winner

Top Entrepreneur Of The Year

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I was inspired by the fear of being ordinary. I wanted to push myself to limits of greatness and what better way than to be an techpreneur. I also wanted to challenge the status quo and make my mark in the universe.

Tell us about your journey and how you started your business.

It was during the first lockdown in 2020, when the idea of creating Reslocate arose. I saw the challenges experienced by the university students when searching for accommodation. There is a severe shortage of student housing in SA and around the world.

Students are being exploited by bogus landlords with overpricing, illegitimate properties and scams. I worked on developing and creating Reslocate to assist students with the pre-booking of safe and secure, decent accommodation to address the challenges they face.

Reslocate is an interactive platform that connects students with property owners. We exist to solve the critical issue of student housing around the world by being the “go-to-guy” for

“Early in my career I was involved in building one of the largest railway companies in South Africa from scratch and in 2020, I joined the tech industry and founded Reslocate. I have always been intrigued by the world of technology and its contribution to the world’s innovations. I bring to the table my best attributes of being obsessively attentive to detail, ruthlessly competitive, calm in a crisis, willing to take risks, tough decisions and being great at spotting talent.” finding safe, secure and decent accommodation. We are the bridge that connects students and property owners.

How does Reslocate operate?

Reslocate is a virtual friend to every young person looking for student accommodation, being only one swipe away on their smartphone. Our App is user-friendly and efficient and is always up-to date with all the latest data pertaining to property. With this, we are able to offer convenience and peace of mind, ensuring that the accommodation part is taken care of, giving students ample time to focus on their studies. In short, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got your back.

What are some of the key characteristics that make you a successful entrepreneur?

The ability to spot great talent, passion for people, and the ability to create a working environment that promotes individual successes and personal growth. And the Ubuntu principles of ‘we are human before anything’.

What motivates you?

I get motivated by greatness and a continuous search to becoming a better human being. My family also motivates me; seeing my kids and wife happy melts my heart.

What were some of the challenges you have faced as an entrepreneur?

Doubt. For a person who comes from a previously disadvantaged background, I had naysayers that thought we couldn’t develop an App that could complete globally.

How have you overcome challenges?

Reslocate has won several awards globally. It is also the only South African company to exhibit at the two largest tech conference in the world: Websummit (Portugal) and Slush (Finland). We are also in the process of finalising a subsidiary in the South of France to target the European market.

What were some of the highlights of your journey as an entrepreneur?

The biggest highlights include seeing our product working, creating part-time job opportunities (we employ students enrolled in different tertiary institutions to assist us with vetting properties loaded on the App), branching out to Europe and having global partnerships. In addition we:

• participated in the Ituseed global accelerator

• exhibited at the 6th edition of Viva Technology 2022

• showcased and exhibited at Websummit Lisbon 2021

• were the SAIS Boost Up 2021 winner

• exhibited at Slush 2021 Helsinki

• were the Africatech Challenge 2021 winner

• were the ITU Digital 2021 awards runner-up

What are the key lessons you have learned?

I learned the importance of patience; risks get rewarded and business is built through partnerships. Additionally, always employ people who share the same vision and values.

How do you foresee your business growing in the next five years?

We aim to be the global leader in property-tech innovation, the number one property-tech company in the world and one of the giants in property management.

These goals align with our desire to make a difference and build an organisation of integrity that listens and responds with care, by servicing the needs of all stakeholders through a people-oriented approach. ■ W