• R20 million secured funding through the DFFE-EPIP programme
• 4,200 hectares of prime conservation land under the lease agreement
• Environmental Impact Assessment approved (April 2024)
• Member of Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node
• Established forestry operations with an existing client base
• 100% PDI ownership with government transformation support

The Problem

• The Eastern Cape has South Africa's highest unemployment rate at 36.5%
• Limited participation of previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) in the lucrative wildlife economy
• Degraded state land requiring rehabilitation and sustainable management
• Lack of transformation in the R4.3 billion South African wildlife industry
• Climate change impacts requiring adaptive land management practices
  
  

Our Solution

• A fully integrated biodiversity economy enterprise combining wildlife, agriculture, forestry, and tourism
• 100% Black ownership with demonstrated government support and transformation credentials
• Sustainable land rehabilitation, converting degraded agricultural land into productive conservation areas
• Job creation in rural communities through diverse economic activities
• Climate-resilient farming practices with renewable energy systems 
  
  

With 4,200 hectares of diverse habitat and R20 million in committed infrastructure funding, SAFTT provides a scalable model for biodiversity economy development whilst generating sustainable returns across multiple revenue streams.

Wildlife & Hunting Operations:

• Professional hunting packages for Big Five and plains game species
• Photographic safari experiences and wildlife viewing
• Live animal sales for breeding programmes and conservation initiatives
• Wildlife management and breeding services
  
  

Accommodation & Tourism:

• 20-bed eco-friendly hunting lodge with luxury amenities
• Corporate retreat and conference facilities
• Cultural tourism experiences showcasing local heritage
• Adventure tourism activities, including river access
  
  

Livestock & Agriculture:

• 280-300 head cattle ranch across 900 hectares
• 100 Boer goats, 100 Dohne-Merino sheep, 100 free-range chickens
• 100 hectares of irrigated crop production (lucerne, chilli peppers)
• Organic and sustainable farming practices
  
  

Forestry Operations:

• Commercial timber harvesting and processing
• Value-added products, including poles, laths, and transmission materials
• Alien invasive species management and Indigenous restoration
• Supply contracts with established clients (NCT Forestry, Sappi Saiccor)
  
  

Meat Processing:

• EU-standard meat processing facility for game and livestock
• Traditional biltong and dried meat product lines
• Supply to premium restaurants, hotels, and export markets
• Artisanal and speciality meat products
  
  

Value-Added Services:

• Training and skills development programmes
• Community development initiatives
• Conservation consulting and management services 
  
  

All operations are certified within the Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node, ensuring premium market positioning and preferential access to support programmes. 

Target Segments

International Hunting Tourists: High-net-worth individuals from North America and Europe seeking authentic African hunting experiences,

Photographic Safari Market: The growing eco-tourism segment values sustainable, community benefiting experiences. 

Domestic Tourism: Affluent South African families and corporate clients seeking premium wildlife experiences and accommodation

Forestry & Timber Clients: Established relationships with major processors requiring a consistent, sustainable timber supply

Premium Food Market: Restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets demanding ethically sourced, traceable game meat and traditional products

Market Size & Growth

• Southern Africa safari tourism market: USD 11.70 billion (2023), projected CAGR of 9.8% to 2030
• South African hunting tourism: USD 250 million annually, supporting 17,000+ jobs
• Wildlife ranches generate an average revenue of USD 404/hectare vs USD 131/hectare for traditional livestock farms.
• Live game trade: R4.3 billion annually in South Africa
• Global timber market: USD 992.43 billion (2024), projected CAGR of 4.7%

Revenue Streams

Wildlife Hunting Operations (45%): Premium Big Five and plains game hunting packages, average R300,000 per client

Accommodation & Tourism (25%): Lodge accommodation, photographic safaris, corporate retreats

Forestry Operations (15%): Timber harvesting, processing, and value-added products

Meat Processing (8%): Game and livestock processing, traditional products, export sales

Live Animal Sales (4%): Breeding stock for conservation programmes and game ranches

Agriculture & Consulting (3%): Crop production, training services, conservation consulting 

Unit Economics Snapshot

• Big Five Hunting Package:
  
  • Cost: R120,000
  • Selling Price: R400,000
  • Gross Margin: 70%
    
    
• Lodge Accommodation (per person/night):
  
  • Cost: R800
  • Selling Price: R2,500
  • Gross Margin: 68%
    
    
• Overall Business Gross Margin: 60-68%, depending on revenue mix

Current Achievements: 

