Redefine Properties Limited, one of South Africa’s leading Real Estate Investment Trusts, has long believed that spaces are more than physical structures—they are catalysts for connection, opportunity and transformation. As a finalist for the 2026 CSI Legacy Awards in the Best Corporate category, the company’s commitment to creating meaningful, people-centred impact stands firmly in the spotlight. At the heart of this recognition is the Matlosana Learning Centre Initiative, a flagship socio-economic development initiative that demonstrates how thoughtful investment in communities can create lasting, measurable change.
Central to Redefine’s social impact work is Pearl Sekgobela, the company’s dedicated and dynamic Socio-Economic Development Manager. A University of Johannesburg graduate with a BA in Corporate Communication, Pearl began her career in marketing and communications, holding key roles at prominent REITS in South Africa. After joining Redefine in 2018, she quickly emerged as a leader driven by purpose and empathy. Her recognition as a United Nations Young Innovator in 2022 and her ongoing work as a Target Gender Equality Ambassador reflect her commitment to empowering people and elevating communities. Today, she blends strategic insight with a passion for human development, championing programmes that bridge economic gaps and support resilience.
Redefine Properties manages a sectoral and geographically diverse property asset platform. Redefine’s portfolio is predominately anchored in South Africa through directly held and managed retail, office and industrial properties, which is complemented by a strong presence in retail and logistics property assets in Poland.Listed on the JSE, its mission is to create and manage spaces that transform lives, delivering the smartest and most sustainable spaces for tenants and communities. The company’s strategy prioritises people and ESG principles, guided by integrated value creation across five pathways: operating efficiently, investing strategically, optimising capital, engaging talent and enhancing reputation. Through this approach, Redefine aims to remain resilient in a fast-changing economic and social landscape while growing long-term value for stakeholders.
The Matlosana Learning Centre initiative, launched in 2021 at Matlosana Mall in Klerksdorp, brings these values to life. Recognising that many community members lacked access to learning, skills development and economic participation, Redefine created a centralised hub offering structured programmes to unlock potential. The project comprises three primary initiatives. The STEM Academy provides 100 learners annually with access to technology, tutoring and science-based learning, helping young people expand their horizons in fields vital to the future economy. The VUKA SMME Development Programme supports 20 small businesses each year, providing training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow sustainable local enterprises. Meanwhile, the Work Readiness Programme equips 100 unemployed youth with practical skills, job-preparation tools and pathways into employment. Additional services such as, free Wi-Fi, and community support resources ensure that the hub remains accessible, inclusive and holistic.
In its first year alone, they have upskilled 274 individuals through their programmes and reached 959 more indirectly. It created employment opportunities, strengthened small businesses and created three jobs. Redefine invested more than R1.6 million into its development, with plans to train at least 250 people annually as the project grows. Its design is grounded in collaboration, bringing together local organisations, educators, training providers and community leaders to build interventions that are sustainable and relevant.
For Pearl, this work is deeply personal. Guided by her belief that kindness and opportunity should be accessible to all, she approaches community development as a human-centred, empathetic journey. Her life philosophy—“Be kind to everyone, for you never know who you are talking to”—shapes her leadership at Redefine. She emphasises that beyond managing properties, Redefine is a company of people serving people. Under her stewardship, initiatives are built not only to meet immediate needs but to nurture dignity, confidence and long-term growth.
One of the defining moments in this journey was Redefine’s first SED Partners’ Round Table, held in October. The gathering brought together partners and beneficiaries from across the country to share insights, celebrate progress and innovate for greater collective impact. For Pearl and the Redefine team, the event symbolised the power of partnership—the recognition that sustainable change is possible when communities, corporates and changemakers come together with shared purpose.
As Redefine celebrates its place as a CSI Legacy Awards finalist, the company remains focused on what matters most: creating and managing spaces in a manner that transforms lives, – and uplifting communities. Through the Matlosana Hub Management Project and the vision of leaders like Pearl Sekgobela, Redefine continues to build more than spaces—it builds futures where dignity, progress and possibility are accessible to all.
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