Sisa Ngebulana’s remarkable journey began in the South African village of Mthatha, raised by his grandparents after his father’s untimely death. Despite humble beginnings, his grandmother instilled values of hard work, accountability and self-reliance that drove Ngebulana’s future success.
“You have two hands and eyes,” she would say. “Now use them.” This childhood laid the foundation for Ngebulana’s historic achievement decades later.
Early Tests And Triumphs
After early ventures in trucking and mining hit roadblocks, Ngebulana found his niche in property development. His company Billion Group quickly made a name in high-end residential and commercial spaces.
“You can’t let fear of failure or inexperience stop you from taking on challenges,” explained Ngebulana of the attitude powering his meteoric rise in South Africa’s cutthroat property arena.
By 2010, Ngebulana set his sights even higher – creating Africa’s first Black-managed property fund on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Overcoming Obstacles As A Pioneer
Rebosis Property Fund debuted in 2011 to much fanfare as a trailblazing Black-owned company. But Ngebulana soon found himself facing familiar challenges from competitors aiming to squeeze him out.
“It was incredible watching how vicious they became,” he recalled, describing sabotage attempts intended to halt his landmark $1.4 billion Hemingways mall development in East London.
With grit and ingenuity, Ngebulana persevered, sourcing building materials from Dubai to Germany when local suppliers shunned him. Hemingways opened on schedule in another signature achievement for the maverick developer.
Lasting Legacy For Future Generations
Today, Rebosis boasts assets of over $1.6 billion – an expansion of almost 450% under Ngebulana’s leadership. The company’s continued success ensures his grandmother’s legacy lives on.
“I hope young Africans will see me and know this path is possible for them too,” says the man who started off living 12 to a house back in the small Mthatha village.
