MEET THE TEAM

ALEXIS TOWNSLEY

With a Diploma in Financial Accounting and years of hands-on experience across the full accounting spectrum, Alexis brings her remarkable skills coupled with a ‘wicked’ sense of humour to the ZDFin team.  Responsible for maintaining the checks and balances for ZDFin‘s clients, Lexi has her finger on the pulse of everything from SARS compliance, to the management accounts for our Executive Managing Agent (EMA) clients and self-managed buildings.  Her expertise is a vital element in the exceptional level of service and delivery ZDFin offers its clients.

When she is not working, you’ll find Lexi outdoors –  gardening or hiking.

AMDENÉ VILJOEN

Amdené is an admitted attorney, with an LLB from the Northwest University campus in Potchefstroom; Amdené is a dedicated attorney with in excess of 10 years’ experience in Community Scheme Management and Debt Collections.

Having represented Community Schemes in the court room, and later within a national property management company, Amdené has honed her skills and Specialised Debt Levy Collection, Property Management, and Dispute Resolution within community schemes.

Her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of Sectional Title Legislation has allowed her to effectively navigate complex legal frameworks and makes her an asset to the ZDFin team attending to both financed and non-financed levy collection matters.

Amdené also heads ZDFin’s Cape Town office which provides localised support and services to our Executive Managing Agent (EMA) clients in the Cape.

BIANCA BOTHA

Bianca is part of ZDFin’s Executive Managing Agent team and also serves as the Head of Group Marketing. With over 9 years of dedicated experience in property management, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our esteemed team.

Bianca is known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and keen eye for detail. These qualities have defined her successful career in the industry thus far.

Her dedication to excellence and commitment to delivering high-quality results make her a valuable addition to the team. With Bianca on board, we are confident that her skills, experience, and passion will further bolster our position in the industry and contribute to the continued success of ZDFin.

BLYDE PINTO

As a seasoned professional with a diverse background in Human Resources, Business Banking, and Personal Lines Insurance, Blyde has spent the past 20 years cultivating a passion for Community Schemes and specialist building insurance. Her journey with a renowned brokerage, where she started with a small client base 18 years ago, was incredibly rewarding.

Blyde’s expertise in the STSM Act and the intricacies of schemes enables her to tailor insurance solutions that balance comprehensive coverage with affordable premiums. She is driven by a commitment to delivering outstanding client service and providing expert guidance on insurance matters.

Blyde is excited to leverage her knowledge and experience to support ZDFin’s clients and prospective clients. Outside of work, her family is her top priority, and she  finds joy in life’s simple pleasures, with music being a constant source of inspiration.

BRETT WHITBY

Brett Whitby began his career in 2009, gaining seven years of experience in customer service before transitioning to property management in 2016. With nine years of expertise in residential, maintenance, and sectional title management, Brett has become well-versed in the field.

Throughout his career, Brett has excelled in the roles of Maintenance Administrator and Community Schemes Administrator for community schemes. His passion for sharing knowledge and fostering a collaborative team environment has made him an invaluable asset.

Recently joining ZDFin, Brett is now part of the EMA Maintenance team, overseeing inspections, operations, coordinating with teams, and implementing strategies to minimise downtime and extend asset lifespan. His dedication, expertise, and passion for property management drive success and innovation within the organisation.

CARLOS PINTO

Carlos entered the property in 2008 and was appointed to Portfolio Manager in 2012. During his property career, Carlos has developed a passion for his clients and service delivery. He has managed over 25 schemes, which ranged from small to large estates and has been involved with large maintenance projects within community schemes where he has a natural tendency to take charge of a scheme whilst working collectively with trustees / homeowners and Directors to guide them in terms of the STSM Act and MOI.

Carlos has joined ZDFin’s Executive Managing Agent team.

Carlos is a family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children whilst being a huge sports fanatic.

CHARLES VAN BERGEN

Charles joined the ZDFin team as Building Maintenance Manager, following on from nearly two decades of direct involvement in the Sectional Title Management field as an Estate Manager.

He started his working career as an external credit controller for a large finance house, managing to combine that a career as a professional musician (Saxophone & Vocals) for various commercial bands and recordings at EMI South Africa.

His background in mainframe I.T. (COBOL Specialist, Systems Analyst, Project Manager) for some of the largest finance houses in South Africa, as well as his extensive experience in the Security Industry have served him well in his time as an Estate Manager and made “his” estates the safest of any in their immediate area.

Extensive remediation, refurbishment, and building projects successfully completed throughout his working life have equipped him for any and all possible challenges in his current role, and his appetite for problem-solving continues unabated.

CORA SCHEÜN

Cora holds a BCom in Business Science, which she earned from the University of Stellenbosch.

She joined the Propell (now acquired by ZDFin) team in July 2016 and has been an integral part of the company ever since. After relocating to Gauteng in early 2017, she became the face of Propell in the region. With extensive experience in the Sectional Title industry, Cora brings valuable expertise to her role.

