Many in Krugersdorp regard the renowned Magda Stander, creator of Casa Blanca Estates, as the Iron Lady of real estate.

Magda’s son Paul, who joined the company in 1988, spoke to the News about his mother’s remarkable life.

Magda, 86, passed away on Christmas Day last year after a short sick bed. But it is the memories and legacy she leaves behind that her children and grandchildren will always remember.

Family and friends recently had to say goodbye to Magda who started her career as a secretary for Trust Bank and later opened her own estate agency while raising two successful sons.

Born on April 9, 1936 she has been in the West Rand her whole life. About 48 years ago she moved to Krugersdorp from Roodepoort with her husband, Frans Stander. In 1985 she lost Frans but by that time she was well on her way to making her own real estate business, Casa Blanca Estates, a big success.

Paul remembers when Trust Bank just started, his mom worked for a branch in Krugersdorp. She was a secretary and also formed part of the first advertisements that the bank had those years (1965). From Trust Bank she started working for her brother in-law, Hennie Viljoen and started selling real estate.

In 1983 she and Bets du Plessis started Casa Blanca Estates. She worked until 2006 before deciding to enjoy her retirement. Paul then took over from his mother.

Family and friends said their goodbyes to Magda during a small ceremony on January 9.

Paul explained that he and his brother were everything to his mother.

She lived for her two sons. She was a strong woman who never complained. She was an ‘iron lady’ not only in business but in her personal life as well,” Paul said proudly.

He still remembers her visiting him one day and on her way home she was driving past the Krugersdorp Golf Course. At the 11th hole she stopped and hooted at a group of golfers. She then proceeded to yell at them that her son had a hole-in-one at that very hole. Paul laughingly said she did not understand why the golfers were not very happy with her.-

She loved her family dearly and would invite them over, cook for them and entertain them. She was also always up for a steak and a glass of white wine with her colleagues. Paul further explained that her friends will remember her for that and of course, her naughty smile.

The family wants to remember Magda like she was at her granddaughter Tandy Stander Oschmann’s wedding eight years ago – happy and full of life. She will be remembered by her two sons Paul and Dawie, her grandchildren Tandy, Ben, Lea and Tom as well as her great-grandchild Dillan.