Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa June 2015 | Page 15

The apprentice
Nicknamed ‘Jannie’ to distinguish him from his father,
Moolman matriculated from Pietersburg High School
in 1969. He then studied at the Unversity of Pretoria,
where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce
Degree in Accounting. Some years later, he also
obtained a Diploma in Property (MDP).
When Moolman was a youngster, he visited
shopping centre openings and development sites in
and around Polokwane with his father. As such, he had
always known that he will one day become involved in
the family business.
After he had graduated from university in 1973, he
started working at the Moolman Group. Moolman’s
younger brother, Friederich ‘Friech’ Sonke Moolman,
also joined the company shortly after he matriculated.
By 1975 he had become a partner in the business.
In the years prior to becoming a Director at Fortress
Income Fund, Moolman served as a Director of 33
investment companies. He resigned from the Fortress
Board in March 2012.
Lessons learned
The Moolman Group’s first property investments were
small retail stores in the high streets of Polokwane. It
was here that Moolman learnt his first lesson on the
importance of good location for commercial property.
The commercial property industry is small but
dynamic, and it is important to remember that “you
are only as good as your last deal”, notes Moolman.
He relies on his entreperneurial ability, coupled with
a pragmatic approach, to remain humble in times of
success and to stand firm in the face of adversity.
Moolman has learnt many lessons along the way.
Both his father and younger brother became his
mentors, offering invaluable insights into the intricacies
of investing.
His brother, Friederich, has always maintained
that, “We stand by our absolute integrity as business
people, by under promising and over delivering to all
our clients”.
“There have been quite a few exciting schemes in
which we have participated,” Moolman says.
Future projects
Moolman’s vision for the future is to see key
members in the Group establishing themselves as
leading property players in the country.
He would also like to see a meaniful international
portfolio established, within the context of the business.
The Moolman Group’s future projects include:
www.reimag.co.za

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Lephalale Mall
Kuruman Mall
Newmarket, Alberton
Meadowvale Mall
Babcock Middellburg
Maxwell Office Park, Waterfall Business Estate
Westend Office Park
Sam Ntuli Mall, Katlehong.

While opportunities in South Africa are less
plentiful as a result of the sluggish economic growth
and failing local authorities, there will always be
interesting prospects for astute property investors.
Africa, too, holds promise for many, but this is not a
focus area for the Group.
When Moolman is not at the office, he can be found
outdoors spending time with his family. He is also a
keen golfer, and enjoys reading and planning his next
holiday. Moolman is also an avid pilot, with both a
fixed wing and helicopter licence, flying as high in his
leisure time as he continues to do in the property game.
JUNE 2015 SA Real Estate Investor

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