• R20 million DFFE-EPIP funding secured and committed
• Environmental Impact Assessment approved April 2024
• 4,200 hectares under a long-term lease agreement with DALRRD
• Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node participation
• Established forestry client base with multi-year contracts
• Award recognition: 2017 & 2019 National Youth in Agriculture Awards 

SAFTT's operations actively contribute to biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration:

Wildlife Conservation & Restoration

• Reintroduction of Indigenous game species to historical ranges, including buffalo, rhino, and antelope
• Population management aligned with ecological carrying capacity
• Contribution to regional wildlife corridors connecting Addo Elephant National Park and surrounding reserves
• Science-based conservation management practices with monitoring protocols
  
  

Habitat Rehabilitation

• Conversion of 3,000+ hectares from degraded agricultural land to natural grassland and bushveld ecosystems
• Alien invasive species control across the entire 4,200-hectare property
• Indigenous vegetation restoration using local seed sources
• Establishment of wildlife corridors and buffer zones
  
  

Climate Resilience & Carbon Management

• 100% renewable energy systems (solar, wind, biogas) for off-grid operation
• Carbon sequestration through grassland restoration and sustainable forestry practices
• Water conservation via rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and efficient irrigation
• Sustainable building materials and construction practices
  
  

Community-Based Conservation

• Training programmes for local communities in wildlife management and eco-tourism
• Traditional ecological knowledge integration with modern conservation practices
• Preferential employment and procurement from surrounding communities
• Educational programmes for local schools focusing on biodiversity and entrepreneurship

Near-Term (12-18 months): 

• Complete wildlife stocking programme with Big Five introduction
• Launch hunting lodge operations with an initial 50% occupancy target
• Establish a processing facility for game meat and traditional products
• Develop international marketing partnerships and booking platforms
  
  

Mid-Term (2-3 years):

• Expand accommodation capacity to 40 beds with conference facilities
• Secure international hunting concessions and outfitter partnerships
• Launch photographic safari and eco-tourism packages
• Develop organic certification for agricultural products
  
  

Long-Term (3-5 years):

•  Replicate the model across additional Eastern Cape properties
• Establish SAFTT as the leading transformation operator in the wildlife industry
• Develop a training academy for biodiversity economy skills development
• Explore carbon credit and ecosystem services revenue opportunities 

Marula SA is a pioneering venture in South Africa's bioeconomy sector that specialises in beneficiating the indigenous Marula fruit, creating sustainable commercial value while uplifting local communities. The company operates a fully functional processing facility in Phalaborwa, Limpopo Province, where it extracts premium Marula oil, produces puree and develops value-added products, including luxury cosmetics, artisanal gin, and organic vinegar.

The business has developed a vertically integrated approach to capture value across the entire Marula supply chain, from fruit collection to finished product development. This project represents a significant opportunity to scale an established operation that has already validated its business model, with strong community connections and exclusive rights to Marula harvesting in the Phalaborwa region through its partnership with the Marula Phalaborwa Trust.

The investment opportunity centres on expanding production capacity, developing commercial Marula orchards, enhancing product lines, and facilitating market access both domestically and internationally. 

The project addresses several key problems:

• Small-scale, informal operations characterise fragmented and unorganised Marula oil production across South Africa, with inconsistent quality and unreliable supply. This has prevented the sector from reaching its full potential, especially in international markets.
• Limited beneficiation of Marula fruit, with most current usage focused on alcohol production (Amarula liqueur), while other valuable applications remain underdeveloped.
• There is a lack of structured, commercial-scale production to meet the growing global demand for natural, ethically sourced oils, especially in the cosmetics and healthcare industry.
• Missed economic opportunities for rural communities in Marula-growing regions, who have traditionally not captured the full value of this indigenous resource.
• Sustainability challenges due to reliance on wild harvesting without coordinated conservation efforts or commercial cultivation.  

