OUR HISTORY

Itakane Trading 156 (Pty) Ltd, trading as Itakane Real Estate Academy, was founded in 2006 by Pieter Swart, a visionary leader committed to transforming the standard of real estate education in South Africa. From its inception, Itakane was built on a clear and powerful purpose: to develop competent, confident, and industry-ready property practitioners through training that goes beyond theory and delivers real-world results.

Over the years, Itakane has established itself as a trusted, reputable, and results-driven training provider, playing a significant role in shaping the careers of thousands of real estate professionals across the country.

In 2015, Amanda Marinus joined the academy, bringing with her decades of experience in finance, insurance, and real estate. Having held her Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) since 1988, she introduced a level of industry expertise and leadership that further strengthened Itakane’s foundation. Under the mentorship of Pieter Swart, Amanda evolved into a key strategic leader, becoming Director in 2017 and assuming the role of CEO in 2023.

Under Amanda’s leadership, Itakane has accelerated its growth and impact, becoming known for its structured, step-by-step training methodology, hands-on mentorship, and unwavering commitment to learner success. The academy does not simply deliver training — it develops professionals who are fully prepared to operate, compete, and succeed in the real estate industry.

A cornerstone of Itakane’s success is its mastery and delivery of the Legacy Real Estate qualifications (NQF Level 4 and NQF Level 5). These programmes have long been the benchmark for real estate education in South Africa, and Itakane has been instrumental in training and qualifying a substantial number of practitioners through this framework.

What sets Itakane apart is its ability to combine deep academic understanding with practical, real-world application, ensuring that learners are not only compliant, but confident and capable in the marketplace.

With the national transition to the QCTO framework in July 2024, Itakane once again positioned itself ahead of the curve. Fully aligned and operational within the new framework, the academy continues to deliver future-focused, industry-relevant training while maintaining full support for learners enrolled in the Legacy programmes.

The Legacy NQF Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications are currently in a structured transition phase and will be fully phased out by 2029. During this period, Itakane provides seamless dual delivery capability, managing both Legacy and QCTO training with precision, compliance, and stability. This positions the academy as a low-risk, high-value training partner in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Today, Itakane Real Estate Academy has expanded beyond its traditional scope, evolving into a multi-disciplinary training institution that responds to the growing demand for skills development across sectors. Its offering continues to grow in alignment with national priorities, industry demands, and professional advancement needs.

With a strong legacy, proven track record, and a future-focused strategy, Itakane stands as a leader in education and training, committed to empowering individuals, strengthening industries, and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and transformation of South Africa.

Itakane does not just train — it builds professionals, businesses, and futures.