Having eLan represented at MIPIM this month in France, the world’s largest property exhibition, it is always encouraging to see the buoyancy of the global property market as a whole. The rate of improvement and growth is exponential and we see the increase of cross-continent investment. One area that is receiving much attention globally is green building practices and our responsibility as humans to minimise our footprint on the environment.

Returning home, South Africa is so alive with possibility and has so many projects we can be a part of to not only make a difference environmentally, but socially too. Two such initiatives highlighted, bring together two parties combining assets, knowledge and experience to bring about a solution that is sustainable and beneficial to all.

The Ngome Community have a magnificent tract of land in Northern KwaZulu-Natal that was awarded to them after a successful land claim bid. The eLan Group are forming a Joint Venture with the Ngome’s to develop a lodge on a sectional title basis (either leasehold or freehold) with rental pool opportunities for investors. While the community will retain ownership of the majority of the land, only a small portion will be assigned to the project and the lodge will see revenue generating opportunities for the local community long into the future. Furthermore, a Big 5 Game Farm will be established on what otherwise would have been non-formal agricultural land.

Similarly in a 50/50 Joint Venture deal with a Black Empowerment Consortium, the eLan Group are looking at co-developing the Hotel Site at Blythedale Coastal Resort.

Our JV partners on Domaine Bonaventure, Gamma Civic, make for a powerful combination and we look forward to developing a long-lasting relationship with this Mauritian-based company. Read more about Mauritius in the newsletter!

Regards,

CEO The eLan Group

In a landmark occasion for Domaine Bonaventure, on the 19 March 08, the development received approval as an Integrated Resort Scheme from the Board of Investment, Mauritius.

The concept of the Integrated Resort Scheme allows for foreigners to purchase property of international standard in Mauritius with a minimum investment of US$500 000.

Domaine Bonaventure sees the collaboration of two leading companies in their respective fields, bringing this most significant Mauritian project to you, our Investor Club Members. The eLan Group, one of the largest Property Developers in Southern Africa, and Gamma Civic Ltd, a unique vertically integrated group in Mauritius, joined forces in response to the development needs of an Integrated Resort Scheme project. The economic success and forward-thinking cultures of both organizations matched perfectly and it was at this juncture, that the concept of Domaine Bonaventure was born.

Gamma was established in 1961 and has been listed on the Mauritius stock exchange since 1994. With a restless desire to be the best in all its undertakings, the Gamma group has grown steadily over the years and is today recognised as a leading building materials, construction and property development company within Mauritius. Its slogan, “Dare to Dream” is epitomized through their style of management and is reflected in all of Gamma’s landmark achievements. Employing over 2000 people, the Gamma group is ranked amongst the Top 40 companies on the island, in terms of annual turnover and net profit. Under the leadership of its CEO and with a dynamic management team at its helm, Gamma has set its sights firmly on the future and is determined to challenge the norm by daring to do things differently.

We are delighted to be united with such a strong and reputable partner in Gamma, as the eLan-Gamma partnership presents the perfect platform for future South African and Mauritian endeavours.

See www.gamma.mu for more.

Flying over Simbithi gives a bird’s eye view of possibly one of the most beautiful tracts of land on the North Coast of KZN! The rolling hills, wetlands and foray of dams situated near the picturesque Thompson’s Bay are a delight to the senses. Nestled in these idyllic settings are a number of magnificent homes which have been completed and March saw an active month on-site. Estate Manager, Iain Laing comments, “The clear guidelines have created an understanding and cooperation between the Estate Management and the various contractors and Professionals. Homes are being built in secure, efficient and smooth conditions and I am delighted to see the evolution of the Estate as homes emerge. Furthermore, the aesthetic theme is becoming more apparent as the homes increase.”

Simbithi Eco-Estate is very fortunate to benefit from the foresight of the developers who have conserved the different habitats and set aside areas for conservation. This is essential in order to maintain the species diversity. Simbithi Eco-Estate, even during this construction period, is yielding in the region of 70 to 80 species. The estate has three main habitats, namely water, grassland and forest. The swamp forest above Cormorant Dam has a multitude of bird species and this area in particular deserves intensive conservation attention.

