Derick van der Merwe (J.F.)

Derick (J.F.) van der Merwe has a diverse work experience spanning several industries and roles. Derick (J.F.) started their career as an Articled Clerk at Strydom Boshoff & Vennote in 1975 before moving on to work as a Management Accountant at Imperial Cold Storage Ltd in 1979. From 1980 to 1990, they served as the Cape Property MD & Divisional FD at Stocks & Stocks Construction Group. In 1990, they became the CEO and Managing Director of Victoria & Alfred Waterfront where they developed and managed a large mixed-use development. In 1994, they became the Past President (South Africa) of FIABCI, The International Real Estate Federation. In 2008, they founded DVDM PROPERTIES PTY LTD and served as the Chief Executive Officer, carrying out various real estate development projects in different countries in Africa. Derick (J.F.) also acted as a Non-Executive Director (Retired Chairman of the Board) at PNA Stationers (Pty) Ltd from 2011 to 2021. Additionally, they held the position of Lead Independent Non-Executive Director at Afrimat from 2014 and Accelerate Property Fund Ltd from 2020. Throughout their career, they have been involved in multiple consulting and advisory roles in the real estate industry.

Derick (J.F.) van der Merwe's education history begins with their matriculation from Hennenman High School in OFS, RSA, from 1967 to 1971. Derick (J.F.) then attended the University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika, where they obtained a B.Compt (hons) degree in Accounting from 1975 to 1979. Additionally, Derick studied at the Public Accountants and Auditors Board FQE, specializing in Accounting and Business/Management to obtain the designation of CA (S.A).

Derick also holds several additional certifications. In 1983, they obtained the Chartered Accountant (South Africa) certification from SAICA CA(SA). Derick (J.F.) later became an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Building from The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in 1985. In 1992, Derick earned certification from the IEASA - Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA).