Branch manager started as cleaner.
Category News
BY KARABO LEDWABA -08 March 2021 - 08:53
https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-03-08-branch-manager-started-as-cleaner/
Karabo Ledwaba JOURNALIST
Sibongile Dibishi the manager of Snooks Estates branch at Maponya Mall.
Sibongile Dibhishi was a cleaner and administrator at Snooks Estates before working her way up to become the head of the Maponya branch in Klipspruit, Soweto.
"I started in 1997 as a cleaner and administrator," she said.
The 44-year-old mother of two from Chiawelo got a driver's license in 2006 and started working as an intern estate agent after tycoon Matseleng Mogodi saw potential in her.
"I remember the way I used to get lost; it was so embarrassing driving around with clients and being lost. Nevertheless, I got used to it and was then a master and a professional in taking clients to view [property]."
Mogodi put Dibhishi through her paces and made sure she got adequate training to excel at her job.
"I have learnt everything in real estate. Personally, I am blessed to have a boss lady like her. Patience and tolerance are some of the things that I have learnt from her. I also learnt how to wear heels and sandals. Dress code is important, you need to be on point at all times," said Dibhishi.
After writing her estate agent board exams, Dibhishi became head of the Maponya branch in 2018.
Dibhishi said she wants to be known as the most preferred property practitioner and hopes to also have her own property investments.
"A high [for me] is seeing Matseleng producing many of my colleagues who have now opened their own businesses in property and that even during tough economic times, we [Snooks] are still standing as a business," she said.
Dibhishi said she has come a long way, now she is also a mentor to young agents who work at Snooks Estates.
Mogodi said: "In the real estate industry, it's important to have women in leadership because it is male dominated and women have a perception that they may not make it. Women are strong and know how to run business. It's up to women to claim their spot and I give them this opportunity to take up the challenge. Now younger women know they can do it."
Author: Karabo Ledwaba