Known for her dedication and positive attitude, Cora consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service to managing agents and trustees. She values teamwork and believes that excellent communication is key to building strong relationships.

Cora thrives on building strong relationships and connecting with people. Outside of work, she enjoys playing padel, hiking, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

DAVID HIRSHOWITZ

David joined ZDFin as Financial Director, bringing with him a wealth of financial knowledge and experience.

David is a chartered accountant with more than 10 years post articles experience, having completed his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and articles at EY. Post articles, David spent three years in financial services and retail, following which he joined a Large Community Scheme Property Management Group of Companies in 2016 where he was the national operational head of accounting. During his seven year tenure, he managed the accounting teams nationally whilst implementing effective accounting principles and procedures.

David is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to streamline financial processes; he excels in optimizing financial performance, be it for the ZDFIN Group or ZDFIN’s valued clients. His proactive approach to financial planning and his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity set him apart as a leader in the field.

David’s collaborative spirit and strong leadership skills enable him to effectively oversee the financial operations of ZDFin, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and driving financial excellence across the organization. His dedication to fostering strong relationships with Executive Managing Agent clients underscores his commitment to providing tailored financial solutions that meet clients specific needs.

David’s passion for delivering exceptional results and his vision for sustainable financial growth make him an invaluable asset to the ZDFin team.

ELWIN ELS

Elwin is no stranger to Collections and Sectional Title Management and has extensive experience in back-end administration, computer systems and legal matters. Elwin is skilled in negotiations, strategic planning, legal research, operations, management and contract negotiations.

Elwin has obtained his LLB, which he focused on Corporate, from the University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika.

Elwin Els is an appointed Director of ZDFin.

HANNES SWANEPOEL

Appointed as the Client Relationship Manager, Hannes joins the team bringing a different pool of skills. With a strong financial background and a passion for sales and marketing, he brings a unique mix of analytical thinking and people skills to every opportunity.

As a former Business Development Manager for a leading software firm, Hannes honed his ability to build trusted relationships and drive strategic growth. He is a natural problem solver who thrives on simplifying complex challenges and delivering meaningful value—particularly within the property industry, where connecting people and solutions is what he does best.

Hannes is a task driven individual looking to make a difference within the ZDFin operations.

JADE SWANEPOEL

Jade is an admitted attorney who completed her BCom Law and LLB degree at the University of Pretoria.

Jade is knowledgeable in all areas of law, but specialises in Commercial, Company and Contract Law. Jade is part of the ZDFin team and fulfils the role of an EMA legal advisor.

Jade is a highly dedicated individual who does not shy away from hard work. She has excellent communication and time management skills which enables her to work in high pressure environments. Jade has developed a skill to attend to client needs and expectations efficiently.

JUNAID MALLY

Junaid joined the ZDFin team in the role of Legal Advisor / EMA Executive ensuring accurate financial, legal and administrative functions.

Junaid has an LLB degree from the University of Pretoria (UP).

His 5 years’ experience in General litigation and Property Law, meticulous attention to detail, dedication to excellence and understanding of the South African law makes him a perfect addition to the ZDFin team.

MARINA ROMA

Marina Roma is a dedicated paralegal and skilled levy collector who has been honing her levy collection skills since 2001.

Marina’s expertise in levy collection extends to managing debt recovery efforts, drafting and reviewing CSOS applications as well as liaising with stakeholders and external attorneys to ensure prompt and transparent communication throughout the collection process.

Marina’s proactive approach to addressing legal challenges and her commitment to upholding industry best practices make her an asset to the Levy Finance team.

MICHAEL SCHAEFER

Michael founded ZDFin just shy of four years ago, after an eighteen-year career as executive director of a large national managing agent.

Since its inception, ZDFin has grown exponentially in terms of both its financial product offering(s) and executive managing agent capability, leveraging off both his and the teams’ “in the trenches” property management experience, unrivalled by any of their competitors.

Michael’s passion and enthusiasm for the industry is well known, and he brings a refreshing perspective to the industry as we know it.

MICHELLE YUTAR

Michelle is the Financial Manager at ZDFin and has a wealth of experience in the financial sector of Community Scheme Property Management.

Joining the team in 2020, Michelle has been an integral part of ZDFin’s journey from its inception, contributing significantly to the company’s financial success and growth.

With her specialised knowledge in Community Scheme finance and related mechanics, Michelle plays a crucial role in managing all aspects of the company’s finances. Her in-depth understanding of financial principles and regulations allows her to oversee the day-to-day financial operations of ZDFin with precision and diligence, ensuring that the company’s accounts are well-maintained and compliant.

Michelle’s dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the team and excellence make her an invaluable asset to the ZDFin team.

MILLY BINHA

Milly Binha is the administrative secretary for Marina Roma at ZDFin, where she assists with administrative matters. With Milly’s welcoming smile and professional demeanor, she ensures that everyone she works with, feels valued and attended to.

