I am a Cape Town based entrepreneur, community volunteer and Co Founder and Director of Proper Living, a student accommodation business that I established in 2018.

Proper Living was founded with the belief that student accommodation should be about more than providing a room. We set out to create high-quality, well-designed living environments where students can connect, build friendships and genuinely feel part of a community.

Since starting the business, we have grown from one building into an established operator in Cape Town with 432 residents across 9 properties. Along the way we have built a recognisable brand and community, whilst working with property owners, investors and development partners. Our ambition is to continue raising the standard of student living in Cape Town and, ultimately, beyond it.

As a Co Founder and Director, my role spans business development, property development, operations, strategy, partnerships and the continued growth of the company. I have been fortunate to be involved in building the business from the ground up, navigating the challenges that come with entrepreneurship and helping shape both the commercial and community focused aspects of what we do. One example has been identifying the natural overlap between Cape Town’s student and short-stay markets – operating certain properties as student accommodation for the 10-month academic year before transitioning them into short-stay accommodation over the peak summer months. This allows us to offer students lease terms better aligned with the academic calendar, while maximising year-round occupancy and returns for our business and property partners.

What I believe makes me a rising star is not simply the growth of Proper Living, but my commitment to making an impact beyond business. Alongside my professional career, I have dedicated many years to volunteering in my community. I currently serve as an Auxiliary Inspector within the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Auxiliary Service and have also volunteered for many years in emergency medical services as a qualified paramedic.

I am ambitious about what I want to build professionally, but equally believe that success carries a responsibility to contribute to the community around you. Whether through Proper Living, public service or volunteering, I hope to continue building, contributing and creating a positive impact as my career develops.

I believe I was nominated for combining entrepreneurship with a strong commitment to community. I’ve helped build Proper Living from the ground up, creating a business centred around community and providing a safe environment for young adults, while dedicating many years to volunteering in law enforcement and emergency medical services. I’m proud of what we’ve built so far and hope to continue growing while making a positive difference where I can.

My vision as a leader is to continue growing and diversifying Proper Living while never losing the sense of community at the heart of what we do. I want to continue creating safe spaces where students feel at home, form lasting friendships and build meaningful relationships with those around them.

Beyond providing accommodation, I want to remain personally accessible to our students, whether that means mentoring those with entrepreneurial ambitions, offering business advice, helping them navigate challenges or simply going the extra mile when someone needs support. As we grow, I never want us to lose that personal element.

I also want to encourage those around me to play their part and give back. Whether through volunteering, mentorship, business or simply helping within their own communities, I think we can all contribute in some way.

I’m an eternal optimist about South Africa. We’re an incredibly resilient group of people who continue to find a way forward despite the challenges we face. We have exceptional talent across every sphere, a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit that gives our country huge potential.

My ambition is to continue building businesses that create opportunities, invest in young people and hopefully encourage others to contribute alongside me. I’d like to look back one day and be as proud of the people and communities we’ve positively impacted as I am of the businesses we’ve built.

Over the last few years I’ve tried to balance two things that are both really important to me: growing Proper Living and continuing to give my time to community service.

In business, I’ve helped grow Proper Living from the ground up, with approximately 1,300 additional beds now in our pipeline over the next two and a half years. I’m extremely proud of that growth and, more importantly, the communities and opportunities we’re creating through it.

Equally important to me is my volunteer work in law enforcement. One experience that has stayed with me was the tragic hit and run that claimed the life of 18 year old Olivia Sieff. I was first on scene and, following the incident, spent hours working to identify and trace the vehicle responsible. I subsequently located the suspect and personally effected the arrest. I remained involved as the matter progressed, including testifying in court, and the case ultimately resulted in a conviction and custodial sentence.

Nothing could ever undo the Sieff family’s loss, but being able to play a part in ensuring that the person responsible was held accountable reinforced why this work means so much to me.

If my journey inspires others in any way, I hope it is to show that success does not need to be measured only by what you build for yourself. You can be ambitious, build businesses and pursue growth while still making the time to show up for your community and contribute wherever you can.

Recreational activities
Golf, Cricket, Law Enforcement, Emergency medical services.