Elan Investor Club
Issue 38: March 2009 www.investorclub.co.za

 
 
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  Foreword with Mark Taylor

The year continues to fly by and with it comes great optimism for the upcoming months.

The recent interest rate cut was certainly a timely boost for the property market and with talks of an additional cut in the near future, and 2010 World Cup around the corner, it is starting to show signs of recovery.

The old adage of location, location, location still rings true within the property market and there are a number of wonderful investment opportunities available to those who choose wisely.

I am off to the annual MIPIM show in Cannes, France which is the largest property and hospitality show in the world. It is a wonderful opportunity to network and pick up on growing worldwide trends, but also to showcase our wonderful country and our world class product offerings.

There are a number of international groups who have already indicated their intentions to discuss investment opportunities within our developments such as Simbithi Eco Estate, Blythedale Coastal Resort and Ruitersvlei Wine Estate, so I look forward to exploring the opportunities that exist.

We are also very excited at the success of the first harvest at Ruitersvlei Wine Estate, under eLan management, and at the current and future investment opportunities that exist at Airport Life Hotel and at the Worx Zone.

Warmest regards,

Chairman The eLan Group


  King Shaka International Airport Steams Ahead!

Current construction on site
Pictures by Steve McCurrach website | www.airserv.co.za

The new King Shaka International Airport is on schedule and shaping up to be one of the most exciting developments in Kwazulu Natal's history!

Progress to date includes: The primary runway being laid, the brickwork on both the arrivals and departures levels nearing completion and final work on the cargo terminal.

There is no doubting the positive impact that the airport will have on the accessibility of Kwazulu Natal as an international tourism destination and that it will continue to establish the North Coast of Kwazulu Natal as the "property hot spot" of South Africa!


  Durban: SA's Most Positive City!

In the recent bi-annual Mastercard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence Survey, Durban was voted as the most optimistic city in South Africa.

The survey is based on answers to five key economic indicators, including employment, the economy, regular income, stock market and quality of life.

In terms of Durban the report said: "Durban remains extraordinarily upbeat in reporting an overall investor confidence of 89.6%. What is especially significant is that this is coming off the back of the recent recognition that Durban has built a good business platform and a more sustainable way of life."

With the government pouring over R110 Billion into Kwazulu Natal and with facilities such as the King Shaka International Airport, Moses Mabhida Stadium and the rejuvenation of the inner city, it is no wonder that we as the eLan Group are so bullish about the future of the province!


  The Worx Zone

The eLan Group is delighted to be teaming up with Key Projects and Growthpoint to introduce The Worx Zone within the Umhlanga Town Centre.

Worx Zone is a unique sectional title commercial opportunity offering a prime address within the heart of the Umhlanga Town Centre. This provides an affordable commercial investment opportunity that creates a fusion of likeminded entrepreneurs and business owners, with the convenience, efficiency and luxury of communal services and facilities.

An office comes with the added benefits of access to an additional 450 m² of office space that includes meeting areas, board rooms, a coffee shop and an upmarket reception area.

This thus offers a unique and unsurpassed investment opportunity for small business owners and buy-to-let investors.

Watch this space as Worx Zone will be launching in late April as an Investor Club member you will be the first to know!

For further information on the Worx Zone contact
Greg Cryer 082 606 0296 | gregc@elan.co.za


  Somkhanda Gains Nature Reserve Status!

We are delighted to announce that Somkhanda Game Reserve has been granted Nature Reserve status by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife which ensures that the reserve will always be protected.

Somkhanda will be one of the largest game reserves in Zululand adjoining the beautiful Mkuze River, with links to the Nsubane Pongola Transfrontier Park and will feature all of the Big 5.

The game reserve will feature 50 exclusive Eco Lodges which will incorporate various forms of renewable energy to create a truly "green" development!


  Airport Life Hotel - Kempton Park

Time is running out for Investor Club Members to capitalise on the remarkable investment opportunity offered at Airport Life Hotel!

Within view of O.R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg
Spacious 42 m² rooms
Managed by Signature Life Hospitality Group
Pre-negotiated key leases already in place
Fully operational by June 2009


 
Growing demand for hotel accommodation prior to massive events in South Africa such as British Lions Rugby Tour, Confederations Cup and 2010 Soccer World Cup.


