Xoliswa Daku is redefining property development through impact-driven entrepreneurship.
Xoliswa Daku, a South African lawyer-turned-entrepreneur, is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Daku Group of Companies, a 100% black and woman-owned enterprise valued at approximately 1.4 billion rand, operating within South Africa’s property development industry. With a portfolio that spans residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across several provinces, Daku’s career shifted from legal advocacy to economic participation through infrastructure and real estate.
Early career transition
Xoliswa Daku began her professional journey as a legal practitioner, specialising in public law and litigation. Her academic background includes a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of the Western Cape and an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. She also holds postgraduate diplomas in project management and human resources.
Her entry into economic development began when she joined the Western Cape Investment and Trade Promotion Agency (WESGRO) as Head of International Marketing and Investments. The role marked a shift in focus—from law to investment facilitation—setting the stage for her transition into entrepreneurship.
In 2004, she founded the Daku Group of Companies. “I opened a business and I resigned from normal employment. I think initially it was just finding myself within the bigger space of business. Property development just got my attention, I loved it and I’ve never looked back,” she told The South African.
Business scope
The Daku Group operates in several major cities, including Cape Town and Johannesburg, and has also contributed to infrastructure in smaller towns across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The company’s portfolio has included contributions to landmark projects such as the One&Only Hotel in Cape Town and developments tied to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The company follows an integrated approach to property development, managing the entire lifecycle—from land acquisition and feasibility studies to implementation and asset management. This model allows for tighter control over governance, quality, and long-term project sustainability.
A notable aspect of business philosophy involves investing in smaller towns and underutilised spaces. The group aims to repurpose neglected properties into economically active zones. This approach includes generating employment opportunities and contributing to local infrastructure improvements.
In 2017, Daku launched the Daku Group Academy, a mentorship initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs, particularly in the property and business sectors. The academy provides skills training, mentorship, and access to learning platforms through institutional partners such as the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA).
The initiative is part of Daku’s broader effort to lower the barriers that women face in traditionally male-dominated sectors and reduce the high failure rates of small businesses by equipping women with practical tools and networks.
Daku’s contributions to business and community development have earned her several accolades. In 2018, she received the Albertina Sisulu Special Business Achiever Award, and she has been recognised as a finalist for “Top Empowered Infrastructure of the Year.” She was also named Top Woman in Property by Standard Bank in 2017.
Beyond her company, Xoliswa Daku holds various governance and advisory roles. She serves on boards including the Southern Africa International Society for Performance Improvement and is involved in development trusts in Khayelitsha and Philippi East. She also holds positions within state-supported bodies, including the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the National Home Builders Registration Council’s (NHBRC) Social Transformation Committee.
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