Octodec Investments Limited

Jeffrey Wapnick: Interim Results Highlight - Making a Difference in Our Communities “At Octodec, we're not just about business; we're about building thriving communities. Our recent interim results reflect our unwavering commitment to accessibility, affordability, and enhancing quality of life for all. Investing in Education: Earlier in the year we proudly launched the Kamane Educare Centre in Tshwane. This transformative Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility underscores our dedication to improving residential quality of life in the CBD. By providing accessible, high-quality education through our partnership with Cotlands, we're nurturing young minds and breaking the cycle of poverty. Improving Healthcare Access: Our partnership with Dis-Chem has led to the opening of a Community Clinic in Tshwane, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for all residents. With appointment-based visits and basic medications available, we're prioritising community well-being and making healthcare more accessible and affordable. Commitment to Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is at the core of our operations. We're expanding our solar initiatives to nine more buildings, reducing our carbon footprint and reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, in response to water infrastructure challenges, we're drilling boreholes to ensure uninterrupted water supply for our tenants. These initiatives not only reflect our dedication to social impact but also demonstrate our responsibility towards building a better future for all. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our shareholders, partners, and the communities we serve. Thank you for believing in our vision and joining us on this journey towards positive change. Together, we're building thriving communities that uplift and empower”.

Riaan Erasmus CA(SA) has been appointed as deputy CEO of Octodec Investments Limited, in addition to his role as the executive financial director and debt officer, with effect from the 30th of November 2024. #reit #propertyfund #CEO #whoswho #listedcompanies #shareholders #realestatenews #commercialrealestate #JSE #businessnews #propertynews #investorrelations #realestateinvestment #assetmanagement

Octodec Announces Riaan Erasmus as Deputy Chief Executive Officer Following the April 2024 announcement of the appointment of Riaan Erasmus as the incoming executive financial director and debt officer of Octodec, the Board is pleased to inform stakeholders that Riaan will with effect from 30 November 2024, also assume the position of deputy chief executive officer of Octodec. In this new role, Riaan will be employed full-time by Octodec, specifically focusing on optimising the group’s property portfolio and assessing the merits of the internalisation of the asset and property management services currently provided by City Property Administration. These responsibilities will sit alongside his primary duties as executive financial director and debt officer. Riaan graduated from the University of Northwest and qualified as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) in 2008 after completing his articles with KPMG South Africa. He has extensive experience serving as an executive director, having previously held the positions of group financial manager, treasury manager and later, debt officer and financial director of Hospitality Property Fund Limited, a REIT that was listed on the JSE until 2021. In addition, Riaan served as the group treasurer managing the debt portfolio and other treasury-related transactions for the Tsogo Sun and Southern Sun group of companies from 2017 until 2022.

We are thrilled to share that our Finance Executive, Riaan Erasmus, was recently interviewed by @Duduzile Ramela on @SAFM Executive Lounge. In the show Riaan unpacks his remarkable career journey, and shares insights into his distinctive leadership style and business philosophy. With over 15 years of commercial experience as a chartered accountant, Riaan has an inspiring story to tell. Coming from a farming background, his journey into the world of finance is both unique and motivating. He attributes his early interest in accounting to the unwavering support of his parents, which began during his high school years. In the interview, Riaan shared, “My leadership style is all-inclusive. I believe in involving people in all processes, even those they might not have encountered before. This approach not only fosters their development but also maximises their potential." Riaan also highlighted the importance of relationship-building and proactive engagement: "Building quality relationships and putting yourself out there to engage with people is crucial. It’s not always easy, particularly in the finance sector, but it is essential to push yourself to try new things and keep evolving." To gain valuable insights from Riaan’s extensive experience and thoughtful perspectives, listen here: https://iono.fm/e/1444251 Well done to Riaan for an insightful discussion on leadership, personal development, and the intersection of diverse backgrounds and professional success. #OCT #REIT #SAFM #ExecutiveLounge #Leadership

