk-ups with a pool adjacent to a communal braai area, parks and a playground set within scenic landscaped gardens and much more. It is well suited for both investors and first time home owners.”

On the back of the successful Wheatfields Estate in Groot Phesantekraal in Cape Town’s Northern suburbs, Rabie recently launched Klein de Koning. “This development comprises just 48 units with 12 simplex studio apartments, 26 duplex apartments featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms and 10 deluxe duplex apartments.” says Colin Green, who spearheads this scheme with development partner, Trinity Projects.

“We are extremely positive about the future,” says Mariska. “As a young team, we have the unique privilege to continue the Rabie legacy, which we will honour by keeping the flame burning and growing, igniting new neighbourhoods and precincts. Isaac Newton is famously quoted “If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.” and we are beyond fortunate to have the honour of taking the reins from unquestionable giants in the industry and our country. What an honour! We will continue to develop connected, smart spaces that offer the ideal trifecta of residential neighbourhoods, modern workplaces, and exceptional retail and hospitality districts.”