LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Oakantse Alfred is a well-seasoned businesswoman, serial entrepreneur, speaker, and consultant. With a career spanning as far back as her college days she has established an elite Real Estate company in Botswana, LesediLebone Property Developers, where she is currently the CEO. LesediLebone Property Developers was founded in 2011 and has 70 employees at maximum capacity. Oakantse also later established her consultancy, Brand OA, in a quest to share her knowledge with other aspiring business owners. She currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Certificate in Real Estate.
Lioness Weekender spoke to the pioneering Oakantse Alfred about her real estate business, and her serial entrepreneurship journey to building a portfolio of businesses in growth mode.
What does your company do?
LesediLebone is an elite one-stop-shop for all things property, specializing in land acquisition, greenfield developments, maintenance of existing building infrastructure, and turnkey projects which are financing real estate deals and coordinating the process of development from inception, physical planning to financing, construction, marketing and eventually selling or leasing of the completed projects. LesediLebone Property Developers also offers an array of services ranging from Architectural and Interior design consultancy, property valuations, real estate agency and property management.
MACO Hardware specializes in selling quality timber while Brand OA is a consultancy that is ardent about youth and entrepreneurial empowerment which hosts services such as consultations, moderation, mentorship keynote speaking and coaching.
What inspired you to start your company?
As a student, my motivation was independence and what independence looked like for me. It was my sheer aspiration to be a car owner at a young age, and after experiencing such freedom I found myself yearning to own my own space, leading to me building my first house. During this process then unexpectedly came my love for property. At this point, I realized that anything is possible provided you put your mind to it. I wanted further to challenge myself and my capabilities, and all that paired with determination would ultimately yield what we at LesediLebone Property Developers and I as a person have achieved to date.
MACO Hardware was also an unexpected brainchild, after realizing how almost every hardware store in Botswana was foreign-owned and did not cater to our demographic. I challenged myself to fill the void, I wanted to test that notion and would eventually establish MACO Hardware and our customer base.
Brand OA was founded in 2023, it was largely inspired by our clients and social media followers. After constantly receiving so many questions I realized that people need expertise in the property market, and this evoked the desire to help others make informed decisions about their real estate investments. I realized that I have a strong understanding of the local property market and a knack for negotiating. Therefore I aspired to provide personalized and trustworthy advice to clients looking to start a business and buy, sell, or invest in properties.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
LesediLebone is the first and only one-stop-shop for all your real estate needs in Botswana! We offer an array of services catering to every stage in property development, from conception to completion of projects. We completely understand our customers' needs and make developments that resonate with their needs. From buying and selling residential properties to managing commercial real estate, we handle it all with expertise and personalized attention. Our experienced agents are well-versed in the local market and are dedicated to helping you find the perfect property or the right buyer for your current one. Our real estate quality service delivery and ethical practices sets us apart, providing a unique and valuable offering to our clients. Hence because of these pointers, we continue to be a force, while further cementing and anchoring our pristine position in the property industry.
Tell us a little about your team:
The LesediLebone team consists of professionals with diverse expertise, including architects, engineers, project managers, interior designers, property valuers, administrators, and legal advisors on retainer. Each one of our team members plays a crucial role in different stages of the development process, from initial concept and design to construction and marketing. It is led by a seasoned company director who oversees the entire development process, ensuring that timelines are met, resources are allocated efficiently, and the project stays within budget. Collaboration and effective communication among our team members is of utmost importance and very essential for the success of our property development projects. Furthermore, our in-house experts can assist with property management, property valuations, consulting, and even guide real estate law and finance. We understand that real estate transactions can be complex, which is why at LesediLebone we aim to streamline the process and provide a seamless experience for our clients.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Yes! I come from a family of entrepreneurs. I have always been around women who owned businesses of all scales. I started my business journey at a young age, it was an exciting yet challenging and rewarding journey that requires a combination of vision, perseverance, and business acumen. I had to navigate through so many hurdles of a typical business but as a rebellious person, I decided to challenge the norm. I had to learn about our markets, managing human resources, and construction processes. Other processes such as financing, networking, and building a solid team were especially the hardest. But it’s important to note that challenges do not equal or determine your capabilities. It was not easy but I had to do it, for example, a couple of years back, I was shopping and discovered that a lot of items were not manufactured in Botswana. As a result, my company Good Brands was born. It later became unsuccessful but I did not give up, it made me desire to continue challenging the norm. On the journey, some of my businesses failed but some became successful. It was crucial for my personal development as an entrepreneur and for my business, and a sign that business is all about learning - we do not stop! In the end, determination, grit, and strategic planning led to successful projects and financial success such as LesediLebone Property Developers, MACO Hardware, and Brand OA.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Our aspirations for LesediLebone Property Developers are to establish a reputation for quality service delivery and great craftsmanship within the property development industry in and out of Botswana. We hope to expand into new markets to diversify our portfolio and capture emerging opportunities. We want to expand our offices into Southern Africa to increase our clientele and take our services to people outside the country, right now our focal points being Namibia and Zambia. We will continuously invest in and foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence. Lastly, leveraging technology and innovation to maximize efficiency are at the core of our values and business principles. Maco Hardware is yet to expand into other areas in Botswana to expand our customer reach, while for Brand OA we aim to become a trusted thought leader in our consulting niche. We want to contribute valuable insights and solutions to our valued clients and stay ahead of industry trends so we can meet our clients’ evolving needs. Lastly, we seek to give opportunities to give back to our communities through mentorship programs and initiatives that contribute positively to the broader society.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
At Brand OA we have a motto that says ‘STRIVE4IMPACT'. Throughout my journey, knowing that I am creating something meaningful and making a positive difference in the lives of others, has been all the satisfaction and motivation I have ever needed. There is so much beauty in being an entrepreneur, you get to be creative and bring your ideas to life and have the autonomy to fully pursue your passions and shape the trajectory of your own life.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
There is so much power in your difference! Femininity is a powerful tool in shaping society, it embodies all traditional traits such as empathy, creativity, collaboration, emotional intelligence, assertiveness and leadership, the list goes on and on. My advice is all you have to do is start! Take advantage of consultancies like Brand OA to equip yourself with all business knowledge I know you definitely need. Most importantly leverage your strengths to create your own successful business. Remember, your strength is your difference!
To find out more about LesediLebone Property Developers, send an email to: bookings@oakantsealfred.co.bw or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:
Website: http://www.oakantsealfred.co.bw
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oakantsealfred
YouTube: https://youtu.be/QmHnp-yeHvM?si=LbBh6cfPAeIxa8Y6
https://youtu.be/IIfR-nc7VZQ?si=af3OpvK3PfOtcmut
https://youtu.be/DyBH66d_jNM?si=FGDWJfIK2MqFlgVp