Marula SA has created a comprehensive solution through a vertically integrated business model that includes:

• Organised Marula fruit collection through partnerships with local communities, creating seasonal employment for over 160 workers while ensuring sustainable harvesting practices.
• State-of-the-art extraction facilities produce high-quality Marula oil for the cosmetics and healthcare industries, with established client relationships in domestic and international markets.
• Puree production for the beverage industry, particularly for making various types of spirits and juices, leveraging the fruit's unique flavour profile and nutritional benefits.
• Development of multiple value-added product streams:
  • Luxury cosmetic products (face oil, body butter)
  • Artisanal gin and other craft beverages
  • Organic vinegar
  • Nutritious animal feed from production by-products, ensuring zero waste
• Indigenous Knowledge protection is achieved by registering Marula as an Indigenous Knowledge Asset (IK) of the identified communities in partnership with the Marula Phalaborwa Trust.
• Sustainable agriculture plans to purchase land and equipment in surrounding villages to establish commercial Marula orchards, ensuring supply sustainability and creating a closed-loop production system. 
  
  

The business model is structured to ensure fair benefit-sharing with local communities while developing a professional, commercial-scale operation that can compete in global markets. 

The project has several biodiversity and conservation priorities:

• Sustainable harvesting practices are strictly implemented, with fruit only collected after natural falling (not forced harvesting), preserving tree health and the natural ecosystem.
• Planned establishment of Marula nurseries and commercial orchards to reduce pressure on wild Marula populations, enhance habitat connectivity, and preserve genetic diversity.
• Breeding programmes will be developed through planned commercial orchards to ensure sustainable Marula populations for future generations.
• Working with communities adjacent to protected areas like Kruger National Park to reduce pressure on protected resources through sustainable economic alternatives.
• Implement proper waste management for processing by-products through circular economy principles, including developing animal feed from waste products.
• Conservation of indigenous knowledge related to Marula through the BABS (Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing) permit and Indigenous Knowledge registration process.
• Education and awareness creation about sustainable resource use within local communities.
• Research on Marula tree biology and ecology to inform conservation strategies and sustainable management practices.
  
  

The project demonstrates how commercial interests can align with conservation objectives through a model that values and protects natural resources while deriving economic benefits. 

Economic Development:

• Creating a formalised, structured Marula value chain that generates sustainable economic value.
• Direct job creation for over 160 seasonal workers during harvest periods and permanent employment for operational staff.
• Development of a local enterprise ecosystem around Marula collection, processing, and product development.
• Income generation for rural communities that have historically had limited economic opportunities.
• Potential export revenue from international sales of Marula products.
• Value addition within South Africa, rather than exporting raw materials, enhances overall economic benefits.
• Technology transfer and skills development enhance human capital in the region. 
  
  

Job Creation:

• Seasonal employment for approximately 160 harvesters from local communities.
• Permanent operational staff, including production, logistics, administration, and finance positions.
• Skills development for local workers in oil extraction, quality control, and other technical areas.
• Indirect employment through the company's supply chain and distribution networks.
• Employment through women's cooperatives involved in initial processing activities.
  
  

Conservation:

1. Sustainable harvesting practices that protect wild Marula populations.
2. Development of commercial Marula orchards to reduce pressure on wild trees.
3. Circular economy approach to waste management, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
4. Conservation of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices related to Marula.
5. Creating economic incentives for communities to protect and value Marula resources.
6. Education and awareness about sustainable resource management practices.
7. Genetic diversity preservation through cultivation programmes.  

The project faces several challenges and barriers:

Lack of trained personnel: A shortage of skilled workers in handling and production requires significant training and capacity-building investments.

Infrastructure and services limitations: The Phalaborwa area experiences inconsistent services like water and electricity, which disrupt production schedules and impact operational efficiency.

Market awareness: There is limited awareness in target markets about the proposed products, particularly for the new value-added items being developed beyond basic Marula oil.

Community alignment: Potential resistance from current informal fruit users, requiring careful community engagement and education about the benefits of structured commercialisation.

Capital constraints: Limited access to capital for expansion, particularly for acquiring new equipment and establishing commercial orchards.

Production seasonality: The seasonal nature of Marula harvesting (January-March) creates cash flow challenges and requires careful inventory and production planning.

Regulatory compliance: Various regulatory requirements, including product certifications and standards compliance, must be met, particularly for international markets.

Local politics: Community dynamics and local politics may influence smooth operations, requiring careful stakeholder management.

Climate fluctuations: Variations in climate affecting harvest quantities and quality, requiring adaptation strategies.

Market competition: Competition from established international players in the natural oils market requires clear differentiation and quality assurance.  

The project is located in Phalaborwa, Limpopo Province, which is recognised as the epicentre of Marula trees in South Africa. The area is adjacent to the Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's most significant biodiversity conservation areas. This region forms part of the broader savanna biome, which hosts diverse flora and fauna species.

