THE QUEST FOR
P A N D A M O N I U M
andemonium is defined in the English dictionary as a ‘grand state of uproar’. Next to this is panda, defined as a large black and white bearlike animal. Pandamonium is therefore the vision of our Group; the quest for a grand state of service-oriented entrepreneurship where innovative products are provided to our clients in unambiguous black and white. The Panda Group began in 2006 as Panda Mortgage Financial Services, a property finance firm assisting clients with the acquisition of mortgages from lending institutions. We were in a difficult environment during our formative years dominated by large entities tied into deal agreements with estate agents. We quickly realized our relevance would only be assured through being innovative which lead to the introduction of the ‘Rent to Buy’ concept.
Black-listed and credit impaired individuals rent a property from us for about 12 months during which their credit and debt status is restored to a position where they can obtain mortgages to buy the rented property. The need for this product was further reinforced by the response of South Africans after an interview with Mr. Kibiego on Kaya FM on the “Stevie B” business show, especially considering there is over 7 million people currently blacklisted. Riding on the successful response to this product, we set up Panda Property Developments, a residential housing development company with a business model focusing on the
acquisition of land (either through purchasing or land availability agreement), town planning, project management of civil infrastructure, services installation, and the construction and marketing of homes. The intention is for the entity to also provide Panda Mortgage with “Rent to Buy” property stock. The group has further diversified by investment into the business communications sector with a business model similar to Postnet or Jetline through the establishment of Panda Comms to provide services such as small and large format printing, photocopy, laminating and binding, local and international courier services. We anticipate opening five stores in Johannesburg by the end of 2012. Also imminent is the launch of Panda Wheel & Tyre with the intention to roll out four outlets in Gauteng and KZN in the next two years where we look forward to providing a variety of competitively priced wheel and tyre products and services matched by the same high level focus on service that has typified the various other lines that make up our budding group. Finally, the Group intends to invest in a number of industries including energy, food processing and FMCG. This is in line with our growth plan of building cash positive businesses with strong brand equity. Panda Group’s mission is borne out of a love affair with Africa and an admiration of its tenacity, resilience
and promise of a bright future and we certainly look forward to contributing towards its socioeconomic liberation. “The next phase of African economic prosperity will depend heavily on entrepreneurship and the role that small and medium enterprises play. The opportunities that Africa offers are immense and must be exploited by Africans to the fullest”
Contact details: mike@pandaproperties.co.za 0732403054