By Leshira Moloto, Communication Specialist
When George Mahlakgane reflects on his journey, he sees not just a career, but a calling shaped by passion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to people. Few stories in the financial services sector capture the power of vision as clearly as his. From a young teacher with a dream to one of South Africa’s most respected financial advisors, George’s story is a reminder that success is built, patiently, intentionally, and with purpose.
A Teacher with a Bigger Dream
Long before awards, recognition, and industry leadership, George was a teacher who felt drawn to the corporate world.
I always had this dream, he says. Even when I was teaching, I knew I wanted to work in the private sector. Walking into banks, I would think: “one day, I want to be part of that world, even if it meant starting at the very bottom.”
His transition from education to entrepreneurship wasn’t straightforward. After leaving teaching, he entered real estate, selling homes and building valuable relationships. It was there that he met a mentor who introduced him to financial services. By 1 November 2003, George officially began his career as a financial advisor at Absa.
I had zero leads. No clients. Nothing. Just a laptop and a printer. But I knew one thing: “service and relationships would be my pride.”
That mindset became the foundation of a career defined by excellence.
Service First: A Philosophy That Built an Empire
George’s dedication to service transformed his early struggles into long-standing success. He quickly earned a reputation for reliability, integrity, and personalised client care. Through consistency and character, he built a thriving client base and introduced his iconic annual client appreciation events, now legendary in the industry.
From humble gatherings to high-profile celebrations featuring CEOs and government leaders, these events became a hallmark of his brand.
Breaking Barriers and Redefining Excellence
Service and relationships are my pride. If someone trusts you with their clients, you must never let them down. That trust is everything.
In a field historically dominated by long-established advisors, George’s rise was remarkable. Within a few years, he achieved titles of Senior Financial Advisor and Executive Elite Financial Advisor. In 2006, he made history as the first Black financial advisor to win the prestigious Platinum Tour, a milestone achieved despite industry challenges.
Being a young Black broker was not easy. But passion drove me. Passion kills everything else.
Since then, he has amassed more than ten Platinum Tours and became the first Black advisor to win the Invictus Award six times. Today, he leads one of South Africa’s top five franchises, proudly black-owned and built on mentorship, innovation, and uncompromising excellence.
In 2017, George transitioned to Consult by Momentum, drawn by an entrepreneurial model that matched his vision. In an extraordinary display of trust, 98% of his clients migrated with him, a testament to the depth of the relationships he had built over nearly two decades.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and a Vision for Scale
Systems were key. I spent ten years building a strong team, claims support, underwriting, and sales systems. Without structure, no business can scale sustainably.
While embracing technology, George maintains that the human element will always be at the heart of financial services.
Technology will never replace the human touch. We celebrate clients in person, on golf days, pensioner events, and woman’s events. People come first.
George’s success has never been just about business. From the start, he has been committed to uplifting others, supporting orphanages, donating soccer kits to rural children, and backing long-term community initiatives.
A Heart for Community and Empowerment
Before I can feel successful, I want to see others developed and thriving. That’s the principle I live by : “build people before building profits.“
He is particularly intentional about empowering women within his organization. All his early team members are women, and they are still with him today, he continues to invest in their growth, leadership, and visibility.
A Vision with No Ceiling
George’s approach to leadership is future-oriented and bold.
I want to live for the future. My vision is global. We aim to host leaders, presidents, and CEOs, not just nationally, but internationally. We’re building a brand that reflects our values, our systems, and our people.
As he leads one of South Africa’s most successful franchises, George’s story serves as a powerful reminder that passion, service, and intention can create a legacy far beyond one’s beginnings.
Passion drives everything. If you have it, nothing can stop you.