2021 Chairperson Awards

CEO MONTHLY / CHAIRPERSON AWARDS 2021 9 Real Estate Chairman of the Year 2021 (Southern Africa): Rob Buthelezi & Excellence Award for Community Support Initiatives 2021 According to recent statistics, South Africa is currently showing the highest unemployment rate in years, with the global pandemic disrupting economic activity to a significant degree. Rob explains, “We are faced with the highest youth unemployment rate of 64% in South Africa now; we have to do something about it. To combat this issue, we want to establish mentorship programmes for the youth to get them employed in the property and real estate sector.” Rob goes onto explain the success of his business and his leadership style, “I like to believe that I lead by example by being focused and diligent in providing a service to a client. I do not like to micromanage, to tell people how to do their jobs; I like the idea of being results- driven. To challenge people to bring their top game to work and to do more than their best. Good communication is also key in business to ensure that we are all pulling towards the same goal and objective.” However, with great success comes some hardships as well. Rob describes the most significant test he has faced: “In 2008, the world economic crises affected our business adversely. We had to close two offices and retrench staff as the business struggled with cash flow. We had to redefine and reposition our business to survive and even grow following the world economic crisis.” Currently, RB is planning to have a global presence, starting in Africa and then in most African countries. The goal is to form strategic alliances with other companies or service providers, investors that could add value to the company and help RB achieve its objectives. Additionally, Rob is planning to continue fulfilling the role of Chairman of RB Property Group for the next ten years, and in the meantime, to have a succession plan in place to grow the business. Rob explains, “We want to grow the business on the foundation of good values of family, fraternity and unity. We want to grow corporate governance and systems to manage the business and to promote compliance with labour laws of each country we have presence in.” This year, RB is celebrating both its 21st anniversary and its recent awards gained at the CEO Monthly Chairperson Awards 2021, which represent resilience and strength in overcoming all of its challenges as a global entrepreneur. Company: RB Property Group Contact: Rob Buthelezi Web: www.rbpropertygroup.co.za Email: [email protected] Telephone: +27646602090 RB’s main objective is to drive value with affordable housing, affordable student accommodation and provide services that will add value. “We are always looking for innovative solutions to deliver housing projects faster and at fewer costs per unit.” Rob continues, “In South Africa, like most African countries, we are faced with a very high housing backlog. We also face the credit challenges of a risk-averse banking sector when it comes to end user housing finance.”