Branch manager started as cleaner
Dhibishi also mentor to young agents
Sbongile Dhibishi 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,” said the 44-year-old mother of two from Chiawelo.
She got her driver’s license in 2006 and started working as an intern estate agent after businesswoman 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. I got it right finally and became a master in taking clients to view [property].”
Mogodi put Dhibishi 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 Dhibishi.
After writing her estate agent board exams, she became head of the Maponya branch in 2018.
Dhibishi 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.”
Dhibishi said she has come a long way, now she is also a mentor to young agents who work at Snooks Estates.
Mogodi said: “In real estate, 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.”