7 companies owned by South African real estate tycoon Stephen Brookes

Feyisayo Ajayi -

Stephen Brookes, the visionary force shaping South Africa’s real estate landscape, has ascended to the echelons of the nation’s wealthiest. Brookes’ journey from humble origins to leading Balwin Properties, one of South Africa’s leading affordable housing developers, reflects a commitment to community empowerment through accessible living.

Armed with 25 years of expertise in construction and property development, Brookes, a skilled civil engineer and project manager, recognized the pressing need for affordable housing. A member of the Green Building Council of South Africa, his dedication to excellence is woven into his professional fabric.

Balwin Properties, founded in 1996, owes its success to Brookes’ vision to revolutionize property development. Specializing in innovative, sustainable, and high-quality residential projects, the company has soared under his leadership, securing a prominent position on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Brookes’ 36.1-percent stake in Balwin Properties, valued at over R374.82 million ($19.94 million), cements his status as a real estate magnate. His strategic holdings showcase investment prowess, placing him among the elite in the multi-millionaire league.

Beyond property, Brookes actively supports educational and humanitarian causes. Engaging with community leaders and government officials, he drives positive change through collaborative efforts. His accolades, including EY Entrepreneur of the Year and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, attest to his success.

Billionaires.Africa outlines seven significant assets owned by Brookes, showcasing his influential role in various companies and holdings.

  1. Balwin Properties
    At the helm of his real estate empire is Balwin Properties, founded by Brookes in 1996. This company stands as a beacon for large-scale estates tailored to South Africa’s low-to-middle-income population. Balwin Properties is renowned for providing affordable and environmentally efficient apartments, coupled with innovative lifestyle offerings that enrich the lives of its residents. Brookes, the visionary founder, holds the majority stake, underscoring his dedication to the company’s mission.
  1. Balwin Annuities Proprietary Limited
    A subsidiary of Balwin Properties, Balwin Annuities specializes in crafting annuity income streams. Leveraging the expertise of its parent company, it develops and manages innovative annuity-based products. This subsidiary is aligned with Balwin Properties’ commitment to excellence and customer-centric services, ensuring reliable and sustainable income streams for its clientele.
  1. Waltiq Proprietary Limited
    Waltiq, another subsidiary of Balwin Properties, is synonymous with innovation and sustainability in residential developments. With a focus on creating modern, eco-friendly, and vibrant communities, Waltiq contributes significantly to Balwin Properties’ reputation as a leader in high-quality construction and innovative design within the real estate industry.
  1. Balwin Energy Proprietary Limited
    This wholly owned subsidiary specializes in pioneering sustainable energy solutions within residential developments. Balwin Energy focuses on implementing eco-friendly technologies, such as solar power and energy-efficient systems, aligning with Brookes’ vision of promoting green living and reducing carbon footprints in Balwin Properties’ residential projects.
  1. Balwin Education Proprietary Limited
    Dedicated to education, this subsidiary focuses on developing educational facilities within residential estates. Its goal is to create modern, high-quality learning environments for residents’ children, integrating accessible, well-equipped, and sustainable educational spaces into Balwin Properties’ residential developments.
  1. Balwin Signage and Towers Proprietary Limited
    Operating under the umbrella of Balwin Properties, this company specializes in crafting innovative signage and towers for residential developments. Renowned for its expertise in creating visually appealing and functional structures, it contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality of Balwin Properties’ residential projects.
  1. Balwin Foundation
    Founded in August 2016, the Balwin Foundation stands as a non-profit entity created by Balwin Properties. It aims to make a social difference in education, training, and funding by providing scholarships, bursaries, awards, and loans for study, research, and teaching. The foundation’s mission aligns with the development of a future generation of skilled practitioners in areas relevant to Balwin’s business model.