MESSAGE FROM
the President of ARC
A number of challenges, including how we
enforce rules, have also come to the fore, as
well as the unacceptable service levels of local
government, which remains highly concerning.
The bullying tactics from financial institutions
are also undoubtedly keeping our attorneys
extremely busy.
Today, ARC represents the interests of more
than
125
000
homes
in
300
residential
communities across the country and the last
seven years since our formation has certainly
been interesting and exciting. ARC has helped
Since establishing The Association of Residential
increase the levels of unification amongst
Communities (ARC) in 2008, I have witnessed
estate managers of all our member clients and
incredible changes in the sector. One of the
our business partners have also been highly
most noticeable has been the expectations
supportive, providing state of the art products
of owners living in a community association.
and services to this thriving industry.
Whereas
before,
security
was
the
main
attraction, today, homeowners are now looking
This innovative industry journal allows our
for the value added solutions available to them
members to understand the best practice policies
simply because they live in a community. This
and prescribed industry standards. Information
has resulted in improved rates for products and
on new initiatives that we have successfully
services, because of the joint buying power,
implemented, including the formation of both
such as short-term insurance, for example,
the Community Associations Institute of South
thereby improving quality of life and reducing
Africa (CAISA) and the Residential Community
costs.
Council (RCC), are included and we also take
an in-depth look at the industry as a whole
There has also been much more emphasis
in our residential reviews by focussing on one
placed on the estate management vocation
estate in each designated area.
and the international qualifications that are now
available to those estate managers who want to
We would like to thank our members and
further their professional career.
business partners, their boards and staff for
their loyal support and hope that this journal
New legislation has flooded our communities,
provides you with interesting and valuable
most notable being the Companies Act and
insight into the residential community of South
the Community Schemes Ombudsman Service
Africa.
Act (CSOS), both of which place additional
responsibilities
on
directors
and
trustees.
Jeff Gilmour
To this end, the formation of the new Residential
President
Community Council (RCC) will prove to be the
The Association of Residential Communities
most important move in our industry to date.