Jawitz Properties, one of South Africa’s most respected real estate brands, officially opened its first franchise office in Harare North on Friday, November 14. The launch event at their new offices on 47 Harare Drive in Borrowdale brought together approximately 100 property sector professionals, business leaders, and stakeholders to mark this significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s real estate market.
The new franchise operates under the leadership of Mrs. Rudo Somane, alongside partners Nicole, Tonderai, and Daphne Mugani. Since establishing operations, the team has already grown to over 20 real estate agents, demonstrating strong market confidence and rapid expansion in the local property sector.
A Legacy Built on Respect and Trust
Jawitz Properties traces its roots back to 1969, when founder Eskel Jawitz had a life-changing experience while searching for his first home in Johannesburg. After being treated dismissively by estate agents who showed him properties far beyond his budget of R18,000, the then 34-year-old biscuit factory manager recognized a fundamental gap in the market. His vision was simple but powerful: what if an agency actually listened to clients and treated them with respect?
Nearly five decades later, that founding principle continues to drive the brand’s success across multiple markets. Today, Jawitz Properties operates as an international brand with over 48 offices in more than 30 countries, with Zimbabwe now joining this prestigious network.
The Right Way
Russell Berkman, Franchise Director at Jawitz Properties, flew in from South Africa to participate in the launch. His remarks emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and client-centered service.
“Jawitz Properties knows only three ways to engage in real estate: the right way, the right way and the right way,” Berkman stated during his address. Drawing on wisdom from poet Maya Angelou, he noted that while people may forget what you say, “they will remember how you made them feel.”
This philosophy translates directly into the company’s operational approach, reinforcing the brand’s core values that have sustained its growth across nearly five decades.
Strategic Partnership with Local Experts
The launch also highlighted important partnerships that will support Jawitz’s entry into the Zimbabwean market. Rufaro Manyepa, Sales and PR Lead at Propertybook, was among the invited speakers at the event. He expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration between the two companies.
“We are excited for Jawitz, a South African giant, to enter the Zimbabwean market partnered with Propertybook, Zimbabwe’s most trusted real estate website,” Manyepa remarked, underscoring the strategic importance of local property portals in navigating Zimbabwe’s property landscape.
The partnership positions Jawitz to leverage Propertybook’s established digital platform and deep understanding of the local market, while bringing international expertise and proven systems to Zimbabwean property buyers and sellers.
Ambitious Growth Plans
The Borrowdale office represents just the beginning of Jawitz’s expansion strategy in Zimbabwe. The company has already laid the groundwork for a team in Bulawayo and plans to open a second office in Zimbabwe during the last quarter of 2026 or early 2027. This phased approach demonstrates a long-term commitment to building a sustainable presence across the country’s key property markets.
The rapid growth from launch to over 20 agents in a matter of weeks suggests strong market demand for the brand’s services and confidence from local real estate professionals in the Jawitz business model.
Real Life, Real Estate
In her closing remarks, CEO Rudo Somane conveyed her excitement about the journey ahead. She emphasized her team’s determination to make a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s property market under the Jawitz banner, bringing the brand’s distinctive approach to client service and professional excellence to local buyers, sellers, and investors.
The Jawitz philosophy centers on understanding that for most people, property represents the biggest single investment of their lives. Whether purchasing a home or making an investment decision, the company positions itself as more than just a service provider—it aims to be a real partner throughout the entire real estate journey.
“We know that when it comes to your real estate journey, you need a real partner,” the company states in its mission. “And that’s just what we pride ourselves on being. A real partner that understands that your success is our success.”
The Thriving Zimbabwean Property Market
The entry of another major South African real estate brand into Zimbabwe follows similar moves by competitors like Chas Everitt International Property Group, which launched operations in Harare earlier this year. These expansions reflect growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s property market recovery and long-term potential, particularly in prime residential areas of the capital.
With its combination of international systems, proven track record, and local leadership, Jawitz Properties is well-positioned to serve the growing demand for professional real estate services in Zimbabwe’s evolving property landscape. The focus on ethical practices and client relationships aligns with market needs as the sector matures and attracts increased diaspora and foreign investment.
For more information about Jawitz Properties Zimbabwe, visit their offices at 47 Harare Drive, Borrowdale, Harare, or contact the team directly. The have a collection of houses for sale in Harare, townhouses and clusters for sale in Harare North, stands for sale in Zimbabwe and more.
Propertybook is Zimbabwe’s leading property portal, connecting buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants with the best real estate opportunities across the country.
