Black real estate agents overcome red tapes

BREAKING into the property business has been tough for Boitumelo Mothelesi.

She has been in the real estate field for eight years, and two years ago she started her own company, but things have not been that easy.

When the opportunity to be trained and mentored by Rawson Property Group presented itself, she grabbed it with both hands.

Boitumelo from Rustenburg, North West, was one of the nine candidates who received their franchisee certificates on Thursday, 14 March at the Premier Hotel in Kempton Park, Joburg.

Boitumelo said owning a Rawson franchise means a brighter future for her.

“I've been operating on my own for two years after I decided to start my own company. It hasn’t been easy, especially if you're not known in the market. This market is tough,” she said.

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Boitumelo said one of the challenges small businesses face is cost.

The new franchise owners will receive about R200 000 working capital.

“I've always wanted to have an office but I couldn't afford it. Having an office will open doors for me because at least, if you have an address people will have trust in what you're doing, unlike when you work from a garage,” she said.

Palesa Jali, who will operate from Westville, KZN, said while she was running her company, she came across a lot of red tape in the real estate industry.

Palesa said she was happy with the continuous training and coaching.

Rawson will also train the franchisees’ agents and pay for their examinations.

“They always say you need to learn from those with experience. Like it or not, they know more and have ventured into many areas. Rather than starting from scratch and face challenges, we'll be mentored on how to overcome them.”

Other recipients are Ziyanda Bandla, Zola Mtya, Ndaba Khumalo, Johny Seloi, Albert Maseko, Thobile Masanabo and Chwayita Hoyi.

Palesa said she will grab all the opportunities to grow herself in the industry.

“I pinch myself and ask God what He saw in me. This is not about me but about my family, community and a black child out there. I need to uplift others because I've been given a chance,” she said.