It’s often said that behind every great man is a woman but we like to think that behind every great estate, you’ll find a team of inspiring ladies who get things done! In honour of Women’s Month and the fantastic females in our Zululami HOA, we thought we’d share more on the powerhouses that keep our estate running smoothly.
Maril Subban – Estate Manager
With 17 years of experience in the residential estate industry, Maril is responsible for the day-to-day running of Zululami. This includes liaising with service providers and residents to ensure that things run smoothly and that the HOA and homeowners work together.
Her greatest challenge? Ensuring that our young estate continues to grow from strength to strength. Maril is motivated by how diverse every day is for our Zululami HOA. She’s also motivated by her passion for people and making a difference in their lives. In three words, Maril would describe herself as warm, determined, and passionate.
Maril on being a woman: “Being a woman – I am able to use a softer approach. You can always solve a problem by talking. Keep the door open, let people speak and things will always be resolved. Having a voice as a woman is so important. Standing up for ourselves and embracing our opportunities is important. My advice to ladies looking to follow their dreams is to always have determination and goals. That way, nothing is ever impossible. Never stop growing. Always look for opportunities to grow because you are never too old to learn.”
Rose Mthembu – Security Supervisor
For our residents and those who have ever visited Zululami, Rose needs no introduction. She’s our estate celebrity with the brightest and most contagious smile. As our security supervisor, Rose ensures that access is carefully controlled and that the right people have the access they need. This is vital as it keeps our residents and their guests safe. Rose has been with us since 2019 but has 17 years of security experience, making her the perfect person to handle the security on our estate.
As a mom of 5 and as a woman, Rose knows it’s a juggling act every day but she is good at making time for work and time for her family. She’s also good with time management, making sure she can be everything for everyone. Rose is inspired by her mom and by Maril, whom she has known for a few years and admires her for her growth.
Rose on being a woman: “Being a woman isn’t easy in a male-dominated industry but I always tell myself that when I get to work, I need to earn respect in my industry. As women, we are always prepared to listen. We can also put ourselves in others’ shoes, this helps us understand the people we deal with every day. My advice to women is to never give up and do your best.”
Carien Kymdell – Building Control
As the head of our building control, Carien regulates everything to do with building in the estate. From Zululami’s design codes to municipal regulations, Carien ensures it’s all above board, this includes lots of site inspections and attending to concerns with infrastructure. She believes her job is an important one as homeowners are invested in our estate and we owe it to them to protect their investment.
Carien has a background in real estate, which is one of the things that brought her to Zululami. With 4 fur babies and 2 lizards, Carien certainly has her hands full at home but being a woman, she’s able to make it work.
Carien on being a woman: “Women are more detail orientated and we are more focussed on the long term. This generally helps us with the nitty gritty stuff. There are so many challenges that women have to deal with and overcome. And somehow we make it work! That for me is absolutely amazing! Doing difficult things and still maintaining our femininity. My advice to women would be to learn everything you can. A woman shouldn’t think because it’s a male-dominated industry that her goals are impossible.”
From us to you, we wish you a happy Women’s Month and an even happier Women’s Day!
