Why I Chose to Build a Business Around Municipalities

When I tell people that the focus of our business is municipalities, the most common response I get is a mix of shock, disbelief, or skepticism.

It's a reaction I've come to expect. For many, municipalities in South Africa carry a reputation for being difficult partners—poor payers, slow to respond, bogged down in bureaucracy, or lacking urgency. But for me, that perspective misses something important—something powerful.

If we step back and look at the real implementers of infrastructure in South Africa over the past 10 to 20 years—electricity reaching rural homes, clean drinking water piped into communities, tarred roads where there were once dirt tracks, proper sanitation systems being rolled out—the key enabler has been our municipalities.

Yes, the system isn’t perfect. But it is the municipal layer of government that is closest to people’s everyday needs. And it's in this space—often overlooked, frequently underestimated—where I've found the greatest opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

A Different Kind of Partnership

My company works predominantly with rural municipalities—those areas where the need for basic infrastructure is most urgent and where professional capacity is often stretched thin, especially in financial management. What I've experienced in this space has been anything but negative.

These municipalities are eager for partnership. They are open to support when it’s offered with integrity and professionalism. They value capacity-building—whether it's in fundraising, financial risk management, or reporting—because they see what it can unlock for their communities.

There’s a level of commitment and accountability I’ve seen in rural municipal teams that has left a lasting impression. They want to make things work. They want to move projects forward. And, most importantly, they want to deliver for their people.

Choosing Impact Over Comfort

Coming from an investment banking background, I’ve seen both sides of the table. And while the corporate world has its advantages, I’ve found far more fulfilment and purpose in working with municipalities. The work is harder in some ways, yes—it involves navigating politics, policy, and public pressure—but the impact is direct, tangible, and deeply human.

When you help a municipality secure funding for infrastructure, you're not just closing a deal. You're helping bring electricity to a village. You're helping ensure children have clean water at their schools. You're helping create roads that connect people to opportunities.

Launching with Purpose

It’s from this foundation and experience that I’m proud to officially launch my company: Maano Capital.

Maano Capital is built with a mission to strengthen the financial and strategic capacity of municipalities, especially those in under-resourced, rural areas. We’re here to support the public sector in delivering the basic infrastructure that drives dignity, development, and inclusion.

This is not just a business model. It’s a calling. One I believe more professionals should consider, even when the initial narrative seems discouraging.

Because sometimes, the most impactful work lies in the places others overlook.