Janine De Jesus

Janine De Jesus has built an extraordinary career in South Africa’s real estate industry, a path she began at the age of 21 as a Principal. As the co-founder of Lance Klusener Exclusives and Friends, Janine’s journey has been shaped by personal challenges and professional triumphs. She reflects on her introduction to real estate, inspired by her father, saying, “Once you get into real estate, it’s like a bug. It just bites you. And you’re just taken by it.”

Janine’s passion, however, transcends just property sales. She found her true calling in developing people, recruiting, and growing companies. “I’ve always been a natural-born CEO,” she says. Her leadership has been instrumental in transforming the real estate landscape, especially with the introduction of the NQF 4 and NQF 5 qualifications, which she embraced as a necessary step in professionalising the industry. “There was a need for property practitioners to be looked after,” Janine explains, which led her to become not only a real estate expert but also a life coach and motivational speaker.

Janine’s leadership at Lance Klusener Exclusives and Friends is fuelled by a passion to empower others, especially young people and those transitioning from professional sports to new careers. Partnering with South African cricket icon Lance Klusener, she has created a VIP real estate brand that offers training and coaching for former athletes, helping them find success in business. “We are taking them in, and I am training, coaching, and growing them to be in their own business under the Lance Klusener Exclusive brand,” she says.

Do It Yourself
Janine acknowledges the personal losses she faced along the way, especially the death of both her parents in 2018, just four months apart. “Lots of blood, sweat, and tears went into this journey,” she says, highlighting the per- severance needed to thrive in the industry.

Her father was a business partner and as a woman CEO stepping into a new field without that support was a challenge. However, her mother, Barbie Rowe, (Barbara Constance Rowe) remains her biggest inspiration. “She taught me from a young age that you don’t have to rely on people; you can do it yourself,” Janine recalls. It was her mother who nurtured her confidence, enrolling her in speech and drama classes to combat shyness and even encouraging her to pursue modelling, an experience that helped shape Janine into the poised and confident leader she is today.

One of the greatest hurdles Janine has faced in her career was a malicious cyberbullying campaign. “Everything I did, they put horrible things on social media,” Janine reveals. While this deeply affected her emotionally and impacted her business, she stood firm and refused to be broken. “It taught me how to stand up,” she explains. “Cyberbullying affects so many women CEOs, young children, and business individuals. There’s a need to address this.”

Janine has used the experience as an opportunity to advocate against cyberbullying, especially among young people. “I’ve started doing talks at schools, helping individuals deal with how to overcome cyberbullying and how to deal with it,” she shares.

For Janine, the most important lesson she has learned through her journey is to “stand in your truth.” As she puts it, “As long as you know your truth, you’re OK. Let AI create things, let people say things, but the people that know you and value you will stand by you.” She added, “It’s crucial for women to stand up for each other. People will always talk, but your truth is what matters.” Janine acknowledges how heart breaking it can be when people judge you based on rumours or false accusations, but she has learned to rise above it.

Empowering Others
One of the proudest moments of Janine’s journey was when she was approached by a woman after one of her motivational talks who asked, “How are you still alive after everything you’ve been through, especially the cyberbullying?”

“Her question was a powerful reminder that, despite the challenges I’ve faced, I am standing strong. I realised in that moment that my resilience and perseverance are inspiring others. That woman was amazed by my strength, and it reinforced for me that not everyone can overcome the hardships I had to endure—but I did.”

Moments like these remind me of the importance of standing tall and being a source of strength for others. Even if you don’t know someone personally, always stand by their truth. Supporting others, regardless of familiarity, is a powerful act of kindness and strength.”

Her drive to inspire others has extended to mentoring women in the business. Janine has watched many women struggle or fail, and she stands as a beacon of support. “Watching how women particularly have failed or been hurt... as a life coach and motivational speaker, I believe you always have to be learning-based,” she says. Her advice to young women is simple: “Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid of hard work, and don’t be afraid of taking a risk.”
Janine is equally enthusiastic about community involvement and is an active fundraiser for poverty relief.

Holistic Approach
Her successes have been acknowledged through awards, such as the Second Princess in the Mrs KZN competition and numerous accolades for her communication skills and leadership.

One of Janine’s dreams is to build the largest real estate brand in South Africa and to have over one hundred property practitioners. She envisions her company as a powerhouse in the industry, fuelled by her determination and ability to overcome obstacles.

Janine’s philosophy is grounded in authenticity. “Don’t put your makeup on and be someone you’re not. Be you, even if it is crazy and outgoing — I think that’s cool.” Of note her holistic approach to life and work is what sets her apart. She finds balance in spending quality time with her blended family of five children and a supportive husband.