ENTER BY 30 APRIL 2018
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Q : What would you say to those who doubt whether or not to invest in local real estate at the moment
A : South Africans are always optimistic and hoping for good news . I think the recent announcement of a new president for the leading party means that the country is positive that there will be an end to the corruption desecrating our economy . I think we will be able to build investor confidence and create new employment opportunities . Ultimately , this will regenerate our economy . We ’ ve already seen this reflected in the upturn of sales we ’ ve enjoyed since the end of December .
The future of this country is bright . Over the next year , I anticipate incredible growth . I ’ m confident that our new leader recognises the mistakes of the past and I believe that we will achieve greatness if we stand together . Real estate will be extremely bullish , but we have to choose the high road . We have a lot of catching up to do if we are able to treble the housing footprint over the next year .
Over the years , he continues to purchase land on deed of sale , always based around major arterial routes : “ I realised that these areas had the potential to become future development nodes .” This , incidentally , was how he came to purchase some of the land that eventually became Steyn City . Perhaps serendipitously , Plumari meets Douw Steyn in 1987 : “ We met at a braai and swiftly established a business relationship . This has developed over the decades to become a friendship . We worked on a number of projects prior to Steyn City . I also built his home .” The duo spent eight years planning and conceptualising Steyn City . Other notable developments under Plumari ’ s name is the Saxon Hotel & Villas , Shambala Game Reserve , and The Vaal River City .
Businessman of the Year
Towards the end of last year , Plumari was named the Business Person of the Year at the 2017 Nedbank Business Excellence Awards , hosted by the Italian-South African Chamber of Commerce and Business . “ It was a tremendous honour , not only because it recognises my efforts and contributions to the South African economy , but because it ’ s also an endorsement from the country of my birth ,” he explains .
Speaking about having met Madiba on several occasions through his friendship with Douw Steyn , Plumari is clear : “ He is , without a doubt , the person I admire most . His ability and willingness to forgive , and his determination to do what was right , will always inspire me .” It ’ s clear that this is something that drives him in all his business ventures today .
Plumari is a busy man , but where would he like to see himself in 10 years ? “ I ’ d like to be doing the same thing as I ’ m doing now … creativity . Creativity is my passion , not my work . I ’ d like to be doing the same thing as now , but in a more relaxed fashion .” Already , his adult children are following in their father ’ s footsteps . Back at Ukuphila , they are the ones managing the reserve : “ They ’ re ensuring my vision comes to life . They direct operations and handle the commercial elements of the reserve .”
Wrapping it up , Plumari states simply : “ Stand together and hold hands towards our future . Don ’ t highlight and pick on each other ’ s differences . Embrace them .”
2 nd ANNUAL INVESTOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD 2017 / 18
INVESTOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD
ENTER & WIN
R50 000
Do you think you have what it takes to be the 2017 / 18 Real Estate Investor of the year ?
Do you have a property story to tell ? Have you managed to creatively secure a property and maximise your investment ? It could be an incredible experience , goal achievement , monetary return , reward , obstacles you overcame , something that you learnt or something that impacted you and people around you .
Impress our expert panel of judges with the number , value and types of properties in your portfolio . Go to www . reimag . co . za to download your entry .
Submit your application to editorial @ reimag . co . za by 28 February 2018 and stand a chance to win *
• R50 , 000 in cash
• An all expenses paid trip for two to Mauritius
• Plus other prizes and gifts
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• A feature article in Real Estate Investor Magazine
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SA Real Estate Investor Magazine FEBRUARY 2018 9