We are delighted to welcome Ayesha Arend-Cottle to the ESI team. Ayesha joined us in February 2026 as our Estates Manager, bringing with her a strong legal background, a thoughtful leadership style and a deep sense of purpose in the work she does.
Growing up
Ayesha was born and raised in Cape Town and has lived here her entire life. She grew up in a close-knit family with her parents and brother, describing it as a “perfect little family” until the loss of her mother in 2022. She then lived with her father and brother until getting married a year later, in 2023 – a period that shaped her resilience and perspective on life.
Studies and student life
Ayesha studied law at the University of Cape Town. She fondly recalls student life as a balance of hard work and deep friendships. When she wasn’t studying, she was spending time with her three best friends – all law students – which made every day enjoyable. Interestingly, the library was one of her favourite places, even when she wasn’t working on assignments.
Career journey
Ayesha began her legal career in 2020, completing her articles at DKVG Attorneys. After being admitted as an attorney, she moved to ENSafrica as an Associate in the Property and Real Estate Department, where she was later admitted as a conveyancer. At the end of 2025, she made the decision to join ESI.
Family life
Ayesha is married to her husband, Tashreeq, whom she describes as her “better half” and her rock through life’s ups and downs. Together they have a son, Umar, who is nearing the “terrible twos” stage and keeps her constantly on her toes. Being Umar’s mom is her greatest joy and she describes her family as her whole world.
A day at ESI
Ayesha starts her day with a strong cup of coffee and a careful review of her emails. She plans her week every Monday, which helps her stay organised and focused. Currently, she manages the Estates Department and is also heading up an important internal project alongside her colleagues, Lani and Kayleen. As for what’s happening in estates? In Ayesha’s words: “Watch this space.”
Proud moments
Among her proudest achievements, Ayesha counts:
- Being trusted with serious responsibility that helps shape people’s lives
- Overcoming adversity and emerging stronger
- Being present for her son, regardless of life’s challenges and, most importantly, being his mom
Life philosophy
Ayesha lives by a powerful moral:
“Even when being firm, choose dignity over cruelty. Most people are fighting battles you cannot see.”
Life outside the office
In her spare time, Ayesha loves spending quality time with her family, going on coffee runs and laughing with her brother, playing children’s games with her son and enjoying girl dates with her best friends. She loves being outdoors in nature, visiting parks, playing with her cats, colouring in her “adult” colouring books and watching thrillers. Ayesha also has a passion for fashion and enjoys buying and selling unusual clothing pieces.
We’re excited to have Ayesha as part of the ESI family and look forward to watching her make her mark in the Estates Department and beyond.