By Brett Botsis
In every industry, there are a few individuals who leave an indelible mark. In South African real estate, Jill Corfield is one of those rare people - a name that evokes admiration, respect, and immense gratitude across generations of estate agents.
For many agents, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Jill is more than just a trainer; she is a mentor, a guide, and an icon. She has quite literally shaped careers, families, and entire businesses through her dedication to training and instilling ethics, professionalism, and passion into the industry she loves. Her journey is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Humble Beginning, A Powerful Legacy
Jill’s story begins with a chapter of personal hardship - divorced at 30, with no home, no car, no financial support, and no formal qualifications. It was a friend’s suggestion to enter real estate that would change her life.
What started as a practical step to make ends meet quickly evolved into a lifelong calling. Jill began her career selling homes in Westville and Pinetown, quickly adapting to tough conditions - she remembers a time when the interest rate was an astonishing 28%, and banks had run out of money. Unfazed, she took it upon herself to master every detail of the new Alienation of Land Act, ensuring her survival and success while others hesitated.
From Trainer’s Assistant to Industry Leader
Jill’s career took a transformative turn when she met her mentor and eventual business partner, Gordon Battersby, during voluntary training at Pinetown Tech. Initially joining him at Highway Estates, she worked her way up from assistant to manager and finally, partner.
When they launched CB Enterprises, Jill had no initial plans to step into the spotlight. But when Gordon decided to return to sales, Jill became the trainer - and the rest, as they say, is history. She fell passionately in love with training, realizing her true gift lay in empowering others.
Her courses became renowned for their depth and clarity, delivered in venues like Westville Country Club, her syllabus covering everything from the Fundamentals of Real Estate, to the Estate Agents Affairs Act 112 of 1976 and the Code of Conduct - material that shaped the careers of thousands, including my own parents in the 1980s, and myself decades later.
A Pillar of Integrity & Professionalism
What sets Jill apart is not just her knowledge, but her unshakable commitment to ethics, kindness, and integrity.
She served on the Estate Agents Affairs Board (EAAB) not once, but three times - a remarkable achievement that reflects the trust and respect she earned within the industry. She chaired both the Claims Committee and the Disciplinary Committee, reinforcing her belief that ethics form the backbone of a successful career.
She’s also held positions as Chairman of the Institute of Estate Agents, and became an Accredited Training Provider for SETA - formal recognition of the impact she’s made.
Touching Lives, Building Careers
Jill’s greatest reward has never been the sales, but the success stories of the agents she’s trained. From helping an entire franchise group qualify their principals, to being approached by agents who proudly tell her she trained their grandparents, her influence spans generations.
It’s impossible to overstate the number of careers Jill has shaped. Her training methods are responsible for some of South Africa’s most successful agents and principals - many of whom still turn to her today, in 2025, for guidance and support.
Even corporate training sessions, such as those held at Private Property to Brett4Real and other leading real estate agencies, highlight how Jill’s knowledge and commitment to compliance, ethics, and professional growth continuously benefit teams across the industry.
A Woman of Wit and Warmth
Jill’s humility and humour are part of what makes her so beloved. She shares stories of being rescued down a ladder by the Phoenix fire brigade after being locked in a ladies' toilet with a signed sale offer (pre-cell phone days!), and her candid reflection on not having created a formal succession plan shows her authenticity.
If she were to write a book, Jill says she’d call it "Real Estate Challenges and Solutions" - but anyone who’s worked with her knows the real title could just as easily be "The Woman Who Raised an Industry."
A Legacy That Lives On
Jill Corfield’s career is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and the extraordinary power of mentorship. She has touched countless lives, including my own, and continues to train with passion and vigor well into 2025.
Her legacy isn’t just one of professional success - it’s one of transforming people, empowering them with knowledge, integrity, and belief in themselves.
Jill, on behalf of every estate agent you've taught, every career you've launched, and every person you've inspired - from the bottom of my heart - thank you. You are, without question, one of South Africa’s most treasured icons in real estate.