Phalaborwa is considered the "home of Marula" and has even incorporated this identity into its town branding and annual Marula festivals. This region's abundance of Marula trees makes it an ideal location for a sustainable harvesting and processing operation, with significant potential to integrate conservation and economic development objectives.

The project promotes the expansion of protected areas in several ways: 

• Through working with communities adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the project reduces pressure on protected resources by providing sustainable economic alternatives and teaching proper harvesting techniques that do not damage the trees or the surrounding ecosystems.
• The planned establishment of commercial Marula orchards effectively creates new protected growing areas where Marula trees are cultivated, preserved, and managed sustainably.
• The project promotes community-based natural resource management by incorporating indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices, complementing formal protected area approaches.
• The project's emphasis on natural harvesting (collecting only fallen fruit) ensures that existing Marula trees in both protected and unprotected areas remain undisturbed, supporting broader conservation objectives.
• The registration process for indigenous knowledge rights related to Marula creates additional protections for the species and its traditional uses, complementing the physical protection of areas.
  
  

These approaches align with modern conservation thinking that recognises the importance of sustainable use alongside strict protection, particularly in landscapes where communities and protected areas coexist.

Structural inequality in conservation: 

The wildlife economy in South Africa has historically benefited primarily economic elites, tourist operators, hunters, and commercial farmers, with limited meaningful participation by local communities. This structural inequality is evident in those who benefit from conservation activities, protected areas, and profits associated with the sustainable use of natural resources. 

Limited community benefits:

Local communities have traditionally received minimal benefits from conservation activities beyond menial jobs such as trackers, rangers, and hospitality staff, with occasional game meat donations. This exclusion from meaningful economic participation creates resentment and undermines conservation efforts.

Vulnerability to organised crime:

Limited economic opportunities make community members vulnerable to recruitment by organised crime networks involved in poaching activities, as evidenced by several case dockets opened at Gravelotte South African Police Service.

Illegal wildlife trade:

Snaring for the bushmeat trade has become one of the most prominent threats to wildlife at the Greater Balepye Nature Reserve. This activity is not driven primarily by subsistence needs but has developed into a commercial enterprise, threatening biodiversity conservation efforts.

Habitat degradation:

Unsustainable resource extraction, including timber harvesting for fuelwood, threatens the region's ecosystem integrity and biodiversity conservation. 

Skills gap and knowledge deficit:

There is limited understanding within the community regarding biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable natural resource management, creating barriers to effective participation in conservation initiatives.

Regulatory and administrative challenges:

Complex permitting systems with centralised decisionmaking create bureaucratic hurdles that delay operations and reduce efficiency. The permitting process involves multiple governmental levels (district, provincial, and national), creating lengthy licensing processes that discourage lawful operations.

The business plan has been developed to address multiple integrated activities that will enhance biodiversity conservation whilst improving community livelihoods:

Reserve Infrastructure Expansion:

The project aims to expand the reserve from its current 11,000 hectares to reach 30,000 hectares by combining two 11,000-hectare parcels and negotiating with the government for an additional 8,000 hectares. This expansion will create a protected area that enhances ecological connectivity and conservation impact.  

Sustainable Wildlife Utilisation:

Currently, hunting operations provide approximately 85% of revenue. The business model includes value-adding components such as taxidermy, abattoir facilities, tannery operations, and meat processing to maximise economic returns from sustainable wildlife utilisation. 

Diversified Wildlife Economy:

The plan includes transitioning from primarily hunting-based revenue to a diversified model incorporating:

• Commercial and recreational hunting with trained community members as trackers and skinners
• Problem animal management (stray animals and damage-causing animal control)
• Sustainable harvesting and processing of bush-encroached vegetation
• Accommodation and catering services for tourists and hunters
• Ecotourism activities, including game viewing, guided walks, and horseback safaris
• Introduction and breeding of rare and valuable species

Conservation Training Academy:

The establishment of the Balepye Academy will provide community members with skills development in wildlife management, conservation practices, and tourism services. This will create pathways to meaningful employment whilst building capacity for biodiversity management.

Community Ownership and Participation:

The business structure ensures community ownership through the Balepye Community Property Association, with a clear path to increased equity participation as the enterprise develops. The community holds 35% ownership with a pathway to 50%, ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making and benefit sharing.

Carbon Credit Exploration:

The reserve is investigating opportunities in carbon credit markets, though recent changes in international policy have complicated this. The business remains open to carbon markets but currently focuses on more established revenue streams.

