Property markets, technology and the way people buy, sell and rent have changed considerably since 1986. What has kept Kellaprince Properties moving through those changes is something far simpler: the people behind the business and the relationships built across the Lowveld over four decades.
In July 2026, the team celebrated 40 years in business with staff, stakeholders, clients, and friends at Christie’s at 32 on Russell Guest House in Mbombela. With RISE FM’s Mpumi Mbethe hosting, attendees enjoyed an evening of shared memories and economic insights from guest speaker Dr Roelof Botha.
Tracing the Kellaprince journey
A short anniversary video shown during the evening took guests back to where the Kellaprince story began.
Although Kellaprince Properties was established in 1986, its roots stretch much further. It all began in Barberton, a town shaped by the gold rush and the people who came from across South Africa and abroad to build new lives in the Lowveld. In 1887, Frederick Timothy Kellar arrived from Scotland and established FT Kellar & Co, laying the foundations for a business that would become part of the region’s early property and commercial history.
In 1986, FT Kellar & Co merged with Princeton Rock Properties to form Kellaprince Properties. The name itself reflects that history, combining “Kella” from FT Kellar & Co with “Prince” from Princeton Rock Properties.
As Barberton’s mining economy slowed, Nelspruit was emerging as the Lowveld’s financial and service centre. Kellaprince followed that shift, expanding to Nelspruit in 1990 and beginning a new chapter in the company’s history.
The video offered a reminder that Kellaprince’s 40 years are part of a much longer Lowveld story. One shaped by changing towns, property markets and, above all, the people who have been part of the journey.
The faces behind Kellaprince’s success
The anniversary also recognised the people who shaped Kellaprince into the business it is today. Eric Todd joined Kellaprince in 1997, bringing years of business experience and beginning a long association between the Kellar and Todd families. Derek Todd followed in 2009, guiding the business with his steady approach and practical perspective.
In 2010, Grant and Courtney Campbell joined the team and focused on growing the residential side of the business, with rentals becoming an important part of Kellaprince. Amanda and Sakkie De Lange joined in 2011, strengthening the commercial department and managed properties. Amanda later took on the role of managing director, adding new energy to the company’s leadership.
Courtney passed away in 2021 and Derek in 2024. Both were remembered for the relationships, knowledge and structures they helped build within Kellaprince.
Serving the Lowveld with pride
Four decades on, Kellaprince remains closely connected to the Lowveld, with its work spanning residential and commercial sales and rentals, property management, facilities management and developments. Over the years, the company has been involved in projects across Nelspruit and the wider region, including newer developments such as Rocky Creek.
Like many businesses, Kellaprince faced challenging periods, including COVID and later restructuring. Through it all, the business has remained grounded in the people behind it and the relationships built over many years.
Today, Kellaprince is led by Keith Kellar, Grant Campbell, and Amanda de Lange, with Peter Kellar serving as a non-executive director and Mary Jane Kellar adding to the team. Its office at Nelspruit Crossing is another link to the area’s development and commercial history.
A night to remember at Christie’s
Away from the history and milestones, the evening was also about enjoying the moment and the people who have been part of Kellaprince’s story.
Christie’s was a fitting setting, with its Mediterranean-style home, tropical garden, and relaxed atmosphere. It provided plenty of space for guests to catch up and celebrate.
Lowveld broadcaster Mpumi Mbethe hosted the event with her signature warmth and good humour, sharing her personal link as a Barberton-born local and Mbombela resident.
Guest speaker Dr Roelof Botha turned attendees' attention to the future with his presentation, “Will silver linings lead to growth?”, which offered insights into the economy and prospects for growth.
Ready for what comes next
Kellaprince continues to serve the Lowveld while maintaining strong ties to the community, including ongoing support for the Nelspruit SPCA through its KellaPetFund, which raises funds and collects donations for animals in need.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team keeps the business moving, from administration and finance to sales, maintenance, and client support.
The tools of the trade may have changed, and so has the property market, but the things that matter most have stayed the same. Local knowledge, trust, and strong relationships remain at the heart of the business. Rooted in Barberton, grown in Nelspruit, and built through people, Kellaprince is ready for the next 40 years and beyond.
