PASSING THE BATON

Wakefields management and staff honour and thank Malcolm Madurai, retiring Manager of Wakefields in Pinetown, and extend a warm welcome to Harnam Shunkumar, his successor.

Long-standing manager and Wakefields director, Malcolm Madurai, is retiring after decades of sharing his expertise and experience with Pinetown property consultants and prospective clients to the area. Malcolm is an integral part of the extended Wakefields' family, and although he's wished well in his retirement, he's certainly going to be missed!

Malcolm remembers when and where he joined Wakefields, and has strong and fond memories of so many aspects of that journey. He began in the property industry in 1990 when he opened his own real estate business, and learned a great deal through that solo experience. When he took the decision to join a real estate group, his choice of Wakefields came about largely because of the suggestion by a respected colleague, that Wakefields was the best company if 'you're looking for promotional prospects.' Malcolm wanted to be part of a company that offered advancement, and he was soon ensconced in the Berea branch. He was a real estate consultant for only 11 months before management saw his leadership qualities, and offered him the position of Assistant Manager. Malcolm enjoyed leading from the front, and within three years, was offered the role of manager in Pinetown.

Malcolm's leadership of his team and his instinctive understanding of the property market saw him take that branch to new heights. Within three years, the Wakefields management team offered him a directorship. Malcolm smiles, "I was delighted to accept. Wakefields offered me the very opportunities for advancement which I had sought and valued so much."

Malcolm leaves a great legacy: "Since I've been here, Pinetown has pretty much been up there in the top five branches at our annual award ceremony. Last year - one of our country's most challenging economically - was our best!"

Malcolm says it's time to retire: "I've stayed on longer than the traditional 65 years, and it's the right time now." He laughs, "I want to be at leisure, do precisely what I want, when I want. I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren, with no time constraints or pressure. I've loved my time at Wakefields, and I believe I've added value. Now it's time to pass the baton."

Harnam Shunkumar says of his move to Pinetown from the Beach branch, "It feels like going home. I started my real estate career at Wakefields Pinetown under Fred Smith, 21 years ago." He laughs, "I was a youngster, dreaming of opening my own business, and I'd always imagined myself handling real estate transactions but I knew I was too young. What really happened was I was working for a printing company - 'repping' - and I overheard a conversation with our secretary: Wakefields needed some stationery, but our driver was out on delivery. I was heading out, so I offered to take it to them. Fred Smith, Wakefields manager, was in their reception, and he teased me about being a little overdressed for a delivery man. I explained, and we started chatting. Fred suggested I had the right personality for real estate, and why didn't I think about it. That was it! I joined him in the 'old' offices in Crompton Street, and learned everything I know there!"

During his 21 years at Wakefields - as premier property consultant and manager - Harnam has had numerous personal accolades and branch sales awards - Beach branch was in the top 3 Wakefields branches for the 2016/2017 financial year.

Harnam lives in Pinetown, knows the area and the community well: "The team knows me too, and it's a strong team that I'll head up. I'm really looking forward to it."

Wakefields management extends their gratitude to Malcolm Madurai for his years of selfless service to the Group, and wishes him everything he wishes for himself in retirement. Management is delighted to welcome Harnam to Pinetown, and hand him the managerial reigns to continue Malcolm's great work and superb support he gave to staff and clients.