An inspiring property deal in the Western Cape's Cape Flats, which created local employment in the region by turning a dilapidated piece of land into a multi-let property has been celebrated at this year's annual Investor of the Year Awards.
The SA Property Investors Network (SAPIN) announced the winners during a glittering celebration held at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch last week.
Darren Francis, the overall winner of the 2021 Investor of the Year Awards, received a standing ovation for property investment seen to "bring dignity and hope to the Cape Flats".
Francis also won the Investor of Change category - awarded to a property investor who had the biggest social impact through their property deal/business.
READ: South African property investment tips for beginners
“This is a victory for my dad. Although his business failed, his hard work paid off and this is something I can hang on my wall and call it my father’s award. It’s also a win for my community and many young people will see this as an opportunity to do better,” says Francis.
According to SAPIN, Francis flipped six properties within in 18 months, expanding in the buy-to-let market.
“The Investor of the Year Awards is about so much more than glitz and glamour. It’s about South African individuals who have overcome tremendous odds and empowered themselves and many others around them through innovative and daring property deals. It was incredible to celebrate the success stories of ordinary people who overcame the insurmountable to change the trajectory of their lives and uplift the areas that they’ve invested in,” says Andrew Walker, CEO of SA Property Investors Network.
Francis' strategy has focused on creating jobs and sustainable living. After changing the lives of his family members, he discovered that property investing was bigger than what he thought it would be. It was an opportunity to change not only his life and his family, but he managed to create jobs.
"Through Darren’s investments he could help breach the gap of people looking for employment and help them provide food for their families. Creating permanent employment has become the focus of his property investments," says Walker.
Francis joins a select group of individuals who have defied the odds through property deals that are uplifting suburbs, communities and cities across South Africa.
READ: Pay less than R2k pm to invest in exclusive Cape Town hotel-style apartment from R1.6m
Beginner Investor
Nomakhosi Makolota's grew up in Soweto Pimville and developed a vacant stand with shacks into units with the help of Tuhf’s Umastandi finance. These units are rented out and are providing Nomakhosi with a positive cashflow.
Nomakhosi now plans to buy and develop more residential properties that provide occupants with a sense of dignity.
Most Growth Investor
Teren Ramnundlall invested in his first property in 2018, amd is now a full-time property investor who pitched multi-let deals in various Johannesburg locations.
Teren entered the awards evening to give back by sharing his story and encouraging others to believe that property investment is possible for them.
He hopes he can be an inspiration to other people in the same way that his property coaches inspired and supported him. In doing so, he believes he can uplift others.
Innovative Investor
Ridhwaan Basa pitched a rent-to-rent Airbnb deal in Camps Bay, Cape Town, which is generating a healthy cash flow.
After being hospitalised for 29 days with Covid-19 in December 2020, Ridhwaan thought it might all be over. He spent eight days in ICU but only came off of 24/7 oxygen support in the middle of March 2021.
“I almost died, but thanks to the smart strategies and automations that I put into place, my Airbnb business was able to run without me,” says Ridhwaan.
Big Leagues Investor
Mulalo Tshitema employed four people to assist him in running a multi-let in Auckland Park that has been in operation since 2018 with 20 fully let rooms.
His second deal comprised 94 two-bedroom apartments with 52 units complete and the remainder to be completed by the end of the year.
“I will see it as an award to thank myself on achieving my goal to inspire South Africans and help them see the possibility to start their own business and help solve unemployment in our country," says Mulalo.
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
