Lungelo Sebetola

What does your company do?

About Sebetech Sebetech is an innovation company committed to expanding access and opportunity across South Africa’s real estate and economic sectors. Through its flagship platforms, Doorways, Rent Now, Pay Later (RNPL), and Behind the Industry, Sebetech merges technology, media, and social impact to empower underserved communities and inspire the next generation of leaders. Our Platforms Doorways A proptech platform reimagining rental access in South Africa. Doorways is a real estate listing and embedded financing platform designed to make property more accessible, particularly for underserved communities. Launched in October 2024, the Doorways property listing mobile app is now available on Google Play and the App Store, with over 200 properties listed to date. As part of its innovation, Doorways introduced South Africa’s first-of-its-kind rental financing product, Rent Now, Pay Later (RNPL). Developed by Sebetech, RNPL allows tenants flexible monthly repayment plans. This solution offers landlords guaranteed income and provides tenants with financial flexibility, addressing real challenges in the rental market. Website: www.doorways.co.za Behind the Industry A multimedia platform unlocking growth industries for young people. Behind the Industry is a podcast that demystifies high-potential sectors and introduces young people to future-focused careers and entrepreneurial pathways. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@LungeloSebetola

What is your biggest success?

Launching South Africa’s first Rent Now, Pay Later (RNPL) rental financing solution, an innovative model that gives tenants the ability to move in without large upfront costs, while offering landlords payment certainty. This product directly addresses one of the country’s biggest rental pain points: affordability and access. The RNPL model has sparked meaningful conversations with property managers, banks, and investors, positioning Doorways as a pioneer in inclusive proptech and a catalyst for financial flexibility in the rental space.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Securing sufficient resources and funding to scale at the pace needed to meet market demand. While the concept and product, especially the Rent Now, Pay Later (RNPL) model, have generated strong interest from tenants, landlords, and industry stakeholders, limited financial and technical capacity has slowed expansion, feature development, and broader market activation. As a purpose-driven startup operating in a capital-intensive sector like real estate, balancing innovation with sustainability remains a key challenge. Unlocking strategic funding and operational support is critical to fully realising Doorways’ impact potential.