Taking transformation forward, one agent at a time
Siyabonga Mshibe, executive chairman of the South African Youth in Property Association (SAYIPA), shares his thoughts and advice on transformation, the youth, and much-needed change in the property sector.
The young Siyabonga Mshibe had a dream. His vision was to change the world, and how to do that is like eating an elephant: one bite at a time! His first objective was to secure his matric diploma through the township high school Lethukuthula Secondary, which helped him secure his first nibble at a career in the corporate world, where he was offered a position at the Wits Business School as an intern programme manager and coordinator.
His entry into property came through a catalytic moment, meeting Ronald Sefalafala, who owns Falas Property Investments, whose business he joined. “Although I had a few concerns, it was the right decision, says Siya. “My first cheque earned was the equivalent of my annual salary in my corporate job. And best was that I began to see the world through the eyes of an adult. No longer was I a child and dependent on others to make decisions.”
One of those decisions was to enrol in the One Learner One Property Practitioner programme presented by the then EAAB. “Wow, were those challenging times!” Siya reminisces. “All of us on the programme were trying to upskill ourselves and still work. It was almost unbearable, which is why I don’t believe young people’s needs in this industry are really being tackled correctly, and more especially for the black youth.”
This is when Siya became a founding member of the South African Youth in Property Association (SAYIPA), which he now heads as executive chairman. SAYIPA’s goal is to “transform the property sector in South Africa by accelerating the active participation of young people in the real estate industry.”
What are the facts that disturb you the most?
We are trading in a sector that has not been transformed enough. To date, there are over 50 000 registered property practitioners, but less than 10 000 are blacks. And this is 30 years into democracy! With an unemployment rate hitting the 34% mark, of which 72% are the youth, the entire industry could be catalytic in driving positive change.
How does SAYIPA facilitate this change?
Quite simply, we are the agents of change, providing the gateway for youth to enter the sector. The PPA, while mandating transformation, isn’t taking effect quickly enough, so we need a solutions-driven platform to highlight and overcome the challenges in any current economic environment. We are not complainers, though. SAYIPA and its 300-plus members are active, engaged, and dynamic, seeking opportunities or creating them.
Tell us more about SAYIPA?
SAYIPA is considered one of the fastest-growing organisations in real estate. Considering that this sector is valued at some R8 trillion and growing, we also have to consider how we are going to cater for future generations’ entry into real estate. We need to facilitate a healthy, sustainable entrepreneurship environment so that the youth can contribute meaningfully to the GDP and shape the future of real estate in South Africa.
We keep our membership really low, and barely even cover costs. At R30 per month, our members can access discounted courses and workshops, right up to masterclass status. Such discounts are also applicable to achieving their NQF and PP induction programmes. We help them channel into the sector after proper training. And we interact with agencies who can host our members as interns, even agents. We encourage and provide mentorship and present advisory consultations.
What are SAYIPAs needs?
Up front, we need more support from the sector itself. The only way we can secure the future we envisage, and one that addresses the country’s overall needs, is to ensure employment and encourage entrepreneurship. It is said that the best way to predict the future is to create it, which reminds us that the future isn’t merely something that happens to us but something we have the power to shape and mould.
We desperately need volunteers, people in the industry who are prepared to share their love for real estate and pass that love on to our youth.
We also want our property stakeholders to attend our second annual gala dinner, which will be held on 25 October 2024 in Vereeniging. The dinner will commemorate notable achievements in the industry and discuss how we can better navigate and collaborate to accelerate transformation. Tickets are available on our website.
How do you exemplify success?
My life is evolving every day. However, I see myself representing South Africa globally, as I have recently been nominated for the Prestigious Global Entrepreneurs Awards.
Real estate has changed my life and given me a purpose that I want to drive forward. Nelson Mandela said it best: “There can be no greater gift than giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything.”
