Jackie van Niekerk is the Chief Executive Officer of Attacq Limited, one of South Africa’s leading property development and investment companies. Under her leadership, Attacq continues to grow its retail, logistics, and commercial property portfolio, including flagship assets such as Waterfall City, the PwC Tower, the Cell C Campus, and the Mall of Africa.
Born in Port Shepstone and raised in Pietermaritzburg, van Niekerk’s journey reflects resilience, self-determination, and an enduring commitment to learning. After losing her mother at 15, she worked to support herself through university, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Pretoria, where she specialized in accounting, taxation, and management accounting.
Her career began in property development after a chance encounter while working as a waitress. Starting as an administrative assistant for a small residential developer, she learned the business from the ground up, later joining Abland as an asset manager on a short-term contract. Through determination and long hours, she secured a permanent role and helped establish the Pivotal Fund, where she rose to become Chief Executive Officer. In 2014, she led Pivotal’s successful listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) before overseeing its merger with Redefine Properties.
Van Niekerk joined Attacq in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer and was appointed Chief Executive Officer a few years later. Known for her disciplined work ethic, strategic acumen, and people-centered leadership, she continues to shape South Africa’s property sector through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable urban development.
Her advice to young professionals mirrors her own path: “Know what you want—or go and discover it. Success takes sacrifice, courage, and resilience. Never give up.”