MAIN IMAGE: Rawson Property Group Directors Tony Clarke with TNX applicants
Rawson Property Group
Just over a year after the Rawson Property Group and the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) joined forces to launch Transformation X (TNX) — a ground-breaking initiative designed to drive true, sustainable transformation in the real estate sector — the results are already speaking for themselves.
In March 2024, seven historically disadvantaged individuals were officially welcomed as new Rawson franchise owners under the TNX programme — each receiving their franchise at zero entrance fee, together with startup grants, working capital, supplier discounts, and full access to Rawson’s comprehensive training, mentoring and compliance systems.
A public–private partnership for lasting impact
The initiative was launched in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and attended by Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, PPRA Chairperson Dr Steven Ngubeni, and Rawson MD Tony Clarke, among others.
At the time, PPRA CEO Thato Ramaili called TNX “an example of what intentional collaboration looks like,” emphasising that transformation in real estate must go beyond moral obligation.
“By embracing diversity in all its forms, we unlock innovation, drive performance and create value for our stakeholders,” Ramaili said. “Together we can achieve remarkable things and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
For Clarke, the motivation was equally clear:
“True and sustainable transformation emerges from nurturing, mentoring, and coaching business owners who are to become the future leaders of our sector,” he said at the launch.
Transformation with measurable results
Just one year later, the initiative has already yielded remarkable outcomes. Two of the TNX franchisees — Johnny Seloi (Rawson Properties The Orchards) and Ziyanda Bandla (Rawson Properties Centurion South) — were jointly named Top New Franchise of the Year, outperforming 25 other new franchises added to the Group during the same period.
Seloi says the programme has been “a game changer”:
“The reason I became a principal property practitioner was to change other people’s lives, to fight unemployment, and to give more young people like myself an opportunity in this great industry. With Rawson’s training, mentorship and support, I’ve exceeded my own expectations — and now I can build a team and give others a chance too.”
Bandla shares a similar story of empowerment:
“Since becoming a Rawson franchisee in April 2024, my experience has been both empowering and transformative. The support, training, and technology have enabled me to scale quickly and lead with confidence. Being recognised as a Top New Franchisee and serving on EXCO has deepened my passion for creating meaningful impact in the property industry.”
Beyond numbers: building sustainable businesses
Rawson says the company’s approach to transformation is not driven by quotas or compliance targets, but by intentional, long-term development.
“Almost half of our property practitioners already come from historically disadvantaged backgrounds,” notes Clarke. “But it’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about creating viable, thriving businesses that can employ more people and empower more communities.”
As part of the implementation and onboarding process, Rawson TNX Franchises underwent a comprehensive Business Implementation Program for over 4 weeks, during which time they were trained on Rawson systems and best practices as well as general real estate business practices. Several additional training courses were made available at no cost to either franchisee or agent. The Rawson Franchisor also enrolled each Rawson TNX Franchisee – along with 8 other Rawson franchisees – into the ground-breaking REBOSA Business Leadership Program.
Each TNX franchisee commits to a ‘pay-it-forward’ philosophy, pledging to mentor and employ more practitioners from their communities — creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
“Helping one PDI-owned business succeed will, in turn, employ more PDIs who may one day start businesses of their own,” Clarke explains. “That’s how real, sustainable transformation happens.”
To date, the first cohort of Rawson TNX franchises have provided employment for 130 real estate agents, giving them access to the full Rawson training, mentoring and marketing support offering to help them on their journey to property professional success. The TNX cohort currently have just under 500 properties listed, and are growing their client bases by the day.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond
Encouraged by early success, Rawson and the PPRA are already expanding the TNX programme. The second cohort of candidates has been shortlisted, with final selections underway. The goal is to grow the initiative to at least 100 franchises over the next decade.
“If we can continue to grow the TNX base — which we fully intend to do — we can create hundreds of new jobs, more property leaders, and a truly inclusive industry,” says Clarke.
A call to the industry
The partners hope their example will inspire other property groups to follow suit. As Deputy Minister Tshwete told the new franchisees at the 2024 launch:
“Exploit this opportunity, go out boldly and make waves. Above all, remember to lift others when you are established. Don’t go up alone — take others up with you.”
For Rawson and the PPRA, that sentiment lies at the heart of Transformation X — proof that meaningful collaboration can turn transformation from an ideal into reality.
