Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa November 2019 | Page 15

MICHAEL FRANZE
“South Africa is a rapidly-urbanising country and Sub-Saharan
Africa is one of the few regions with a strong population growth
rate and these people will want to live in the city. This means a
massive potential opportunity for the private property sector
and all the services (including ourselves) supporting it. Of course,
for this potential to be realised regulatory certainty and overall
stability is required. It is immovable property after all.”
During a tumultuous time in the property sector, Franze was
able to adapt, transform and thrive. While he has always valued
transformation, he realises that for changes to be significant
they need to be sustainable. Not only by transforming a
business, but transforming the lives of everyone it impacts.
Focusing on the needs of people is what motivates him.
“What motivates me is building a sustainable, people-centric
business that solves real problems for South Africans. At Citiq
Prepaid, that means an innovating and dynamic business that helps
in smoothing the relationship between landlords and tenants.”
A people-centric philosophy is what has pushed Citiq Prepaid’s
revolution within tenant and landlord disputes. The next development
for Franze and Citiq Prepaid is the launch of Smart Meters. A product
which was previously unattainable to many South Africans.
“We are on the verge of launching our Smart Meter product
for the everyman. Smart Meters have been around for a while
but have been too expensive and complex to be sold at scale
over the counter. We will be changing that imminently. Smart
Meters will improve the security of meters, provide more
information about the meters (including consumption data)
and will allow remote communication with the meter.”
FIVE BUSINESS INSIGHTS FROM
MICHAEL FRANZE:
1. You need career equity to make a
contribution in a business
2. Don’t let your first failed business or
investment be your last
3. Stick to the correct strategic course. It is
easy to become tempted by new business
opportunities that distract from the core
strategy
4. Don’t underestimate the importance
of having the right partners and
stakeholders in your business
5. South Africa is a rapidly urbanising
country and this means a massive
opportunity for the private property sector
With smart meters as the next technological innovation,
there is no sign that Franze is slowing down anytime soon. He
continues to push for transformation and creative solutions
to new problems. With his eye firmly on the future, Franze
knows that the possibilities are endless. When asked what he
would still like to achieve, Michael Franze smiles knowingly and
replies: “That is a very good question…”
tv
Don’t miss Neale Petersen’s exclusive interview on REItv with
MICHAEL FRANZE, Managing Director of Citiq Prepaid
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
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