Growthpoint Properties : Norbert Sasse is the inaugural recipient of the SAPOA lifetime achievement award

Growthpoint Properties CEO Norbert Sasse has been presented with the inaugural South African Property Owners Association's (SAPOA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

This first-ever award was announced at the milestone 50th Anniversary Convention of the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), held in Sandton Central, last week.

The new accolade recognises and celebrates the exceptional contributions made by an individual who has changed the face of the South African property sector.

Commenting on the award, Norbert says: 'SAPOA has been the voice of the commercial property sector for 50 years and I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this significant award from such an esteemed organisation. At Growthpoint, we strive to be the best we can in all areas of our business and our industry. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far, having come a long way with a team of talented, dedicated people. We are even more excited about the future as we continue to innovate and create value while building a better, more sustainable, world.'

Norbert is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 25 years' experience in corporate finance, funds management, and all aspects of listed property.

He earned his respected business leadership and deal-making acumen as a driving force behind the success story of Growthpoint, South Africa's largest primary listed REIT and an ALSI 40 company with assets over R110 billion.

Norbert gained his early career experience at Ernst & Young and Investec Corporate Finance and, at Investec Property Group, played a pioneering role in South Africa's then fledgling listed property industry from 2001.

As part of his industry leadership, Norbert was involved in the formulation of South Africa's internationally-recognised REIT dispensation, which has had huge benefits for the country's listed property sector.

Norbert is a seasoned voice for the sector and an advocate for sustainable business. Growthpoint's green building and resource-efficiency initiatives are changing South Africa's cities by creating better environments for businesses to thrive and people to reach their full potential.

Growthpoint is a FTSE/JSE Socially Responsible Investment Index company and an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). It is a Platinum Founding Member of the GBCSA, and owns or co-owns the largest portfolio of Green Star SA certified buildings of any company in South Africa.

Growthpoint owns and manages a diversified portfolio of 474 properties in South Africa, 57 properties in Australia through its investment in Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ) and a 50% interest in the properties at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.