Property tycoon Frank Buyanga (FB) sat down with our correspondent Sam Mungadze (SM) to talk about his life and investments

SM: Everyone knows you as Frank Buyanga, a millionaire property investor who drives the world’s most expensive road cars. I’m sure it was not always like that. What do you remember about your first steps into business?

FB: I got into business in 1998, at the age of 18. I registered Summit Trading, a commodities company based in the United Kingdom. The company traded in agricultural commodities, primarily sugar. In just over a year, I then founded Ferco Trading Ltd, an import and export company which would expose me to the global business arena.

Between the years 2000 and 2004, I owned and operated a pound shop in Stratford and opened up a garage based in Ilford which are both in the UK. Over and above this, I operated a financial advisory and mortgaging firm situated on Cavendish Street, in London.

SM: You are considered to be one of the wealthiest individuals in Zimbabwe, a man of means. What responsibility do you think this imposes on you?

FB: Thank you for the honour. I consider myself blessed, and I should play my part to help humanity.

SM: Doing business in Zimbabwe hasn’t been smooth sailing for you, has it?

FB: No.

SM: There were serious accusations that you deprived people of their properties after they came to you for loans. You were forced to leave the country for some years as a result. Do you sometimes sit down and think you should have done things differently?

FB: I really have nothing to regret. At the root of it were defaulters who refused to honour agreements they signed upon seeking help from me.

Store of value … Frank Buyanga insists his car collection, including the Bugatti Veyron in the middle of picture, is an investment

SM: In February 2012, Interpol took out a Red Notice against you, which you spiritedly fought, and used the courts to clear your name. Did you feel misunderstood at that point, particularly when you came under fire at home and had some negative press?

FB: Misunderstood how? I can’t stop the press from reporting, however, I just feel truth should anchor the stories.

SM: Which investment gave you the most joy or the biggest headache?

FB: None, just lessons learnt.

SM: Do you consider the special gold coins made by your company, African Medallion Group, some kind of cryptocurrency?

FB: AMG does gold medallions, not cryptocurrency.

SM: How are your pioneering gold-backed medallions doing on the market?

FB: AMG hit the R3.5 billion mark on its gold reserves in May 2018. So I would say we have done pretty well.

SM: You are a regular at ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries. What role does faith or spirituality play in your life?

FB: I’m a Christian and believe in the power of prayer.

Ladies man … Frank Buyanga flanked by mystery women in Cape Town (Pix: Facebook)
Luxury … Frank Buyanga has one of the most coveted garages of car collectors

SM: A lot of news reports refer to you as a playboy. Where does this come from, and while on that point, what’s your family situation, are you married?

FB: I try to live a very private life, so that I can protect my family. I’m not a playboy. And no, I’m not married.

SM: Your garage is the envy of many, boasting supercars like a Rolls-Royce Wraith, a Bentley Bentayga V8, a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, a Maserati Granturismo GT, a Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, two Lamborghinis and an Aston Martin DB9. You recently added a Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès edition. Your relationship with cars, is it for the love of speed, or just the prestige?

FB: It is current that I recently bought a Bugatti, which was legally delivered to Harare. These cars you mentioned are not just any other cars, they are a store of value. That’s how I see it.

SM: Do you consider yourself a petrol-head?

FB: I drive cars for my convenience.

Close to power … Buyanga greetings Vice Presidents Mohadi and Chiwenga during the Miss World Zimbabwe finals in August
Luxury … Michelangelo Towers looming large over the Sandton skyline
Work hard and party hard … Frank Buyanga with mates and their toys in Cape Town (Pix: Facebook)

SM: You live in the heart of Sandton at the luxurious Michelangelo Towers. That’s like living in a five-star hotel every day. Do you feel slightly guilty sometimes, given where you come from?

FB: Where must I live?

SM: You are reputed to be one of the biggest property owners in the affluent Sandown suburb in Sandton. Is that accurate?

FB: I’ve been told that I’m the largest black property owner in Sandown, I don’t know. I don’t pay too much attention to that, I stay in my lane.

SM: Zimbabwe’s economy is in a terrible shape right now. Are you seeing it as a viable investment destination at the moment?

FB: It’s quite tough, evidently, but there’s huge potential for there. I try not to point fingers in life but focus on providing solutions. We have plans already for us to be part of the new Zimbabwe going forward.

SM: What do you make of Emmerson Mnangagwa as President? Is he good for business?

FB: I’ve said this before, President Mnangagwa is a capable leader. Bringing business to Zimbabwe means we believe with him the country will move forward. Why must we be pessimistic about the future?

SM: What advice would you give someone seeking a fulfilling business career?

FB: Have a clear plan and work hard.