EXAMPLE PAGE - MAIN PAGE - ONLINE MAGAZINE - TRANSFORM - Flipbook - Page 51
ENTREPRENEURS
Kagiso wants to change
townships property markets
Kagiso Makwela (25), founder and chairman at Best Value Property
Solutions SA, is a young man on a mission – he is a professional real
estate investor, entrepreneur, coach, educator and motivational speaker
who wants to revolutionise the property industry, particularly in the
townships.
Briefly tell us about yourself
I was born in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. I obtained my Bachelor’s
Degree in Education at Tshwane University of Technology in 2015 and
started my teaching job. Growing up in a two-roomed shack wasn’t easy,
the township I grew up in, had limited means of transport, sanitation,
inspiration, motivation and infrastructure. I was very lucky to have parents
who encouraged me to pursue my academic education.
How did you get into the private investment industry?
Growing up, I used to play monopoly and cash flow games predominantly
and at some point I began to relate the games to reality. I then started to
observe different areas, especially residential and commercial properties.
Observation was the key fundamental personal self-concept in my life. I
started reading up on real estate, finance, success stories, and attending
free property seminars. Furthermore I then signed up for a property
coaching programmes which taught me strategies on how to become a
successful property investor using a company and Real Estate Investment
Trust (REIT).
on how to become entrepreneurs, raise funds, how to attract investors,
how to market properties, how to use a trust account for their portfolios
and more.
How much money and resources were needed to set up your
company?
To sum up the costs of traveling, lunch with mentors and coaching, I have
invested more than R90 000 annually from my salary as a teacher, to up
skill myself and start my own property company.
What is it about the industry that keeps you motivated?
There is not much competition in the existing property markets, especially
in the townships. Moreover this creates a lot of opportunities, thus we
are aiming at creating a lot of real estate investors and companies that
can help develop our township residential industry.
What are some of the legislation requirements that are involved?
Professionals, such as a conveyancing attorneys, tax advisors, chartered
accountants and bond originators are required to help you in your real
estate investment journey. Work with these professionals and use their
services to make sure that you do the right things and do not lose money.
What would you like to change in the industry?
To develop the South African Township Property markets and changing
the way people think about investing in properties through our property
seminars and coaching programmes.
How many employees do you have?
The company has more than 12 full-time employees and a network of
more than 5 000 participators.
What are some of the common challenges one is bound to face in
the industry and what must one do to prepare for those challenges?
In South Africa, Capital, raising funds, finding the right deal and investors
has been the biggest issue in the private sector. Moreover it is a common
misconception that a lot of people who want to venture into the private
sector tend to think about these challenges before they can even start,
some even back down from their ideas because of that. Since that has
been the biggest challenge, we have developed personal and business
coaching programmes that can help and equip people with strategies
What are your views on transformation in South Africa and the rest
of the continent?
Technology is taking over and information travels faster than anything
else, the online markets are growing rapidly. The private sector is
booming because a lot South Africans are involved in social and online
marketing, so reaching clients, investors and unemployed people has
been become easier.
What methods do you use to market your business?
Flyers, door to door, bill boards and online platforms.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Invest in your financial education, attend seminars, associate yourself
with like-minded people and get a mentor who is already in the business.
Volume 23 • 2018/19
49
