SAFMA Celebrates World FM Day

Join SAFMA in celebrating World FM Day 2025 with a dynamic half-day event centred around this year’s global theme, “Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change.” It’s set to be an inspiring morning of connection, insight and industry engagement.

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We’re proud to feature an exceptional line-up of speakers who bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and insight to this year’s World FM Day event.

Ipeleng Mkhari – Co-founder & CEO, Motseng Investment Holdings

Chairperson of Comserv Mozambique and MPAMOT Africa. Past President of SAPOA. WPO Platinum Member. IWEC Foundation Awardee. Former BRICS WBA SA Executive.

Ipeleng is the Co-founder and CEO of Motseng Investment Holdings, a diversified investment group with interests in commercial property, public-private partnerships, engineering, renewable energy and telecommunications managed services. A pioneering entrepreneur, her first business was a CCTV start-up, which later evolved into the Motseng Group in 1998.

In 2007, Ipeleng became the national Chairperson of the Women’s Property Network. During her tenure, WPN introduced an inclusive membership base, a mentorship programme, and an education trust to support marginalised women in the industry.

In November 2012, she co-promoted Delta Property Fund—a leading, black-managed and substantially black-owned REIT—which listed on the JSE with an asset value of R2 billion. In 2019, Motseng and partners Kagiso Trust and SASDC launched a commercial property accelerator, PropreneurX, supporting 26 beneficiaries from the built environment sector.

Ipeleng holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree, has completed the Wits Business School EDP, and is an Archbishop Tutu Fellow. She has served as an independent non-executive director on listed and unlisted companies and various industry association boards. Passionate about the advancement of women in business, she has represented several women’s organisations as an ambassador. She is the proud recipient of multiple leadership awards across her 26-year career.

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David Pierre-Eugene – Head of Corporate Real Estate Solutions, Discovery

Corporate Real Estate Solutions (CRES) exists to deliver world-class real estate services that support environments where people and businesses can flourish—aligning with Discovery’s core purpose: to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives.

David Pierre-Eugene, Head of CRES, has been with Discovery for 25 years and is an architect by profession. He was central to the development of the 1 Discovery Place mega-project in Johannesburg, managing the full lifecycle of the build—from initial concepts and briefs, through the tender process and “workplace of the future” pilots, to overall project management, including the relocation of 7,000 employees.

Today, David oversees all strategic and operational property and support requirements for the Discovery Group. CRES is a specialised, multi-disciplinary department encompassing Space Planning and Design, Safety Services (including Health and Safety, and Security), as well as Technical and Maintenance Services. The team manages all Discovery facilities and delivers projects and technical solutions across the group.

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Veronica Warmington – Facilities Manager Leader for Africa, EY (Ernst & Young)

Veronica Warmington is a seasoned Facilities Management (FM) professional with over 23 years of experience. As the Facilities Manager Leader for Africa at EY, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to develop and implement effective FM strategies for large organisations—both insourced and outsourced.

Her expertise includes managing enterprise-wide Business Continuity Plans, overseeing Health and Safety compliance on a national scale, and leading environmental sustainability initiatives, including the negotiation of renewable energy contracts.

Veronica has led complex projects and driven significant transformation in the FM landscape. Her achievements include implementing EY’s FM strategy across Africa, launching remote working protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, and managing large-scale office relocation and refurbishment projects. Her leadership has resulted in improved service standards, operational efficiencies, cost savings, and strong Health and Safety and energy sustainability performance.

A certified property manager, Veronica holds credentials from the Institute of Real Estate Management and the University of the Witwatersrand. Her strategic mindset, negotiation acumen, and ability to foster strong stakeholder relationships make her a highly respected figure in the industry.

As she takes the stage at this year’s event, themed “Resilience in Action: Thriving in a World of Change,” Veronica’s insights are set to inspire FM professionals, partners, and stakeholders navigating a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

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The day will also include presentations and key updates from the SAFMA Board of Directors, offering insights into the future of the profession in South Africa and their strategic vision for SAFMA.

Let’s celebrate the strength and progress of FM professionals together.

Book your ticket now – and be part of the momentum!