Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa September 2015 | Page 22

WEALTH BUILDING

Jannie Mouton
Lessons learnt from
building PSG

O

n 5 August 1995, at the age of 48, Jannie
Mouton was fired from his position at a stock
broking firm, causing a total re-evaluate of
his business goals and ambitions. He then went on
to establish the PSG Group, one of South Africa’s
most successful investment companies, with stakes
in Capitec Bank, Pioneer Foods among others and
currently worth around R44b. He credits the following
steps for the successful creation and continuation of his
enduring legacy.
Believe in yourself and never give up
According to Jannie, his firing from his previous
position was the best thing that could ever have
happened to him, forcing him to re-evaluate his
priorities and start afresh. A steadfast determination
and strong belief your own abilities is the key to any
success story.
Analyze yourself and your environment
There are opportunities everywhere. The environment
throws up obvious opportunities such as in the
education, banking and most recently, electricity sector.
Understanding your own strengths and weakness, and
applying them to the ever-shifting landscape of South
Africa
Formulate your plan and execute it successfully
Jannie wrote down a detailed plan in 1995 after a
careful analysis of the both the country and himself.
Included in this plan were the steps to create a JSElisted company in the financial services sector and
to use the listing to raise capital. On the 25th of
November, 1995, he begin the process of purchasing
51% of a listed company (PAG) for R3.5m.

Focus your time and energy on core investments
The importance of focusing on your core investment,
and having the discipline and knowledge to let others
go are of key importance when building a successful
business. According to Jannie, buying MCubed was
the worst business mistake of his life. At the same
time, both KWV and Channel Life were sold when he
realised they weren’t right for going forward.
Seize opportunities when they are presented to you
When opportunities arise, execute them. When
Jannie bought into PAG in 1995, its value was R7m.
Two years later they sold it at a valuation of R107m.
Opportunities have arisen over the years from JSE
shares, agri-business and a host of others. Acting on
these opportunities are of vital importance.
Black Economic Empowerment
The careful use of Black Economic Empowerment
as an opportunity to grow has seen Jannie and PSG
rewarded richly. Arch Equity, bought in the late 90’s,
went fr