Business

It happens often. Would-be real estate entrepreneurs call me up. “Xoliswa, you have been successful at the real estate game. I am thinking of it too. What advice do you have for me? And there’s more. A chorus of congratulations, positive comments, recognition after recognition, many admirers and the like. Giving me positive affirmation that what I am doing is positive for my community. The youth...

Congratulations to our matric class of 2025. Well done on your results, which have shown the world what you, as the generation that beat COVID, can do. And for those who need to give it another try, opportunity, and time, it’s on your side. Keep on pushing. Most of you have begun taking the first steps toward fulfilling your dream life by furthering your education. Whatever educational route you choose,...

 Fortunately, it is a really easy question for me to answer. The answer is a resounding no. Of course, I would tweak it here and there, but I am doing exactly what I always wanted to do.My life roadmap started many years ago with education. I always understood that the parachute would help me land where I wanted. Even at a young age, it helped me understand my strengths, which are making friends, closing...

I get asked often how I built my company, especially in this tough industry. There are some things you need to get right from the beginning, such as developing a strong corporate identity and ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements, like registering the company. Don’t give your naysayers anything to talk about. And yes, there will be the detractors – “You will not last. Real estate isn’t...

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, are looking to generate a good income, and want a flexible lifestyle, then being a real estate agent is for you. But to start working as a property practitioner, there are some essential steps that you need to take. First, as a newbie, you must find an existing firm that is licensed and managed by a fully qualified principal. A principal is the licensed or certified...

I was in my 30s when the family moved to the suburbs. It was an easy decision for the kids and me, less so for my husband, Zet. I knew that it would lead to other changes, some intended, others unintended. Our new home wasn't the dream home, but it was in a lovely area and closer to schools. Who wouldn't want a shorter school run? And the kids were happy. Happy kids; happy mom. Of course, the home...

One of the biggest blessings I had as the only grandchild at the time was living with my maternal grandmother. Living with Mama meant sharing lots of domestic routines. I wouldn’t call it domestic bliss.  Every morning, the rooster would wake the household at 03:00, 05:00, and 06:00. Imagine! The 5am rooster call meant that Mama would get her coffee from my aunt.  Like lots of us, she never got out...

Every time I tell my story, I begin with Burgersdorp, my hometown.  Then, I get a familiar blank stare.  “Burgersdorp?”Yes, Burgersdorp in the Eastern Cape. You won’t find it on any of the major routes in the province, but if you are looking for a point of reference, it is located on the R58, approximately 350 km from East London and 300 km from Bloemfontein. Yes, in the middle of nowhere.This...

I have started one of the most significant projects of my career. What a challenge it is. But I have never feared tackling new challenges. Whether it was an exam, selling produce for my parents’ spaza shop, or getting into the real estate business, there is always a way.But what I can say about this one is that I haven’t done anything like this before.It’s been an on-and-off project for a couple of...

I have always advocated real estate as the ideal career for those who can get up and go, maximise their strong network, and have good innate marketing skills. It is also an option for experienced professionals looking to start a new career, especially those who are retired but don’t want to be. It is for independent, disciplined, tenacious people who know how to set and pursue goals, including closing...