At ESI, we believe that behind every successful transfer is a dedicated team member who cares about the people and processes that make it happen. This month, we introduce Shani Jooste, who joined ESI in 2022 and has since discovered a genuine passion for conveyancing. With a growing wealth of experience, a willingness to learn and a commitment to helping clients and estate agents, Shani continues to build her career one file at a time.
From the Northern Suburbs to a career in conveyancing
Born in Cape Town, Shani grew up in the Northern Suburbs in a close-knit family. During her primary school years, she spent a year living with her aunt in Johannesburg, but soon realised that home was where her mom was, and returned to Cape Town. Raised primarily by her mom and stepdad, Shani also has two older sisters on her dad’s side and a much younger sister, the family’s much-loved laatlammetjie.
Shani’s working life began in 2014 while she was still in matric, when she worked weekends at the snack shop at Stodels. After matric, she helped with administrative duties at her stepdad’s mechanical workshop before pursuing studies in Occupational Health and Safety.
In 2016, she moved into an administrative role, assisting a bookkeeper at a Bellville-based company, where she spent six years gaining valuable experience. Although this taught her important organisational and administrative skills, she soon realised that bookkeeping was not where her true passion lay.
That changed when she joined ESI in 2022. She quickly discovered that conveyancing was a career she genuinely enjoyed, and she has never looked back.
Growing and learning at ESI
Shani works in ESI’s transfer department, where her days begin with an essential cup of coffee before she tackles her emails and gets to work on her files. She assists Melissa de Goede with transfers, while also helping clients and estate agents with enquiries and updates on their matters.
She is currently enjoying an exciting stage in her professional journey, working as a junior secretary alongside a senior colleague while gradually taking on files of her own. This hands-on experience is helping her develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to progress into a more senior secretarial role.
The work is often fast-paced and demanding, requiring patience, organisation and a keen eye for detail. However, it is precisely these challenges that Shani enjoys. She appreciates the opportunity to learn something new, accept greater responsibility and reflect on how much she has grown since entering the conveyancing industry.
Looking back, she is particularly proud of the progress she has made since joining ESI. Her confidence has grown, her experience has expanded and she continues to challenge herself. While she is proud of where she is today, she is even more excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Family is at the heart of everything
Outside the office, Shani’s greatest joy is her family. She has been happily married to her husband for seven years, and together they have two beautiful children: a precious little girl in heaven and their lively two-and-a-half-year-old son, who keeps them on their toes.
For Shani, being a mom is one of life’s greatest privileges, and her family means everything to her. She treasures the time they spend together and finds happiness in the little moments that make family life so special.
Her proudest achievement is not a particular milestone or professional accomplishment, but the privilege of being a mother. She is also proud of the woman she has become and the personal growth that has shaped her along the way.
A little kindness goes a long way
Shani believes in treating others the way you would like to be treated. She recognises that we never truly know what someone else may be going through, which is why she tries to approach others with understanding and compassion.
Her philosophy is simple: kindness costs nothing, yet it can mean the world to someone else. It is a reminder that even the smallest gesture can make a meaningful difference, whether at work or in our everyday lives.
Coffee, romcoms and making memories
When she is not working, Shani loves spending quality time with her husband, son and extended family. During the colder winter months, her ideal way to unwind is to curl up on the couch with a good romantic comedy and, of course, another cup of coffee!
When summer arrives, she prefers being outdoors with her husband and son, playing ball, running around and enjoying the sunshine together.
For Shani, happiness is found in the simple things: time spent with loved ones, shared laughter and the everyday moments that become treasured memories.
We are delighted to have Shani as part of the ESI family. Her dedication, enthusiasm for learning and commitment to her professional growth are wonderful qualities to have in our transfer department. We look forward to seeing her continue to develop her skills and achieve her goals as she builds a rewarding future in conveyancing.