In celebration of Youth Month, Absa Home Loans and the South African Property Investor’s Network (SAPIN) Youth hosted a milestone event in Soweto, honouring the innovation, ambition, and entrepreneurial drive of young South Africans reshaping the property sector.
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The 27 June 2025 event, which was held at the Eyethu Function Venue, spotlighted youth-led innovation across the property value chain, featuring business owners, Airbnb hosts, property investors, and service providers who are redefining the industry.
“Today is a celebration of economic agency,” says Tshepo Mashashane, Head: Strategy and Partnerships at Absa Home Loans. “This initiative is more than an education programme, it’s a launchpad for youth-lead economic participation and ownership. Our partnership with SAPIN Youth is proving that with the right support, young people can turn entrepreneurial ambition into long-term asset ownership and generational change.”
Guided property tour
The day kicked off with a guided property tour by Reproweto, a youth-led platform focused on township real estate. The tour brought attendees face-to-face with real-world case studies of innovation in action.
This was followed by a panel discussion and business showcase where programme alumni shared how they’ve used their training to close investment deals, launch property ventures, and build thriving businesses.
SAPIN Youth
“SAPIN Youth was created to bridge the gap between knowledge and opportunity in the property sector,” says Andrew Walker, CEO of SAPIN. “With partners like Absa, we have equipped young people to strive in property market. Today’s celebration proves that youth-led property investment is not a concept, but it’s a reality.”
Since 2024, Absa and SAPIN Youth have empowered more than 100 youth with property training, mentorship and access to networks and deal opportunities.
A standout story from this year is Reproweto, which provides research in property in Soweto. The platform has become a beacon for youth-led property innovation, fostering collaboration, facilitating transactions, and giving township investors the confidence to make informed, future-shaping decisions.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: Property is more than a transaction – it’s a vehicle for generational change. And with the right support, today’s youth are not only participating, but they’re also leading.
