Nokwazi Mdlalose: Back Where She Belongs & Right Where You Need Her
If home is where the heart is, then Nokwazi’s is planted firmly in Westville. A lifelong KwaZulu-Natal local and Westville resident since 1991, she carries a deep connection to the community she serves. From climbing the ranks in the high-energy world of marketing and advertising at Ogilvy, to commanding radio sales at Gagasi FM, and later driving corporate social investment initiatives at South African Breweries, Nokwazi’s career has always been about people and persuasion. After stepping back to raise her young family, it was Shelley Residential that reignited her professional spark.
Finding the Right Fit, Not the Right Floorplan
For Nokwazi, a home isn’t just bricks and beams - it’s where life happens. It’s the place where toddlers take their first steps and memories are made around kitchen tables. That emotional heartbeat guides her in every client interaction. She doesn’t just connect people to properties - she helps them find belonging, community, and future memories.
Local Love and Genuine Expertise
Ask Nokwazi what she loves most about working in Durban West and her face lights up. From first-time buyers in Pinetown to established families settling into Outer West, she thrives on the diversity and unique character of each suburb. Her deep local knowledge allows her to advise on schools, transport routes, and long-term value, always prioritising her client’s needs with care and clarity.
Client-Led, Heart-Filled Service
Nokwazi’s mission goes beyond transactions. She’s here to uplift, educate and empower - especially women. With integrity and service as her cornerstones, she offers honest, informed guidance in both English and isiZulu, making the whole experience less daunting and more empowering.
Ask Nokwazi what gets her up in the morning, and she’ll tell you: people. She swapped brand campaigns for real-life connections - because stories matter more than slogans. A career in real estate allows her to be part of real journeys whilst offering meaningful service, where she’s constantly learning, engaging, and growing.
Keeping It Real
Honest conversations, regular check-ins, and managing expectations with care - these are Nokwazi’s signatures. She doesn’t waste time with empty promises - she educates clients on pricing, market conditions, and return on investment, guiding them with empathy and insight. She truly listens, advises, and understands the emotional weight behind every sale or purchase.
Lessons from Tough Times
Nokwazi stepped into real estate in 2021, right in the thick of post-lockdown uncertainty. But tough times don’t rattle her - they refine her. She learned to do more with less, adapt quickly, and lean into creativity. And when you’re backed by a brand like Shelley Residential, where marketing is king and innovation is a given, even challenges feel like opportunities.
A Welcomed Return
Nokwazi’s decision to partner with Shelley Residential is a powerful endorsement of it’s values, professionalism and unparalleled support. For her, it wasn’t just about brand alignment; Shelley’s boutique model allows for personal connection without compromising on quality. “Their admin and marketing systems rival any franchise”, she notes. From seller WhatsApp groups to uniquely curated showhouses, everything is designed to be transparent, elegant, and effective. “They don’t just sell houses, they sell experiences.”With an advertising background, this savvy lady knows good marketing when she sees it - and she’s found her match at Shelley Residential. While working elsewhere, she realised how often real estate agencies miss the mark. But at Shelley Residential, it’s different. “Here, marketing isn’t an afterthought - it’s the foundation,” she says.
In Good Hands, Always
When you work with Nokwazi, you’re not just getting an area expert - you’re getting someone who genuinely cares. Her promise is simple: to find you a home that fits your life, not just your budget. Here’s what some of her clients have to say:
"Nokwazi is an exceptional property practitioner! She ensured to stay in touch and let me know each time something matching my criteria popped up. An excellent listener, brilliant communicator and an overall exceptional custodian of customer service. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Nokwazi." - Msa Kubheka, Buyer
“What a fabulous, kind, warm and wonderful human being. From the very first meeting, she explained everything clearly. Nokwazi is a bright star and a superb asset to Shelley Residential.” - Jenny Morris, Seller
In an industry of flashy promises and quick deals, Nokwazi stands out by putting her heart before the handshake. From the first viewing to the final signature, she’s there - grounded, insightful, and full of heart. Whether you're buying your first home or your forever one, she’ll help you feel like you’ve arrived before you’ve even unpacked.