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1. Can you tell us about your journey as a property developer and how you became the General Manager of such a prominent company in Zimbabwe's real estate industry?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience and journey in the land and property development landscape. It is humbling and an honour to be part of the trailblazing Leengate family. Our recognition as the 2023 Developer of the Year Platinum Winner gives us conviction that we are on the right path towards achieving our vision.
Oh, sorry, I've gone far; the question is how did I become the GM of Leengate? It was a divine appointment! It’s a rarity that one does find a perfect alignment of personal and career goals. And I am happy this came true. I have always had this inherent and unwavering belief in transforming spaces. And Leengate is founded on the insatiable belief that it will continuously improve, provide sustainably designed and unique amenities that guarantee a high return on investment. While this journey has been more of two steps forward and one step backward, my training and my experience as a practising professional engineer provided the necessary compass required in this demanding sector.
I am privileged to work with a team that is highly focused on achieving excellence in championing customer-centric service. Our disposition as a company is anchored on a listening ear to our stakeholders. We have devoted time and resources to continuously improving our processes and systems.
2.What sets your company apart from other property developers in Zimbabwe? What key factors have contributed to its success?
Our vision to be a global leader in the property and land development segment fuels innovation and drives Leengate’s mission. We have a multifaceted approach to our product design and development. At Leengate, continuous improvement, high-performance teams, innovation, and effective execution are not just buzzwords; they are the cornerstones of our legacy-building journey. We shake up things. We are never satisfied with our best. Our philosophy is that the best of the best has not yet been explored. We want our clients to live, play ‘the Leengate experience’. We have a product that meets the needs of all clients in the country and beyond! I will have to share what I perceive to have been some of the key success factors in our journey:
Firstly, Riding the storms: Property development is rarely a linear path. The dance between progress and setbacks is familiar to all trailblazers. Our strong multidisciplinary team of professionals provides a solid foundation to navigate the challenges. It’s the compass that guides the company through uncharted territory.
Secondly, leadership and teamwork: The company leadership firmly believes that its role extends beyond blueprints, boardrooms, and construction. We believe in building and leading a team, fostering collaboration, and championing customer-centric service. Thirdly, listening to stakeholders; whether clients, investors, or community members, ensures Leengate remains agile and responsive.
And Lastly, Continuous Improvement: We always have at the back of our minds that every tweak, every enhancement contributes to the company’s evolution. We are mindful that our commitment to refining processes and systems is therefore the heartbeat of our success.
3.How has the market in Zimbabwe evolved over the years, and what challenges have you faced as a property developer in this changing landscape?
The Zimbabwean property development market exhibits a complex landscape influenced by economic, legal, political, and demographic factors. Notwithstanding, we are witnessing green shoots in the sector. The densification and multi-currency policies of the Second Republic have enabled the sector to transform. We are seeing more and more genuine property development players coming to the fore and creating value for the market.
The shift in the market from owning vast pieces/acres of land to smaller, cost-effective, compact, and manageable spaces has allowed incorporation of modern designs and themes in the sector. More and more exciting products are being introduced to the market in line with the government’s vision for 2030 for attaining a middle-income economy. As part of our contribution to the national vision, we have had to tweak our product mix with a bias towards value for money (affordability) and flexible payment options for the market. We do offer a wide range of products, from gated medium and high-density communities and mixed-use densities to commercial and agro-residential.
We literally leave no one and no place behind! Let me hasten to share that one key attribute that Leengate has is our firm belief in R&D. Through R&D, we collaborate with market disruptors and provide innovative solutions for the market.
4.Could you share one of your most notable and successful projects in Zimbabwe?
The development of Arlington East, a mixed-use gated complex that integrated residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The unique aspect of this project is the incorporation of sustainable design features such as planting trees, solar street lights, and wastewater recycling to green the environs.
As the General Manager, what is your vision for the future of your company in Zimbabwe? How do you plan to achieve that vision?
My vision with Leengate is bold, audacious, and unyielding. Leengate will be a leader in pioneering tomorrow’s spaces. We are not here to just build structures, but to weave dreams into the fabric of our towns and cities. We will not look solely at hectares of land developed or profit margins as a measure of our success, but rather etched in lives touched, communities transformed, and futures shaped.
Dancing across continents, we shall vigorously pursue. We will be the architects of hope and the curators of possibility. On the horizon, here is what the market should expect from us: Sustainable Elegance: Solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting woven seamlessly into our designs. Our projects will not just be to shelter but they will nurture. Community Sanctuaries: Picture this: Rooftop gardens where neighbours sip coffee at dawn, children play, and artists find inspiration.
Leengate properties will not be isolated islands; they will be community sanctuaries. Smart homes: Dear reader. Imagine walls that adjust temperature based on your mood, windows that tint with the sun’s whims, and artificial intelligent gatekeepers that know your cravings. So, to our valued clients, join us on this journey. Let us sketch blueprints with stardust, lay foundations with courage, and build a world where every corner whispers, “Leengate was here”.
5. Collaboration and partnerships often play a crucial role in the success of projects. Can you share any notable collaborations or partnerships that have helped your company achieve its goals?
We do not just employ but we empower. We believe our legacy is not just in steel and glass; but in our minds ignited. To showcase our abilities in other areas outside of property development, we have made notable partnerships over the years. We have partnered with the Ministry of National Housing in the construction of four-by-four residential units in Marondera.
This has helped us to expand our network and reach a wider audience within the housing sector as we showcased our expertise and commitment to quality housing construction. We have further partnered with the Ministry of Transport as part of the ongoing Emergency Road Rehabilitation Program to improve road infrastructure in the region by constructing roads, and the results have been incredibly positive.
6. How does your company contribute to the local community and support social initiatives in Zimbabwe? Are there any specific initiatives that you are particularly proud of?
As Leengate, we value the communities we serve. For example, we have been supporting Nyabira Primary and Secondary School, a host community for our Penrose Nyabira Project, through financial assistance to the less privileged, clean-up campaigns, prize-giving day donations, and even football kits for sporting events. Further, we annually partner with KidzCan Zimbabwe, a children's cancer relief organisation, to provide support and raise awareness for children battling cancer.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring property developers in Zimbabwe who are looking to make their mark in the real estate industry?
Property development, like any other business enterprise, requires an 'attentive Gardner'. In addition, staying informed about local regulations, market trends, and potential investment opportunities can help you make strategic decisions and stay ahead of the competition. Networking with industry professionals and seeking mentorship from experienced developers can also provide valuable insights and guidance as you navigate the complexities of the industry.
