ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Bongani Zondo of Wakefields in Pinetown, is living proof that success as a sales consultant is not only possible, but probable, if you join the industry for all the right reasons. For Bongani, his key reason for stepping into the Pinetown branch and approaching the then branch manager of Pinetown, Malcolm Madurai, was to educate himself on property as an investment. He laughs, "I worked as a technician for Telkom for many years, wrote two movie scripts and managed Avante, a gospel choir . . . but as I built up a little money I wanted to understand more about smart investments. Property seemed like the right one but I needed to know much more. I wanted to understand how it all worked. So I went to ask Wakefields."

Malcolm and Bongani talked property long and hard. So much so that it didn't take long for Bongani to be enrolled at the Wakefields Academy to begin a career in property: "I learned so much," he says. "Big things and small. I've particularly enjoyed learning about all aspects of marketing. I didn't even know how to use a camera and now I really consider myself pretty good!" 

For Bongani, part of the pleasure he gets from property is helping those in local communities: "Land or property ownership is a complex issue in the townships. Most people there don't own property, and I want to change that. I really feel a need to help people own their own property in the correct manner." He adds, "I also love the investment aspect of property and I like to share that information so others can benefit from it." Bongani bought his first apartment as an investment.

His people skills were honed in a somewhat unusual environment: "I was a shop steward for thirteen years," he laughs. "That really teaches you how to negotiate with people and it's stood me in good stead. No learning is ever wasted."

Learning new skills is something Bongani is passionate about. Even in the dead of night. He shrugs, "When I can't sleep, I watch You Tube podcasts by those who've made a success of property. It's usually property sales guru Tom Ferry - there's always something to take away from those who're successful." Like his mentor, Malcolm Madurai and his current manager at Pinetown, Harnam Shunkumar: "First from my mentor, Malcolm and now from Harnam, the support and advice was and is invaluable."

On Tuesday last week Bongani stepped up to receive his Rookie of the Year Award at Wakefields' glamorous event held at Talloula in Bothas Hill. He qualified for this award from his performance in registered sales from March 2020 to Feb 2021. He's deservedly proud of this achievement and it's a great catalyst to go further and higher.

Bongani lives with his wife and five year old daughter in New Germany and he's loving the world of property. "I haven't given up on producing my movies though - I think they're pretty good scripts - but it's wonderful not to be constantly begging for funds or seeking donors in order to achieve dreams. I can make them happen myself."