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Against All Odds: How Tapiwa Dzikiti Built Southwales Real Estate from the Ground Up

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In the heart of Zimbabwe’s rural Mashonaland East, amidst the undulating hills of Njanja in Chikomba District, a story of hard work, determination, and visionary leadership began to unfold. It is the story of a humble teacher, Tapiwa Dzikiti, whose journey—from cycling to school with limited financial means to becoming a prominent figure in the real estate development world—continues to inspire and motivate.

This is not just the story of a man who built a thriving real estate business; it’s the story of a family’s resilience, a community’s transformation, and the relentless pursuit of success in an often unforgiving business environment. Tapiwa’s story is an embodiment of hope and hard work, a reminder that persistence and vision can create lasting change.

From Chikomba to Harare: The Early Struggles

Tapiwa’s journey began in the rural district of Chikomba East, in Mpatsi, where he grew up in a modest family. Born with a hunger for knowledge and a drive to succeed, he pursued a career in teaching, earning his qualifications in the late 1990s. Between 1998 and 2000, he trained as a teacher and began his teaching practice. The early years were tough—financial struggles were a constant companion. To make ends meet, he would ride a bicycle from Warren Park suburbs to Chishawasha Primary School, covering a distance of more than 60 km every day. His determination was evident, but even more so was his unwillingness to let his circumstances define him.

“I trained as a teacher from 1998 to 2000 and started my teaching practice after finishing school. I used to ride a bicycle from Warren Park to Chishawasha every day for my teaching job because our financial situation wasn’t great at the time,” he recalls.

Despite the financial challenges, Tapiwa and his wife, Killiana, saved whatever little they could and invested in education. Tapiwa’s commitment to self-improvement led him to the Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe (REIZ), where he enrolled in a course on estate agency from 2004 to 2006. It was here that he found his true calling, and the spark for real estate development was ignited. He later obtained a Bachelor’s in Development Studies and a Master’s in International Relations.

The Birth of Southwales Real Estate

In February 2007, Tapiwa made a life-changing decision to resign from teaching and dive into the world of real estate. Armed with his newly acquired knowledge and a burning desire to succeed, he ventured into the business as an estate agent. Together with his wife, Killiana, they started renting properties and selling homes around Harare. Their initial challenges were significant—limited finances meant they had to wear multiple hats. From handling property sales to marketing, they did it all by themselves. But their determination and belief in the dream they were building were stronger than any obstacle.

“Together with my wife, Killiana Dzikiti, who handled sales and marketing, we first registered our company as Registered Ideal Properties. We had to do everything ourselves since we didn’t have enough funds to hire employees,” he says.

They registered the company as a reflection of their ambition and vision. However, in 2008, as Zimbabwe’s economy began to spiral, they changed the company’s name to Southwales Real Estate. It was a pivotal moment, a time when the country was undergoing an economic collapse and inflation was hitting unprecedented levels. This turbulent period tested their resilience, but it also forged within them an unwavering strength to survive and thrive.

As Zimbabwe’s economy began to dollarize in 2009, things started to improve. The country’s currency was replaced by the US dollar, stabilizing the economy and creating new opportunities. In 2010, Tapiwa made another bold move—he shifted the focus of his business from property sales to property development.

The transition from real estate agency to property development was not easy, but Tapiwa was driven by his vision of transforming communities and creating lasting value through innovative housing solutions. The first major project that marked Southwales’ entry into property development was the Pomona Industrial Park, located along Harare Drive in Borrowdale. This development set the stage for It’s growth, proving that even in tough economic conditions, bold vision, strategic planning, and hard work can lead to success.

As the company continued to grow, Tapiwa and his team expanded their portfolio of developments. They ventured into residential projects, and between 2011 and 2014, they designed and developed cluster homes in Hatfield, one of Harare’s most sought-after areas. These homes were meticulously planned and constructed to offer both comfort and value. It was during this time that the company solidified its reputation as a force in the real estate development sector.

The Expansion Beyond Harare

In 2017, as Southwales Real Estate’s success continued to build momentum, Tapiwa set his sights on the future. He and his team moved to Marondera, a growing town just outside Harare, to embark on an ambitious housing development project. Shinaree Farm, a 109-hectare piece of land, became the site for their next major development—a gated housing project that would include low, medium, and high-density stands.

The project was a testament to the company’s ability to envision large-scale developments that meet the growing demand for housing in Zimbabwe. It also highlighted the company’s commitment to transforming land into thriving communities, creating homes for hundreds of families.

Despite the economic challenges, including a lack of financing from local banks due to the collapse of the banking sector, the company continued to push forward. Tapiwa credits their success to the company’s strong core values, including integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to due diligence. These principles have helped the property developer build a strong foundation in an industry often plagued by instability.

“The real estate business in Zimbabwe can be very lucrative, though challenges remain. Banks have not been financing the sector since the economic collapse of the early 2000s, largely due to inconsistent policies,” Tapiwa reflects.

As Southwales Real Estate’s reputation grew, so did the opportunities. By 2024, the company decided to take its expertise beyond Zimbabwe and into the South African market. Pinnacle Point Realty, the company’s sister company, will launch in Sandton, South Africa, in the first quarter of 2025. This marks a major milestone for the company, which is now ready to bring its unique approach to real estate development to a new market.

Tapiwa’s vision for the future of his company is clear. With new partners in South Africa, he aims to continue expanding the company’s reach and influence, offering quality housing solutions in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. For those looking to invest in the real estate sector in Southern Africa, the doors to partnership are open.

In addition to their expansion into South Africa, Southwales has made significant strides in Zimbabwe. The company has recently acquired 200 hectares of land for a new low-density housing development in Kadoma, called Southwales Municipality. Situated just outside the Sabona Bona Agri plots, this new project will offer families modern homes in a serene and well-planned community, once again showcasing its dedication to creating spaces where people can thrive.

Overcoming Challenges: Advice to Aspiring Developers

The road to success in real estate has not been without its challenges. Tapiwa has witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by many aspiring developers in Zimbabwe. One of the biggest challenges in the industry is the presence of land barons—individuals who exploit gaps in knowledge and prey on unsuspecting buyers—has made the industry difficult to navigate. Tapiwa warns against such individuals, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and integrity when purchasing land. Land disputes and demolitions have become common, and developers must stay clear of issues with local authorities and government to avoid facing these legal and financial setbacks.

“The industry is not without its challenges. Criminals have made the real estate sector unattractive by exploiting people’s lack of knowledge, and land barons have made it difficult for others to succeed. People need to be extremely cautious when purchasing land.

“Due diligence and integrity are essential in the property industry. By maintaining these principles, one can avoid issues with the government and local authorities, such as demolitions.”

To those starting out in real estate, Tapiwa offers invaluable advice: “Real estate is a profitable business, but it requires careful management of commissions and a long-term vision. By reinvesting profits, maintaining integrity, and staying informed about industry trends, new developers can pave their way to success.”

Tapiwa Dzikiti’s journey from the dusty roads of Njanja to the lively streets of Harare and beyond is a story of resilience, vision, and tireless work. Southwales Real Estate is not just a company—it’s a testament to what is possible when you believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference. Through every challenge, every setback, and every triumph, Tapiwa has shown that success is not just about financial gain—it’s about building communities, creating opportunities, and leaving a legacy for future generations.

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