About Itakane

MEET OUR TEAM

Amanda Marinus

CEO & Director, Itakane Real Estate Academy

Director since 2017

Amanda Marinus is the CEO and Director of Itakane Real Estate Academy, a leading institution in South Africa’s real estate training industry. With over three decades of experience in property, financial services, and business management, Amanda has played a pivotal role in empowering thousands of property practitioners and advancing the standards of real estate education across the country.

Amanda’s career in real estate began in 1988 when she obtained her Fidelity Fund Certificate. Since then, she has held various leadership roles in both the financial and property sectors. In 2015, Amanda took over the reins of Itakane Real Estate Academy, following the passing of her late husband and mentor, Pieter Swart. Under her leadership, Itakane has firmly established itself as a top-tier provider of real estate education, having trained over 6,000 real estate professionals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and practical expertise required to excel in the competitive property market.

Amanda has been instrumental in transitioning Itakane to the new QCTO qualification framework, ensuring the academy remains a cutting-edge institution in the ever-evolving real estate industry. Her innovative approach to training includes the development of personalized learning paths, adaptive learning technology, and real-world simulations, all designed to maximize learner success. She is also deeply committed to fostering cultural competency and ethical practices in the real estate profession.

Prior to joining Itakane, Amanda founded and successfully managed GreenHouse Insurance (Pty) Ltd in 1985, a company that provided comprehensive financial services for over 30 years. Her extensive experience in financial management and business development has been key to her strategic leadership and continued success at Itakane.

Amanda’s unwavering commitment to quality education, professional development, and innovation has solidified Itakane Real Estate Academy’s reputation as a leader in the industry. Her visionary leadership continues to shape the future of real estate training in South Africa, preparing the next generation of property professionals to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Carol Wentzel Currie

Quality Assurer

Carol Wentzel Currie is a highly skilled, dependable, and adaptable professional with over 20 years of expertise in training accreditation through various SETAs and the successful implementation of training programs. She is recognized for her strong interpersonal skills, which foster collaboration and build positive relationships, ensuring excellence across IT, administration, and quality assurance processes.

With extensive knowledge of QCTO/SETA processes and learner upload systems, Carol leverages her established connections with industry experts to drive strategic growth and innovation. Her professional portfolio includes proven success in recruiting and selecting staff within the retail industry and managing housekeeping operations in the hospitality sector.

Amy Hill

Admin | Sales & Enquiries

“With over two years of experience in hospitality and customer service, and three years in the real estate industry, she has honed her adaptability, friendliness, and professionalism, sharpening her skills in client relations. She has also developed a strong willingness to learn and teach, enhancing her ability to provide value in every interaction.

She is proud to have obtained her NQF Level 4 qualification, which empowers her to deliver top-notch service and expertise to her clients and colleagues.

Itakane has been a driving force in her professional growth, offering opportunities that have shaped her into the dedicated, hardworking individual she is today. She is honored to be part of such an incredible team and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.”