July 22 2025 18:00
Palesa Mkhize, SAMRRA CEO
SOUTH AFRICA
The South African Multifamily Residential Rental Association (SAMRRA) has appointed Palesa Mkhize as its first full-time chief executive officer, marking a significant step in the organisation’s evolution just over a year after its formation.
SAMRRA promotes the multi-family residential rental subsector of property. This sector is starting to attract substantial institutional investment and is enjoying increasing capital flows. With more than R40bn in assets and over 75,000 units now represented across its membership, SAMRRA is entering a new chapter that calls for full-time leadership.
Established in 2024, SAMRRA is the industry body representing institutional landlords and groups involved in purpose-built rental housing.
Mkhize brings more than 16 years’ experience across banking, infrastructure investment and housing finance, along with a deep commitment to housing as a driver of inclusive economic growth, SAMRRA said.
She joins SAMRRA from Standard Bank’s Investment Banking Division, where she was Head of Affordable Housing Development. She partnered on projects with developers including Calgro M3. Her previous roles include housing and infrastructure finance at Old Mutual Investment Group.
“Multifamily is dignity, opportunity and stability, and it is a great investment,” said Mkhize.
“SAMRRA is well placed to help shape a more inclusive and investable multifamily future for South Africa, and over the past 18 months has established excellent momentum. I’m honoured to help carry that vision forward,” she said.
Outgoing CEO
“The appointment of a dedicated CEO reflects the growing scale and strategic importance of professionally managed rental housing in South Africa,” said Myles Kritzinger, SAMRRA’s founding and outgoing CEO.
“We’ve laid a strong foundation built on data transparency, aligned communities and long-term value. The next phase is about deepening that impact and unlocking further growth. Palesa is the right leader for this moment,” he said.
Mkhize’s appointment comes amid growing interest in South Africa’s multifamily rental housing sector, which is gaining institutional recognition for its resilience and performance and recently available data. According to SAMRRA data, average occupancy rates exceed 95%, rent collections top 98%, and tenant arrears are below 1%.
alistair@propertyflash.co.za
