2024Stokvel roots
TEP began as a savings group for South Africans abroad who wanted to pool monthly contributions and put money towards property back home.
About
From a stokvel to The Expat Project
South African property investment is at the heart of TEP. We started in 2024 as a stokvel formed by South Africans abroad who wanted to pool money and build assets back home. Today we operate as The Expat Project (Pty) Ltd.
About TEP
Built by South Africans who wanted their money to build something back home.
TEP started with people who knew the stokvel model, regular contributions, shared goals and accountability to one another. Property soon became the main focus because members wanted assets they understood and a business with a long-term purpose.
Today TEP looks at rental homes, student accommodation, affordable housing, property refurbishments, holiday homes, Airbnb stays and other short-term rental ideas where the numbers make sense.
Our story
It started as a stokvel in 2024.
The original idea was simple. South Africans working abroad were earning in other currencies, supporting family at home and trying to save for the future. A group of us wanted part of that money to go towards assets in South Africa.
We started by pooling monthly contributions through a stokvel model. It was familiar, practical and easy for members to understand.
As the group grew, the plan grew with it. Property became the main focus, and TEP moved from an informal savings group into a registered South African private company with its own bank account, company records, agreements and management team.
The stokvel roots still matter. Regular contributions, shared progress and keeping members informed remain part of how TEP works.
2025Private company
The group moved into The Expat Project (Pty) Ltd. This gave the project a formal company identity and a business platform for property ownership and future growth.
2026First property
TEP purchased a sectional-title apartment in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, close to the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The property offers options for residential rental, student accommodation or short-term stays.
Property ideas
Different properties. One aim: income and long-term value.
TEP is open to several property uses. We look at the location, purchase price, expected costs, local demand and the income a property is likely to produce before money goes in.
Long-term rentals
Homes and apartments for tenants who want a stable place to live, with recurring rental income for the company.
Student accommodation
Properties near universities and colleges where location, transport and local demand support student rentals.
Airbnb and holiday homes
Holiday homes, vacation rentals and Airbnb stays in areas where visitor demand supports short-term letting.
Buy, improve and rent
Properties bought at a workable price, improved where needed, then prepared for rental or another suitable use.
Affordable rental housing
Rental homes aimed at working households and communities where affordable accommodation is in demand.
Vacation houses and managed stays
Homes in leisure areas that suit holiday letting, family stays or professionally managed short-term accommodation.
Why TEP exists
For people living away from home who still want a stake in South Africa.
Some members are saving for retirement. Some want rental income. Some want to own property one day. TEP gives members a shared company through which property ideas are researched, bought and managed in South Africa.
At home or abroadMembers follow TEP from South Africa and overseas.
Property firstRental income and asset ownership remain the main focus.
Real updatesMembers receive company, property and finance updates.
Ask the teamQuestions go directly to TEP through WhatsApp or email.
Mission, vision and values
What guides The Expat Project.
Mission
Our mission is to create lasting value through property by providing accessible, reliable and innovative real estate solutions. We are committed to empowering individuals and communities with opportunities to invest, own and grow, while upholding integrity, excellence and sustainability in everything we do.
Vision
To become the first Black-owned, expatriate-funded property company redefining global real estate through sustainable development, economic empowerment, and generational impact.
Values
Empowerment · Sustainability · Excellence · Integrity · Innovation · Representation · Community
C&C Annual Summit
Coins & Conversations.
On 25 July 2026, TEP hosted its annual Coins & Conversations event for South Africans abroad, with a focus on money, property and investing.
54attended in person
24joined online
Guests heard from GME Finance, Liberty Group, UrbanStay Group, GlobalProp and Holborn Assets on banking, financial planning, short-term rentals, property and offshore investing. TEP also covered black tax and sent attendees a follow-up toolkit.
TEP plans to keep Coins & Conversations as an annual event and use future sessions to bring useful financial conversations closer to South Africans living abroad.
Our team
Meet the people behind TEP.
These are the people you will hear from when you read an update, ask a question or apply.
Thabisile Makhathini
Chief Executive Officer
Thabisile is TEP’s Chief Executive and Managing Director of Seven Bridge Investments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has more than six years’ experience working with SMME growth programmes.
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Neo Letsoalo
Research & Marketing
Neo heads research and marketing at TEP. She is a qualified teacher, is studying Digital Business and serves as Deputy Chairperson of Mzansi Beyond Borders.
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Thandekile Ndlovu
Administration & Due Diligence
Thandekile handles administration and due diligence for TEP. She holds an Honours degree in Human Resources from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is Managing Director of Iyana Consultants.
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