GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
OUR DEVELOPMENTS AND PROJECTS.
A wide-angle exterior view highlighting the contemporary architecture of the multi-story residential apartment blocks. The buildings feature a clean, minimalist design with a crisp white and light beige color palette, situated right in front of a newly tarred parking lot with cleanly painted white bays.
This is an outdoor waste storage enclosure area tucked to the side of the parking lot. The structure is neatly masked by high-quality, horizontal reddish-brown wooden slats, providing an aesthetically pleasing way to screen off service areas against the perimeter wall.
A perspective taken from behind the kitchen counter, looking across the open-plan living room floor. The smooth, large-format floor tiles run throughout the space, leading the eye toward large sliding glass doors at the far end that open up onto a private balcony, making the room feel bright and airy.
An alternative layout configuration of the modern kitchen area. It features rustic, textured grey wood-grain cabinetry paired with speckled white countertops. The kitchen workspace is split across two sections: the main cooking wall is equipped with an under-counter oven, a glass stovetop hob, a matching extractor fan, and an integrated breakfast bar extension supported by a single black leg, while a separate wash-up station housing a double-bowl stainless steel sink sits opposite it. A stack of black plastic chairs is placed to the right, and a matching wood-grain door in the center leads out of the open-plan room.
A closer, detailed look at the kitchen workspace and cooking area. This shot highlights the compact yet efficient design, showcasing the integrated under-counter oven, sleek black glass stovetop, matching tiled backsplash, and the extended countertop overhang supported by a black pillar, perfect for bar stools.
This image captures a spacious bedroom featuring smooth, large-format grey tiled flooring and white walls. The focal point is a massive wall-to-wall bank of floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes finished in a contemporary dark grey matte look. Two of the wardrobe doors are propped open, revealing that this unit is cleverly configured with an integrated en-suite walkway or a hidden doorway built straight into the cabinetry paneling, allowing seamless, concealed access into the private bathroom.
A direct, centered look at the hidden bathroom entrance integrated seamlessly into the bedroom's built-in wardrobe system. With the two central cabinet doors fully swung open, it reveals a secret walkthrough threshold leading straight into the en-suite bathroom. Visible through the opening is a floating vanity sink basin and a mirrored cabinet mounted on the bathroom wall, demonstrating a clever, space-saving architectural design that keeps the private facilities concealed when the doors are closed.
A neat bathroom featuring a floating vanity basin with cabinet space below, a toilet, and a glass-enclosed walk-in shower with checkered floor tiles.
A neat, empty single bedroom featuring the same modern design aesthetic as the rest of the unit. The room is styled with uniform, large-format grey floor tiles and crisp white walls, illuminated by a simple flush-mount ceiling light. A standalone unit of floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes, finished in a matte charcoal grey, stands against the far wall to provide ample clothing storage. The white entrance door is propped open, offering a glimpse out into the brightly lit apartment hallway.
Mirroring the clean and contemporary design seen throughout the apartment complex, the space is finished with uniform, large-format grey floor tiles and flawless white walls, accented by a dark wall socket plate near the baseboard. On the left, a substantial set of floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobes in a sleek matte charcoal grey offers generous storage space, while an open white interior door on the far side reveals a glimpse of an adjoining hallway. To the right, a large, black aluminum-framed window lets in plenty of natural light, offering a view of the exterior parking bay area outside.
MEET THE TEAM, empowering our brand.Â
Derasha Maharaj
I am the Franchise Owner of Ekhaya Property Finance Pietermaritzburg. With extensive experience in business development, client relations, and financial solutions, I am passionate about helping clients make informed property finance decisions. I believe that purchasing property is one of life's most important investments and am committed to providing honest guidance, personalised service, and ongoing support throughout the finance journey. In addition to property finance, I am an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the health and wellness industry, bringing a unique combination of professionalism, compassion, and problem-solving to every client interaction. My vision is to establish Ekhaya Property Finance Pietermaritzburg as a trusted partner for homebuyers, property investors, estate agents, and developers throughout the region by delivering outstanding service and successful finance solutions. At our branch, we understand that every client has unique financial circumstances. We work closely with our clients, guiding them through the home loan application process and connecting them with leading financial institutions to secure the most suitable finance options available. Whether you are purchasing your first home, investing in property, refinancing an existing bond, or expanding your property portfolio, my goal is to make the finance process simple, efficient, and stress-free. I am proud to serve the Pietermaritzburg and greater KwaZulu-Natal community with integrity, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.
Zelda Van Wyk
For more than 10 years, I have built my career around one simple principle: people always come first. Throughout my journey in the corporate environment, I have had the privilege of working with both local and international clients, developing long-lasting relationships built on trust, professionalism, and genuine care. I believe that every successful business relationship starts with understanding the individual behind the client and taking the time to listen to their needs, expectations, and goals. My success has never been measured purely by results or numbers, but rather by the relationships I have built over the years. I have always believed that clients are far more than customers—they are people with dreams, ambitions, concerns, and aspirations. My role has always been to ensure they feel heard, valued, and supported throughout every interaction. By consistently delivering excellent service and building trust, I have been fortunate to establish strong relationships that have lasted for many years. Working alongside my husband, Wouter, over the past 10 years has strengthened this philosophy even further. Together, we have pursued the same vision and definition of success—to help people grow, achieve their goals, and create opportunities that positively impact their lives. We are often described as a dream team because we complement each other’s strengths while sharing the same passion for serving people with honesty, integrity, and genuine care. We don’t believe in simply completing transactions; we believe in building lasting relationships that create long-term value. This shared vision naturally led us into the property industry, where I found even greater purpose. Purchasing a property is one of the most significant milestones in a person’s life. Whether assisting a first-time buyer, a growing family, or an experienced investor, I understand the importance of making every client feel confident, informed, and supported throughout the process. I am especially grateful to Naresh Maharaj for the guidance, mentorship, and opportunity he has given both Wouter and me throughout this journey. His support has allowed us to grow within the property industry while helping many clients turn their dreams of property ownership into reality. Together, we continue to learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships with every client we serve. Helping people purchase a property is far more than concluding a sale—it is about changing lives. Seeing families receive the keys to their first home or assisting investors in securing their future is one of the greatest achievements and rewards for us. It is this passion for helping people grow that continues to motivate me every day. As we continue building our future within the property industry, I remain committed to delivering exceptional client service, nurturing lasting relationships, and ensuring that every client receives the care, honesty, and dedication they deserve. I firmly believe that when people are treated with respect, guided with integrity, and supported throughout their journey, success naturally follows for both the client and ourselves.
