Venturing into the property market

sales and business management diplomas from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is working towards an MBA.

She has experience in the automotive industry and her real estate journey started with Seeff Properties Richards Bay in 2010.

“I guess this is my passion and calling. Marketing and sales are engraved in my DNA. I have worked hard to build a strong reputation and client base,” she says.

The journey towards opening Tyson Properties Richards Bay started at the partners’ dining room table with their “first board meeting”.

“We decided to pursue interests we were both passionate about. We wanted to build on our existing competencies, capacity and competitive advantage. It was clear that real estate was the best choice”, said Marijeni.

The two were specific about what they were looking for in a brand. “Tyson Properties has a solid and consistent track record. It met our selection criteria, which included a solid reputation, a strong brand identity, top-notch quality, huge growth potential, strong systems, effective support services and a customer-centric orientation.

“The brand emphasises upholding the highest levels of professionalism and ethical standards,” says Usaiwevhu.

Even though Tyson Properties chief executive Chris Tyson has built the company into a national operation that grew by 70% in the past year, adding 100 agents, he says good people are hard to find.

He was particularly happy to put down roots in Richards Bay as Zululand was still largely an unexplored market for Tyson Properties.

Marijeni and Usaiwevhu saw an opportunity to cater for the young professionals employed by big industry in the region.

“This city is home to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, fertiliser manufacturer Foskor,