Home » South African Property Icon Pam Golding Passes Away At 90

South African Property Icon Pam Golding Passes Away At 90

South African property icon – Pam Golding – passed away peacefully yesterday, 03 April 2018, at her home Wittebomen in Constantia, Cape Town. She was 90-years-old. Pam launched her career in the male-dominated real estate industry in 1976, when she and her late husband Cecil were a “typical, young married couple with two small children. […]

By SAPeople
04-04-18 09:49
in Business

South African property icon – Pam Golding – passed away peacefully yesterday, 03 April 2018, at her home Wittebomen in Constantia, Cape Town. She was 90-years-old.

Pam launched her career in the male-dominated real estate industry in 1976, when she and her late husband Cecil were a “typical, young married couple with two small children. We had just bought our first house but had nothing much else: no furniture. People told me I was mad to start a business in the market as it was then. But I thought to myself, if I can survive in this market, business will fly when things improve.”

She told the Independent newspaper in 2009 that her desire had always been to enjoy what she did.

“I have never felt that I wasn’t one of the boys. We were known for being professional, while having fun, hosting great parties and conference and living up to our trademark – “The Joy of Living”.”

In a media statement released by her family, they said: “She quickly identified a niche in the market for a discreet and professional property agency in South Africa, in the process building a reputation for selling the country’s most luxurious homes and building integrity, trust and respect of the Pam Golding Properties brand.”

Today her name and brand are well known around the world (although interestingly, Pam never wanted her own name used for the company – it was her husband who convinced her it would be good to give the company a personal touch).

Pam Golding Properties – which has now grown into an multi-million rand empire, employing around 3,000 people – has over 300 branches in Africa, Mauritius, and Europe… and

One of Pam’s most famous clients (and there were many) was former President Nelson Mandela, for whom she found the perfect home for he and his wife, Graca Machel.

Speaking to the Independent she recalled the day she received the call from Mandela. “I was in bed at home early one morning when the telephone rang. It was around 0630 and this voice said, ‘I am putting you through to the President of South Africa’. Of course, I thought it was a hoax!

“Then I heard this famous voice. Well, I got out of bed in no time. And I had to put on a dressing gown. I couldn’t talk to the President of South Africa wearing only a nightie!”

Golding is survived by her sons (Peter and Andrew), daughter (Jilly) and 10 grandchildren.

Pam’s family said in their statement: “Admired and respected by clients and dearly loved by colleagues, agents and staff alike, her natural warmth and sincere interest in everyone she encountered were trademark characteristics which endeared her to all.”

Pam Golding – “I am part of something greater than myself.”

https://www.facebook.com/PamGoldingProperties/videos/10154312969076337/

A tribute from Richard Wright, who worked for Pam Golding Properties in Cape Town:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211089727372407&set=a.1099240074541.2015332.1032832403&type=3