Wouter Van Wyk
For more than 15 years, I have built my career within the automotive and commercial industries, developing extensive experience in fleet sales, commercial finance, transport, logistics, key account management, and customer relationship management. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to work with leading organisations where I have assisted businesses in improving their fleet operations, financing solutions, and overall commercial growth. My experience has allowed me to work closely with corporate decision-makers, business owners, and executive teams, providing solutions that create long-term value while building trusted relationships. My journey began within the transport and logistics industry, where I gained a solid operational understanding of fleet management, transport planning, fuel administration, and business development. This operational knowledge became the foundation that enabled me to transition successfully into automotive sales and later into fleet finance. During my time within the automotive sector, I specialised in new vehicle sales, fleet sales, and commercial account management, consistently exceeding sales targets while managing key corporate accounts. My role required not only technical product knowledge but also the ability to understand each client’s business objectives and provide solutions that supported their long-term success. As my career progressed into fleet finance with Bidvest Bank, my responsibilities expanded beyond sales. I became focused on understanding businesses from a financial and strategic perspective, assisting clients with asset finance solutions, portfolio growth, risk management, and long-term relationship management. This role strengthened my commercial acumen while reinforcing the importance of trust, integrity, and customer-centric service. My passion has never simply been about selling products; it has always been about helping clients grow their businesses and achieve meaningful outcomes. Over the past ten years, my mindset has evolved significantly. Rather than focusing solely on growing customer portfolios, I have become passionate about growing people. I have realised that true success comes from helping individuals and business owners achieve their personal and financial goals. Whether assisting a fleet owner to expand their operations or guiding a corporate client through a strategic financial decision, I have always believed that lasting relationships are built on trust, service, and genuine care for the client’s success. This passion naturally led me into the property industry over the past seven years. Property represents far more than a transaction; it is one of the most significant investments a person or business can make. Many of the relationships I had established within the automotive and commercial sectors began evolving into conversations around property investments, wealth creation, and home ownership. I recognised that I could continue serving these clients by helping them take the next important step in their financial journey. Whether working with business owners looking to diversify their investments or first-time buyers purchasing their very first home, I have found immense satisfaction in helping people realise their dreams. Purchasing a property is a life-changing milestone and represents security, achievement, and the opportunity to build generational wealth. Being able to guide clients through this journey is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling. I am especially grateful to Naresh Maharaj, whose mentorship, guidance, and support over the years have played a significant role in my growth within the property industry. Together, we have assisted many clients in achieving their dream of property ownership, and I have learned the value of building lasting relationships based on honesty, professionalism, and exceptional service. Today, I look forward to continuing this journey as part of the Ekhaya Alberton team. I am proud to be associated with Naresh Maharaj and remain committed to growing alongside him while continuing to build meaningful relationships with new and existing clients. My experience across the automotive, commercial, and property sectors has equipped me with a unique combination of business expertise, relationship management, and a genuine passion for helping people succeed. I believe these qualities will continue to add value to both my clients and the organisation, while allowing me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I serve.
Deresia Botha
My name is Deresia, a Durban-based Property Finance Administrator with a genuine passion for helping people achieve the dream of property ownership. I am a driven, detail-oriented professional who enjoys connecting people with the right financial solutions while turning complex processes into smooth, stress-free experiences. With over two years of experience in Property Finance, I have assisted clients through every stage of their property journey from purchasing their first home to financing investment properties and maintaining long-term property portfolios. Every application represents someone's dream, and I take pride in ensuring each client receives the care, attention, and guidance they deserve. I am proud to be part of the dedicated team at Ekhaya Property Finance, where professionalism, integrity, and client success are at the heart of everything we do. Working alongside experienced industry professionals continues to inspire me to provide exceptional service and achieve the best possible outcomes for every client. As a MORCSA-registered professional, I strictly adhere to all industry regulations, ethical standards, and lawful lending practices. My commitment is to ensure every application is handled with honesty, transparency, and professionalism while giving clients the strongest possible opportunity for approval. My mission is simple: to reduce the administrative burden and uncertainty that often comes with securing property finance. Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading, refinancing, or expanding your investment portfolio, I aim to provide clear guidance, accurate financial solutions, and personalised support throughout the process. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places, experimenting in the kitchen, and getting lost in a good book. I believe in lifelong learning, treating people with kindness, and making a positive difference wherever I can. Helping people secure the right property finance isn't just my profession, it's my passion. I look forward to helping you navigate your property journey with confidence, clarity, and a smile.
Ekhaya is deeply committed to social upliftment and urban revitalization through strategic growth and development projects. We focus on creating sustainable communities by investing in high-quality housing developments and commercial spaces that empower local residents. Our recent projects showcase innovation in multi-family dwellings and modern infrastructure, ensuring that every development contributes to the prosperity of our clients and the broader community.