By Braam Pretorius

I’ve learned over the years that persistence opens more doors than privilege ever will. You don’t need money, influence, or even luck. You just need to show up every day, do one small thing, and treat people with respect, maybe offer them a cooldrink now and then.

Back when I lived on a plot in Mooiplaats, east of Pretoria, I decided to subdivide the land myself. A company quoted me a small fortune to handle the admin, and they warned it could take nine months. I thought, ag no man, I can do this myself. So, every day I did one thing, one call, one form, one visit. Slowly, patiently.

The secret? Be friendly, smile, and never act like you know everything. I’ve found that when people think you’re just a simple oke trying his best, they go out of their way to help you. They explain things they wouldn’t normally explain; they guide you through the process, and sometimes, they even feel sorry for you.

Which brings me to my favorite story ever.

One day, I was working in the garden, covered in dust and soil, wearing my oldest clothes. I quickly needed something from Pick n Pay, so I jumped in the bakkie and went as I was. As I walked out of the store, a woman approached me. She looked at me with such pity and said softly, “Shame, my poor thing,” and before I could say a word, she pressed a R50 note into my hand.

I thanked her, smiled, and carried on with my day, grinning like a fool all the way back home.

That moment reminded me of something important: you don’t have to look successful to be successful. The less you try to impress people, the more you see the world for what it really is.

And maybe, just maybe, being underestimated is the most powerful advantage a man can have.