Forest Birds  
The forests on Simbithi offer the highest species diversity on the estate and are one of the more difficult habitats to see birds in. The swamp forests are particularly rich in both birds and plants and this is also the habitat for the near-threatened Black-throated Wattle-eye. The additions to your bird list from time spent in the forests is well worth the effort for the dedicated birder. There are a number of forest trails which are all clearly marked on the estate.

Water Birds   
Most of the birds on the dams and streams are easily seen and therefore provide some of the most exciting birding to be had on the estate. However, for the dedicated birder there are some secretive sulkers in this habitat which hide in the reeds and are more often heard than seen. This is an area where the list can be increased to include some rarer Crakes, Rails and Herons. There is also scope to increase the Wader list as the estate environment develops sandbanks.

Grassland Birds       
The grasslands of Simbithi are an extremely rare habitat on the North Coast and the diversity of birds in this area is good. Once you have identified the easily recognisable Widows and Wydahs, the identification becomes more challenging as you move onto the Cisticola’s, Larks and Pipits. The more challenging grassland birds can be identified by learning their calls and knowing the distinguishing features of each specie.

Ubizane Wildlife Reserve, situated in the heart of Zululand, the kingdom of the proud Zulu nation, is only two and a half hours from Durban. The 3750 acre reserve is adjacent to the world renowned Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and boasts over 450 species of bird life as well as a variety of game including rhino, giraffe, wildebeest and most species of buck.

Lodges have been renovated and tastefully decorated and are now available for outright purchase. Managed by South Africa’s leading Hospitality Group, Three Cities, the resort combines hotel, conference and rental opportunities.

With the growing need for information and eLan representatives in the busier cities of South Africa, the eLan Group have opened two new offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town!

eLan Johannesburg:
Unit 3, Sunninghill Office Park, Peltier Road, Sunninghill
Tel 011 807 9750

eLan Cape Town:
The Peninsula Hotel, Seapoint
* Opens 1 May

• Install gas stoves to reduce electricity consumption.
• Install gas geysers to reduce electricity consumption.
• Outside garden and security lighting should be solar powered.
• Solar power within homes can adequately augment and often replace Eskom power and save money.
• Wind power is a new technology being developed in South Africa and could reduce traditional forms of power. This option should be investigated when considering the installation of power.

Please feel free me to send me other ideas on energy saving. petercoulon@elan.co.za

A series of breakfasts were held in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg in February and March. Guest speakers were Gary Bailey, Presenter on 2010 and John Allen, CEO South African Rugby Legends.
In the lead up to the Domaine Bonaventure launch, we were fortunate to be addressed by two Mauritian Economists from AAA Consulting who shed light on the legal entities and tax benefits surrounding purchasing in an IRS Scheme.

Russell Hanger, John Slade [ex-Rugby player], Brenda Johnston [eLan Property Consultant], and Eras Huisaman		Back row: Skumbuzo Ngcobo, Anthony Arbuthnott, Ian McIntosh [ex-Sharks Rugby Coach], Mike Simpson [Director of WBHO]. Front row: Dr Diliza Mji, Mark Taylor [CEO of The eLan Group], John Allen [CEO of SARLA] and Darryl Steyn

L-R: Adhir Badul, Trenley Tilbrook (eLan), Vijay Ori and Eric Verkerk		Nele Peterson, CEO Real Estate Investor Magazine and Andrew Thompsn, National Sales Manager, The eLan Group.

Gary Bailey, eLan Brand Ambassador and 2010 presenter

Keep a look out for an invitation to the next eLan Investor Club Breakfast!

Charter Bookings:
• R1425 per hour excl VAT
• Incl skipper, crew and fuel
• Licensed for 20 pax
• Catering and full beverage service available on request

Contact:
Jenna Case
jenna@elan.co.za
Tel +27 (0)31 576 9655
* Platinum Members Special Receive a 30% discount when booking a charter (quote membership number)

Remember if you want to visit Avenol and do some fishing; book now to avoid disappointment in our lovely, country lodge which sleeps 12.

Rates
R175 per person per night

Reservations
Nick Tredger +27 (0)78 545 7473

Investor Club Manager