The project's conservation priorities are aligned with the Mopani District Bioregional Plan, which is based on the Limpopo Conservation Plan V2/2013. Key priorities include:

Anti-poaching initiatives:

Establishing and equipping a well-trained anti-poaching unit to combat wildlife crime, particularly addressing the commercial bushmeat trade that threatens wildlife populations. 

Habitat management:

Implementing bush clearing and vegetation management programmes with assistance from the Balepye community to maintain habitat quality and ecosystem functionality whilst creating employment opportunities.

Conservation skills development:

The Balepye Academy will equip community members with the motivation and skills to become active biodiversity conservation partners. The academy will deliver comprehensive wildlife management programmes that benefit learners from the community and keep them updated with best conservation practices and wildlife economic models.

Rhino conservation leadership:

The reserve has historically focused on rhino conservation as a flagship initiative that could unlock socio-economic development. While current activities have diversified, rhino protection remains a priority that the reserve has been propagating for the past 10- 15 years.

Biodiversity conservation:

Protecting the 24 vegetation types found within the Balepye Community Ownership area (outside of Kruger National Park) that are part of the 25 vegetation types identified in the Mopani district.

Ecosystem services protection:

Maintaining the integrity of natural systems that provide essential services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and pollination. 

Climate change adaptation:

Building community understanding of climate change impacts and implementing adaptive management strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience.

Indigenous species conservation:

Protecting both indigenous and mixed species through scientific management approaches, focusing on species of conservation concern.

The project is expected to deliver significant outcomes across environmental, economic, and social dimensions:

Conservation Outcomes:

• Protection and expansion of biodiversity-rich areas in the Mopani District
• Reduced poaching and illegal wildlife trade through effective anti-poaching measures
• Improved habitat quality through scientific management practices
• Sustainable population management of wildlife species, including rare and threatened taxa
• Enhanced ecological connectivity through reserve expansion and corridor creation

Economic Development:

• Diversified revenue streams, reducing dependency on hunting alone 
• Value addition to wildlife products through processing facilities
• Development of sustainable ecotourism enterprises
• Creation of wildlife-based businesses owned and operated by community members
• Improved marketability of the reserve as a conservation and tourism destination

Training and Skills Development:

• Establishment of the Balepye Academy, offering theoretical and practical skills development
• Employment of farm managers and assistant farm managers from the community funded by the Community Property Association
• Appointment of lodge managers and assistant staff members from the community to oversee hospitality operations
• Capacity building for conservation practitioners serving Limpopo-based conservation institutions and parks

Job Creation:

• Direct employment in reserve management, anti-poaching, wildlife husbandry, and tourism operations
• Continuation of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) allocation of 15 environmental monitors
• Employment of 2 farm managers and 2 assistant farm managers from the community
• Creation of 3 lodge manager positions with supporting staff members
• Potential to employ 100 people at full operational capacity
• Indirect employment through affiliated services and suppliers
• Regular provision of meat and maise meal to crèches in the Greater Tzaneen and Greater Ba-Phalaborwa areas
• Support for maintenance at the Gravelotte School
• Improved food security through sustainable protein sources
• Enhanced community pride and cultural identity through connection to ancestral lands
• Participation in decision-making regarding natural resource management

The project faces several significant challenges that require strategic responses:

Infrastructure development:

Limited infrastructure, including inadequate fencing, accommodation, and processing facilities, constrains operational effectiveness and revenue generation potential. The reserve needs approximately R400,000 to reach maximum operational capacity. 

Skills development needs:

There is a significant gap in community awareness and understanding of biodiversity conservation priorities, including ecosystem protection, indigenous species conservation, and sustainable resource use.

Climate change adaptation:

Building community understanding of climate change impacts and appropriate adaptation strategies presents an ongoing challenge that requires targeted education and awareness programmes.

Regulatory and legal barriers:

Complex permitting systems with centralised decision-making create bureaucratic hurdles that delay operations and reduce efficiency. The permitting process involves multiple governmental levels (district, provincial, and national), creating a lengthy and bureaucratic licensing process that discourages lawful operations. Permits for species like rhino and elephant are managed at the national level, while others require provincial or district submissions, creating a complex system that impacts operational efficiency.

Revenue diversification:

The current business model relies heavily on hunting (85% of revenue), which faces market limitations and increasing social opposition, necessitating diversification into ecotourism and other wildlife economy activities. 