Milly’s warm personality and dedication to providing excellent service, creates a positive and inviting atmosphere at ZDFin, setting the tone for a successful and productive work environment.

Milly’s professionalism and reliability make her an invaluable asset to both colleagues and clients alike.

NICOLA SCHAEFER

Nicola is an admitted attorney with an LLB degree and over 13 years of experience in all aspects pertaining to Levy Collections and Legal Management.

Following seven years in the Sectional Title Industry as a legal adviser, she joined the ZDFin team in 2020 during its founding stages.

Nicola is ZDFin’s in-house legal advisor and oversees all legal matters, including those of our Levy Finance solutions, Executive Managing Agent (EMA) buildings, drafting of contracts and the management of our in-house property portfolio.

Nicola’s passion is to be involved in the rehabilitation of financially distressed schemes, and she happily gets involved wherever there is a need – from overseeing the legal matters to getting her hands dirty in maintenance and renovations.

PORTIA NDHLOVU

Meet Portia Ndhlovu who is a multi-talented professional with a passion for empowering others and fulfils the role of receptionist at ZDFin.

Portia is responsible for welcoming and greeting guests, and carrying through the professional support which our clients expect from ZDFin. Portia oversees our office administration requirements and ensures there is a constant flow of communication between all parties.

Portia takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests as well as providing superior support to the team.

Portia’s keen interest in developing skills as well as fostering growth is evident in her additional qualifications as a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF), Moderator and Facilitator registered with the QCTO. Included in her list of credentials are her Fire Mashall, SHE Rep and First Aid certifications from NOSA.

With a contagious smile and positive energy, we rely on Portia to spread joy and enthusiasm within the office.

ROXZANNE BUDLER

Roxzanne joined the ZDFin team in July 2023 and is responsible for all the background administration and support on ZDFin’s EMA portfolio.

Roxzanne has close to 10 years’ active experience in the property management industry after obtaining her B.Com from the University of Johannesburg, and is a vital part of the operational team and a valued asset.

RUAN VAN DEN BERG

Ruan has over six years of experience in the insurance industry, with a specialised focus on Sectional Title. Throughout his career, he has honed his expertise in managing insurance policies tailored to the unique needs of sectional title properties.

Ruan possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of this niche market, enabling him to offer valuable insights and solutions to clients. His commitment to providing high-quality service and his ability to navigate complex insurance requirements has made him a trusted professional in the industry.

SHAHIEM CARR

Shahiem has in excess of 30 years’ property management experience.

He has an incredible success story, his property journey started at the very grassroots level, in the mail and dispatch department of a national property management company and recently ending as its Operational Director, some 30 years later. Known for his contagious enthusiasm for the industry and electric energy, Shahiem brings invaluable experience and capacity to the team as an almost complete package.

SHEM PHIRI

Shem is ZDFin’s Driver, Meter Reader, Maintenance Inspector.

Shem’s responsibilities extend to acting as a Personal Shopper for Executive Managing Agent clients, fulfilling their shopping needs and delivering items with care and efficiency.

His friendly demeanour and willingness to go above and beyond to meet client requirements make him a valuable asset in providing personalized service and fostering strong client relationships. He can often be seen on the ground in the buildings and estates we manage, meeting with contractors on-site, ensuring that all is running smoothly on the ground and actioning for attention, any problems or issues

Shem plays a crucial role in supporting the Executive Managing Agent clients and maintaining high standards of service delivery.

TAYLOR DANIELS

As ZDFin’s Head of Property; Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Executive Managing Agent team and joined ZDFin in March 2021, as employee number five.

Taylor is a seasoned property professional with extensive experience in Community Scheme Property Management and is responsible for the management of all property-related operations within the Company.

In addition to her expertise in property management, she carefully evaluates potential projects and make allowances in Community Scheme budgets while maximizing returns on invested funds.

Taylor encourages her team members to think creatively and embrace new ideas, resulting in improved operational efficiencies and exceptional service delivery.

THANDO NKABINDE

Thando is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a background rooted in office administration, facilities coordination, managing property operations and coordinating with residents. She brings a unique blend of client-service excellence, managing sensitive information, resolving disputes, maintaining calm professionalism under pressure and interpersonal warmth to her role in debt collection and credit control.

Her keen organisational abilities, strong communication, emotional intelligence and unwavering commitment to fairness and professionalism have equipped her with the ability to approach debt collection with structure and humility.

VIRNA HERWITCH

Virna has 35 years’ experience in debt collection in various industries, with the last 14 years being spent honing her skills in Levy Finance and Levy Collections.

Virna brings her wealth of Levy Collection experience to the ZDFin team, along with her passion for the industry.  With a detailed understanding of collection procedures and her wealth of knowledge in Levy Finance, Virna is well suited to creating and implementing beneficial organisational structures as well as ensuring compliance to these structures. Virna has a skill for growing teams under her guidance and care. Her attention to detail allows her to find solutions to problems and assist in resolving issues accurately and timeously.