Watch the full panel discussion here
Panellists (from left to right): Thembinkosi Mosia (Services SETA Chamber Manager: Real Estate and Related Services); Advocate Debra Vial (PPRA Acting Executive Manager: Registration and Licensing); Robert Tsekoa (REBOSA Director and CEO at Hashtags Properties); Adrianne du Toit (REBOSA Head of Stakeholder Relations) and Cari du Preez (VOASA’s Legislative Consultant) who moderated the panel discussion.
As the timeshare industry continues to align with South Africa’s evolving regulatory landscape, understanding and adapting to compliance requirements has never been more crucial. At the VOASA Conference, industry leaders and regulatory experts explored the complexities surrounding the Property Practitioners Act and its implications for timeshare operators.
Here are the highlights:
Training and Education Requirements
The integration of timeshare into the property practitioner framework has brought training requirements into focus. Practitioners must meet specific qualification standards to operate legally. However, the development of timeshare specific qualifications and integrating the timeshare industry into regulatory and educational frameworks has been challenging because it spans multiple sectors—hospitality, tourism, and real estate.
“We spent over two years educating government entities about what timeshare is, its business model, and its unique requirements. The good news is that we’ve secured the necessary education codes for the timeshare industry, which gives it its own identity. Qualification development will start soon, with an entry-level programme being the first priority. The process involves scoping sessions, industry consultations, and final approval from QCTO and SAQA. We aim to streamline the process to ensure the qualification reflects the needs of your sector.” [Thembinkosi Mosia – Services SETA Chamber Manager: Real Estate and Related Services]
The Pressing Issue of Exemptions: Where We Stand
For the past two years, timeshare practitioners have enjoyed exemptions from holding Fidelity Fund Certificates, an allowance that ended in December. However, the PPRA confirmed that exemptions for education and training requirements, typically granted for 12 months, can be extended through a straightforward application process. Notably, VOASA can also apply for an industry-wide exemption for education, easing the administrative burden for individual members. Encouragingly, the PPRA assured attendees that no fees would be charged for these applications, a decision made after recognising that regulatory delays necessitated the exemptions.
“The Regulations were developed with minimal input from us, resulting in impractical – and sometimes nearly impossible – requirements.” [Advocate Debra Vial – PPRA Acting Executive Manager: Registration and Licensing]
Collaboration for a Unified Future
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of collaboration. As timeshare integrates more deeply into the broader property regulatory framework, the need for unified efforts across sectors is paramount. VOASA members were encouraged to view these changes as an opportunity to strengthen the industry’s foundation and embrace a collective approach to compliance.
“The growing overlap between timeshare, tourism, hospitality, and traditional real estate is promising.The industry can ensure a smoother transition to compliance by focusing on simplicity and collaboration. Regulatory requirements can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the system. We need to make the process as accessible as possible, particularly for previously disadvantaged individuals entering the sector. Transformation is key, and by working together—timeshare operators, property practitioners, and regulators—we can build a unified and thriving industry.” [Robert Tsekoa – REBOSA Director and CEO at Hashtags Properties]
Thembinkosi Mosia added that participation is crucial:
“The upcoming qualification development process will rely on input from industry experts to ensure it meets practical needs. I encourage timeshare practitioners to engage actively in scoping sessions and consultations to shape the future of education and training in the sector.”
What Lies Ahead: Anticipating Regulatory Changes
The PPRA is working on updates to the Regulations to address challenges faced by property practitioners. Proposed changes include:
• Extending exemptions beyond the current three-year limit.
• Introducing administrative fees for exemption applications.
• Updating Fidelity Fund Certificates to include essential details like practitioner status and firm affiliation.
While these proposals are still in development, they signal a commitment to refining the regulatory framework to better suit the realities of the industry, ensuring a smoother transition for timeshare practitioners.
“The broad scope of the Act inevitably brings challenges, including unintended consequences. As the industry evolves, we expect certain aspects of the Act to require interpretation and perhaps even amendments.” [Advocate Debra Vial – PPRA Acting Executive Manager: Registration and Licensing]
The session concluded with a reminder that the journey towards full compliance is ongoing. The PPRA anticipates further updates to regulations within the next 12 months, with opportunities for public comment expected during this period. In the meantime, VOASA will continue to engage with regulators, advocate for the industry, and keep members informed of any developments.
Closing Thought
While the compliance process may seem daunting, it provides a vital platform for timeshare practitioners to demonstrate professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to consumer protection.