Prior to 2007, Growthpoint had no employees and the company was managed externally by Investec. When this management contract ended in 2007, we adopted an internal management approach. As part of this internalisation initiative, over the last year, all employees participated in a process to define our mission statement and core values. This new mission and set of values guide employee and business conduct, both within the organisation and externally.
Our Mission
The mission of Growthpoint is to be the leading South African property company, consistently delivering superior value to all stakeholders, driven by our passion for property and our commitment to our core values.
Our Values
1. Our people are our most important asset.
We strive to attract and retain the best people, who are empowered to achieve and whose performance is acknowledged and rewarded. We create opportunities for learning and growth. We care about people and about providing the right environment in which to work.
2. We achieve through extraordinary performance
We are solutions focused, innovative and adaptable. We always give our best and never give up in a challenge. We have entrepreneurial spirit and a passion to exceed our goals.
3. We promise clients the highest level of service.
We build strong relationships with our clients and seek to understand their businesses, so as to best meet their needs. We are proactive and responsible, with quick turn around times.
4. We fulfill our commitments.
We do what we say and never go back on our word.
5. We take ownership.
We own our property assets and property management, with each staff member a shareholder in the business. We behave like owners, taking responsibility, addressing problems and acting with pride in what we do.
6. We are ethical and fair.
We are professional and act with the utmost honesty and integrity in all our dealings. We consider all factors before making a decision and, when wrong, accept this graciously. We are law abiding, and never accept or give bribes.
7. We show respect for all people.
We strive to attract and retain the best people, who are empowered to achieve and who's performance is acknowledged and rewarded. We create opportunities for learning and growth. we care about people and about providing the right environment in which to work.
8. We encourage open and honest debate.
We encourage people to speak freely and without fear or retribution. we welcome opinions and debate, listen, and "tackle the issue and not the person."
9. We are socially responsible.
We invest in the community through entrepreneurial development, education and environmental initiatives. We support staff who show personal commitment to social responsibility.
Our Philosophy
In order to achieve our core values and our mission, Growthpoint seeks to:
Generate consistent, reliable income and long-term capital appreciation by:
• Maintaining an optimal balance of well-located, sectorally and geographically diversified portfolios of prime properties
• Preserving and enhancing the value of the properties we own through ongoing maintenance, upgrading and refurbishment
• Maximising the letting of available space to financially sound tenants with long leases
• Maintaining a limited development pipeline
Maintain a strong balance sheet through conservative gearing and credit metrics that are well within covenants.
Limit our exposure to interest rate risk by fixing interest rates over periods matching lease expiries.
Seek out suitable acquisition opportunities, both locally and internationally, that fit our business philosophy and strategy.