@Gugu Mfuphi on @KayaBizz interviewed Octodec MD, @Jeffrey Wapnick to discuss the Group’s interim results and outlook. When asked about the kind of investments you've had to make, not only for alternative power but also for water, and how this has resulted in increased maintenance costs, Wapnick said: "To start, we've made necessary plumbing adjustments at the base of every building to pump water up into the tanks above. However, getting water to the buildings is a costly exercise. We've now started drilling for water in Johannesburg, which has significantly reduced the distance between the buildings and the water source, consequently lowering costs. This is more of an operational issue than anything else. Regarding electricity, the costs are really high and it's difficult to pass these costs on to our tenants. Additionally, increased assessment rates and garbage removal from the Council put a lot of pressure on us. We are not always able to pass these costs on to the tenants due to affordability concerns." To listen to the full interview, follow this link: https://iono.fm/e/1441049 #OCT #REIT #SAREIT #Property #CBD #JSE

@Noluthando Mthonti-Mlambo on @PowerBusiness recently interviewed Octodec MD, @Jeffrey Wapnick to discuss the Group’s interim results and outlook. “On our residential portfolio, the ongoing investment is both familiar and exciting. I think it continues to thrive because not only does it perform well financially, but it is also the right thing to do. Providing residential accommodations in city centres is important because people choose to live there due to the proximity to various amenities and services, such as employment, education, medical facilities, retail, and more. Most of the areas we operate in are well-equipped with these essential services. We don't see a problem with continued investment in the city, but at a time like this, when uncertainty has risen due to high interest rates, it affects not only our uptake but also the disposable income of the people we serve. This pressure could impact investment. Will this stop? I don't know, but hopefully, this is just part of the property cycle that will come to an end. We have to remain positive”. To listen to the full interview, follow this link: http://surl.li/tubrg   #OCT #REIT #SAREIT #Property #CBD #JSE

Octodec FD, Anabel Vieira unpacks the Group’s recent interim results with @ Noluthando Mthonti-Mlambo on @BusinessDayTV Lunch SA. “The board has recently approved the redevelopment of one office building into a residential building called Yethu City. This is a new product aimed at lower Living Standards Measure (LSM) tenants, recognising the current challenges in housing affordability. It targets the student market and low-income earners, and we are confident in this product and plan to expand it to other vacant buildings once market reception is positive." Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/dyCiu33K #OCT #REIT #SAREIT #Property #CBD

Octodec MD, @Jeffrey Wapnick chats about the Group’s recent interim results with @Godfrey Mutizwa on @CNBC Power Lunch SA. "The fundamentals of the property portfolio are still there. The fact that we were able to show good growth in the residential top line, especially in the PTA area, is very pleasing. Our shopping centres have done exceptionally well, and our offices are stable. I am pleased to report that although we lost a major government tenant, the government as a sector has been very stable. Furthermore, retail has shown strength. Hopefully, this economic pressure will pass, as it is a cycle that the property sector typically experiences." To watch the full interview, follow this link: http://surl.li/trwgr #OCT #REIT #SAREIT #Property #CBD #JSE

During Octodec’s annual results presentation, Charlene Conradie, Chief Operations Officer, highlighted that the residential portfolio was the stand-out performer contributing to the Group’s revenue growth. Despite the prevailing economic challenges, which have put significant pressure on South African consumers, this performance demonstrates the resilience of the portfolio as well as tenants’ appreciation of Octodec’s commitment to provide secure and quality accommodation. Conradie highlighted that Octodec has recently approved the conversion of a vacant office building in the Tshwane CBD into residential accommodation. The development will be known as Yethu City on Sisulu and will offer a slightly smaller and more affordable product relative to Octodec’s traditional residential units, with shared amenities such as living areas, kitchens and bathrooms. The conversion, which is estimated to cost R44 million at a marginal yield of 13%, is expected to be completed by December 2024, with occupation in January 2025. In addition, Octodec intends to install a solar PV system to reduce the cost of electricity and provide backup power, which should further enhance the yield from this project.   Click here to watch a replay of the webcast: https://we.tl/t-wLmK7HSKla

For its interim results for the six months ended 29 February 2024, Octodec delivered income growth of 3.1% largely driven by higher rentals in its residential portfolio and was achieved against a very challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Commenting on the performance, Jeffrey Wapnick, Octodec MD said: "We are pleased to have grown our income, and retained our dividend in these challenging market conditions. At the same time, we recognise the importance of not remaining idle, and are excited at the prospects of our recently announced developments, including the development of premium medical suites at HealthConnect adjacent to Louis Pasteur Hospital as well as the conversion of vacant office space into residential accommodation”. Click here to watch a replay of the webcast: https://lnkd.in/dX_Dnsc6 #OCT #REIT #SAREIT #Property #CBD #JSE