MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2025
THE PPRA PARTNERS WITH IREM TO LAUNCH GLOBAL ARM® CERTIFICATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
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The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), headquartered in Chicago, USA, to introduce the internationally recognised Accredited Residential Manager® (ARM®) certification to South Africa. This new collaboration is designed to create a pathway for qualified property practitioners, particularly those who have completed the PPRA’s Principal Real Estate Agent qualification, to further distinguish themselves with a globally respected credential in residential property management.
The ARM® certification is ideal for early-career professionals and affirms mastery of key competencies required to manage residential properties successfully and ethically. The partnership marks a significant step in the PPRA’s ongoing mission to professionalise and uplift standards in the property sector by aligning with global best practices. Thato Ramaili, Chief Executive Officer of the PPRA confirmed that approximately 1,200 practitioners have opted to use the IREM modules for CPD credits and another 300 opted to attend a webinar. “We are excited to expand the career development pathways for South African property professionals. “This partnership will enable our practitioners to attain a recognised international standard that enhances both local credibility and global mobility” added Ramaili
The collaboration builds on the successful integration of IREM-developed content in PPRA’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. CEO Thato Ramaili confirmed that, more than 2,000 property practitioners have selected IREM’s online CPD modules, and an additional 200 attended a live CPD session hosted in Johannesburg. The in-person training was delivered by Patrick Katabua, CPM®, an IREM-certified instructor and President of the IREM Gauteng Chapter. “The IREM modules have already been well attended and received good review,” noted Ms. Ramaili. “This gives professionals here a chance to add a global certification to their credentials.
This opens more opportunities in the local sector and beyond,” says 2025 President Dawn Carpenter, who was on-hand in Johannesburg, to confirm the program with Ms. Ramaili. The ARM® rollout is expected to strengthen professional standards and increase IREM’s footprint in the region, including membership growth through its Gauteng Chapter, which was launched in 2018 as IREM’s first and only chapter on the African continent. The PPRA looks forward to deepening this collaboration and continuing to offer innovative, high-quality learning experiences to drive transformation and excellence in the property sector
IREM South Africa Communications Department