Setting foot on South African soil, in 1899, Lt Col George Rennie started his military career serving as a private during the South African War (1899 – 1902).

Making his way to the dusty mining town of Benoni, Rennie climbed the corporate ladder, to take his seat as the business manager of the New Kleinfontein Gold Mine.

Bearing witness as grass lands started making way for a bustling town, he threw caution to the wind, establishing the area’s first real estate agency, George Rennie & Co, in Prince’s Avenue.

Building on knowledge and fostering confidence throughout the community, the company grew to become a major force in the development and marketing of residential, commercial/industrial and business projects.

Some of its accolades include its involvement in the development of at least 8 500 stands in Benoni and Brakpan, including Lakefield Property, Morehill Extension Two, Dalpark Extensions Five, Six and 11, Goedeburg, Cloverdene Extension One, Hillcrest in Putfontein and Benoni Small Farms.

They further successfully executed the development and marketing of 4 300 stands in Daveyton Extension Two, Vosloorus Extension Two, Klipspruit in Soweto, Etwatwa, Katlehong and Geluksdal.

Other developments included the Benoni Plaza, Crystal Park, Apex Industrial, Morehill Extension Eight and Leachville and unique developments such as the Benoni Country Club, Mayfield, Benoni Lake Club and the Lakefield Square Shopping Centre.

Currently in its 115^th  year, the team of property professionals have cemented itself throughout Ekurhuleni, as leaders in their field.

Despite its rich history, directors Gerry and Jo-Anne Keijer believe it is the dedication and determination of its team of property professionals that contribute to the organisation’s ongoing success.

With a combined 205 years of experience within the ever evolving industry, nine of company’s practitioners were recently honoured with long-service awards.

For the past four decades, Irene Grant has been meticulously balancing the books, ensuring regulatory compliance across all sectors and managing the company’s growth with the utmost of accuracy and care.

“Times have changed and so too has the property market,” she said.

“Markets can often be unpredictable however one thing has remained unchanged within the Rennie-family, to offer professional service keeping the community at heart.

“Technological advancements throughout the years have had its advantages but it cannot replace interpersonal relationships.”

Over the past 30 years, Ewert Venter said the company’s investment in community building has not only contributed to it becoming a trusted brand, but its continuous involvement in outreach programmes speaks of its commitment to building a flourishing community for all.

“Here we are a family. Clients’ needs take priority but so too do the community where they seek to invest,” he said.

“Our brand is not limited to business contracts but rather where we are able to lend a hand to those in need. From animal welfare to support for local NPO’s you can be assured our teams are making a difference.

“A company that cares, is a company that is dedicated to community upliftment.”

Jo-Anne Keijer, said the company prides itself in offering professional service, with our team members collectively holding a significant number of industry relevant qualifications.

“Our focus on education affords us the opportunity to build our team with the necessary expertise to deliver exceptional service,” she said.

“We strive to meet clients where they are and offering honest guidance to make their investments grow as they do.”

Looking to the future, the management has turned its attention to collaborative initiatives which, through long-term investment and support, could lead the rejuvenation of the Benoni CDB as well at other business hubs.

“Having been involved with the development of iconic landmarks such as the Benoni Plaza, it is heart-breaking to have seen it deteriorate to its current state,” said Gerry.

“Simply creating a new space elsewhere is no longer the answer. We are currently in talks with the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) as well as stakeholders within the various CBD’s in an effort to launch inner-city rejuvenation projects.

“If fully supported we could be able to reclaim the bustling streets of the CBD, rebuild on its former glory and breathing new economic growth opportunities into the forgotten buildings.

“Imagine being able to roam the city streets once more, supporting local enterprises and leaving its heartbeat as a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Teasing with guarded excitement at the potential that imminent rejuvenation projects may hold, Jo-Anne said that the success depends largely on the business community’s support.

“By taking ownership not only of individual properties but the community at large, great developments can be achieved,” she said.

“The time has come for us to join hands and grow our cities to its fullest potential.”

ALSO READ: Businesses, organisations do their part for Mandela Day at Cosmos

ALSO READ: Boksburg SPCA receives generous donation