Environmental and ecological barriers:

Ongoing anti-poaching challenges and habitat loss threaten wildlife populations and ecosystem integrity, requiring significant investment in protection and restoration.

Social and cultural barriers:

Integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary conservation practices presents challenges, as does public opposition to certain activities such as hunting. Some community members may view land use differently from conservation objectives.

Community expectations:

Balancing community expectations for immediate benefits with the need for sustainable, long-term revenue generation requires careful management of social dynamics and clear communication.

Financial constraints:

The reserve requires significant capital investment to reach optimal operational capacity, presenting funding challenges given the scale of the property.

Political and funding volatility:

Changes in international funding priorities, such as recent shifts in US policy regarding green energy funding, have affected potential investment streams, necessitating a more diversified approach to funding. 

The project is located in a biodiversity-rich area of significant conservation importance:

Underlying biodiversity significance:

The Mopani District Bioregional Plan, in which the Balepye Community and land are situated, is based on the Critical Biodiversity Areas developed in the Limpopo Conservation Plan v2 (LCPv2), the current systematic conservation plan for the province undertaken by the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). 

Irreplaceable conservation value:

The Mopani area contains ecosystems required to meet provincial biodiversity targets. Most of these areas in the Mopani District can be considered irreplaceable from a conservation perspective.

Vegetation diversity:

The Mopani district, inclusive of the Kruger National Park, contains 25 different vegetation types. Of these, 24 vegetation types occur outside the Kruger National Park within the Balepye Community Ownership area, representing exceptional biodiversity value.

Strategic location:

The reserve is located near the northern Kruger National Park, making it an important buffer zone and wildlife corridor that complements formal protected area networks.

Wildlife abundance:

The area supports abundant wildlife populations and diverse bird species, contributing to both conservation value and tourism potential. Current wildlife includes various plains game species and elephants (though elephant numbers require management due to their ecological impact through vegetation destruction). The reserve is also working to introduce buffalo, as it is located in a red-line area that requires special management approaches.

The project directly contributes to protected area expansion through several mechanisms:

Reserve consolidation and expansion:

The project aims to combine two 11,000-hectare parcels to create a 22,000-hectare protected area, with negotiations underway to incorporate an additional 8,000 hectares to ultimately create a 30,000-hectare conservation landscape.

Protected area network integration:

The project is exploring collaboration with the nearby Hans Merensky Nature Reserve through discussions with LEDET, which would enhance ecological connectivity and create a larger interconnected protected area network.

Formal protection status:

Establishing the Greater Balepye Nature Reserve provides formal protection status to lands that might otherwise be vulnerable to conversion to less biodiversity-friendly land uses.

Wildlife corridors:

The reserve's location near Kruger National Park contributes to regional conservation efforts by maintaining wildlife corridors and buffer zones that enhance the ecological integrity of the broader landscape. 

5554 Hectares

Northern Cape

The site is a Protected Area in terms of the Protected Areas Act and is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than 1,000 of its estimated 3,500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. Traditional medicine may be derived from these species. Amphibians and reptiles are also well represented, along with several endemic species.

The property is strategically located within a Protected Area Expansion corridor that is planned between the Namaqua National Park and the Goegap Nature Reserve.

No economic activities are currently in operation and have not taken place since the ownership transfer was done in 2015.

Investment Opportunities include Game Ranching; Botanical Camp with Aviary and Snake Park; Essential Oils and Handicrafts; Lodge & Conference Centre and Bush Encroacher eradication.

The sustainable development of Namaqua is dependent on the land and natural ecosystem. The anchor business potential is in the wildlife economy, botanical eco-tourism and research, as well as bio-prospecting.

The San people of Rooiwal in Namaqualand, originally crop farmers, were displaced from their land with rich soils and good climate, to dry land on the mountains, where they were forced to learn how to live as livestock ranchers.

The land restitution process has restored land to the Rooiwal Community, albeit in a site far away from the cropping region from which their forefathers were originally displaced.

The land is now community-owned, with no land-related legal disputes, and is governed under clear legal structures. 

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8400 Hectares

Limpopo

Core Operations‍

• Accommodation
• Ecotourism activities
• Cultural and traditional activities

Activities‍

Magwena River Lodge is a luxury lodge with 16 beds, camping and catering services.

Selwane Game Reserve comprises 4 100 ha of land and Magwena River Lodge are located in close proximity to the popular Kruger National Park.

Selwane is a critical Biodiversity Conservation Area with vast wildlife and a temperate savanna climate with unique bird and plant life.

The Restitution of Land Rights Act which was promulgated in 1994 activated the first land claim which was lodged by the Selwane tribe during 1996 and the farms Kondowe 36 and Waterbok were successfully transferred and are now being administered by the Selwane Communal Property Association. Kondowe is currently a game farm development and Waterbok is a community irrigation development project.

After reclaiming the land, the community decided to venture into eco-tourism and approached various stakeholders to assist as the community did not have the finances and knowledge to drive it.

The community partnered with SIABIX, a private investment company with various interests in the abattoir and meat industry to develop and operate Selwane Nature Reserve and Magwena River Lodge, based on a shareholders’ agreement in terms of which the strategic partner holds 49% and the CPA owns the balance. Three of the CPA members are directors in the operating company.

In the future Selwane aims to:

• Add a conference centre to host corporate events.
• Add over 2000 ha in additional farms. This additional land would be used to develop a conservancy for rhinos and other game.
• Introduce cattle ranching as a strategic priority for the site.
• To purchase additional game to increase the attractiveness to potential tourists. The target is to acquire: 15 Buffalo, 13 Zebra, 50 Impala, 28 Springboks and 25 Elands. Elephants will not be pursued due to a lack of land.

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26000 Hectares

KwaZulu-Natal

Activities

Big 5 Game Reserve used for Game safaris and hunting activities.
Unprocessed game meat is sold at farm gate.

Activities

The Site operational 6-unit lodge facilities with 12 beds, and camping facilities.
Birding, walking trails, and hiking are available.

The site is a BIG-5 game reserve offering a wide range of wildlife species (including, elephants, rhino, lions, leopards, buffalo, eland, kudu, gemsbok, waterbuck, wildebeest, impala and wild dog). Trophy and Biltong hunting are the major business activity, with the hunters also patronising accommodation and hospitality services offered through the 12-bed lodge and camping facility. Birding, walking trails, and hiking are also popular.

The Site has endangered species such as the wild dog, under a special protection program, with considerable investment being made into game stocking and fencing over the years and more game donations are still being canvassed.

At least 10% of all tourism revenue from the reserve, is transferred to the Gumbi community of approximately 20,000 people through the ECT, which allocates the funds for schools, creches,

clinics, cattle dipping programmes, and small-business opportunities.

The reserve currently employs 52 people from the community, all on short-term contracts, for such activities as alien bush clearing, are taken up by the community. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment also funds salaries of game guards through its Environmental Monitors Programme.Unprocessed game meat is currently sold at the farm-gate, at significantly lower unit prices than the retail market prices for processed and packaged game meat. Great potential for revenue growth and community development lies in the development of a through-put abattoir with distribution linkages at the retail end.

An old butchery with cold room facilities requiring upgrade and restoration exists at the site and can potentially be converted into a game meat processing plant with dual capacity to process both game meat and beef (and perhaps other commercial livestock), in order to optimise capacity utilisation.

Taxidermy, tanning and crafting of leather products are natural offshoot businesses that have been considered.

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14200 Hectares

Limpopo

Core Operations‍

• Harvesting
  
  

Activities‍

Mopani worms are harvested when in season.

Core Operations‍

• Accommodation
• Safaris

Activities‍

Ndou Safaris and Baobab Lodge are high-end luxury lodges targeting international and local hunting customers and other tourists. Klipspringer Lodge is a budget facility targeting local tourism and business visitors connected to the mining industry in the area.
A catering service is available for guests.
Camping and game drives are available to guests.

In 1998, the TSHIVHULA community embarked on a journey towards restitution of lost land - a process that has begun to yield results. To date, land in excess of 20,000 hectares has been restored to the people of Tshivhula, and is owned through a Communal Property Association. With the support of our partners, the transformation journey our people have embarked on will impact the socio-economic standing of the Tshivhula community and protect the natural resources.

A new bioprospecting industry in the northern province of Limpopo is emerging. Actors have focused on systematic modification of traditional uses of commonly available natural resources (such as Bulbine, Aloe Vera, the Marula fruit, bee products, and Mopani worms), for commercial or industrial value. Tshivhula will establish a bio-industrial facility located near the proposed Cultural Village to produce, trade and export indigenous products, such as medicines, industrial enzymes, food flavours, fragrances, cosmetics, colours, extracts and essential oils.  

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