For further information contact:
 
Richard Anderson    083 358 5902
Nic Buytendag    082 891 6069
Nicolette Buytendag    082 491 9289

  Patricia Glyn Evening A Resounding Success.

The Patricia Glyn evening was a resounding success raising R48 000 for Umuzi Wethemba and the North Coast Courier Orphans Fund. The event was held on a balmy summers evening at Simbithi Eco-Estate and hosted by Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts. The highlight of the evening was Patricia Glyn’s recount of her experiences living at Everest Base Camp.


Melanie Nicholls and Jill Decolbert
 

Greg Kruger, Belinda Watts and Mark Taylor

Derek and Belinda Watts and
Greg Kruger


David and Chantal Engelbrecht, Jackie and Tex Reynolds

Rob and Sharon Castle
 

Peter Saville and John Wacher
 


  Gary Mabbutt - English Premiership Blog

We are delighted to introduce an English Premiership blog to cater for the growing number of Investor Club members who are avid soccer fans.

The blog will be hosted by former English international, and eLan Brand Ambassador, Gary Mabbutt and provide weekly insight into all the in-and-outs of the Premiership.

Visit Gary's blog to view his weekly insight and to provide your own thoughts on your favourite players and team!


  Spirit of eLan Gold Corporate Packages

There is nothing more thrilling than gliding on the waves of the Indian Ocean while seated on the bow of a 45 foot Royal Cape Catamaran. The wind plays gleefully with your hair while the sun gently caresses your face and dolphins frolic in the boat's wake, as if it was made especially for them!

The Spirit of eLan incorporates the latest in sailing technology and being a strong and stable cruiser is designed for leisurely cruising. Here guests can enjoy the view while sipping on a well earned drink or listen to an informal presentation with the sound of the ocean in the background.

The eLan Group is offering selected companies a corporate package where they have the use of this luxury vessel on a monthly basis.

No matter what time of the day it is, morning, afternoon or evening, a cruise is the perfect way to treat your guests and clients whether it is a fishing charter, product launch, Christmas party or a business meeting. Whatever your purpose may be, the luxury of the Spirit of eLan is at your disposal.

For further information contact
Jenna Case 031 576 9600 | jenna@elan.co.za


  Simbithi Rentals

eLan is proud to introduce Simbithi Rentals. This new initiative is designed to cater for the growing number of tenants on Simbithi Eco-Estate which is testimony to the growth of the estate, seen in the high number of completed homes and apartments.

Simbithi Rentals will address all the needs of all existing owners on the estate looking for short, medium or long-terms tenants as well as catering for holidaymakers and those looking to rent.

For further information contact:
Alicia Deans 073 473 8093 / 032 946 3244 | alicia@ballito.net | www.ballito.net


  Via The Grape Vine - Insight Into The Current Harvest At Ruitersvlei Wine Estate


The new column from our winemaker at Ruitersvlei, Jurgen Siebritz

Smack Bam in the midst of harvest, the temperature a mild 35°C, and it is still one of the cooler days of the month! The harvest is in full swing and 95% of the white grapes have already been harvested, so we are all excited for the promise that the fermenting wines are currently showing. We had the privilege of very cool weather conditions leading up to the harvest which gave us the optimum ripening temperatures for our delicate white wines. We carefully monitored their progress and eagerly awaited the first loads arriving at the cellar. First to make its way to the cellar was Sauvignon Blanc, shortly followed by Chenin Blanc and then Chardonnay. Cold temperatures (8-10 C) and slow fermentation (up to 14 days) gives us the conditions needed to preserve the flavours of our white wines.

As harvest progressed it was time to harvest the first of the red cultivars, South Africa's own home grown, Pinotage! We are blessed this year with fantastic small berries in the red grape which produces a better skin to juice ration, which was achieved due to careful and detailed attention given in the vineyards. This allows us to maximize on colour and flavour extraction during the 7 day alcoholic fermentation period. We are 50% of the way through the harvest on our red wines, leaving us with 2 more weeks of harvesting to look forward to.

We are very excited about the harvest that is already in and we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the last of the red cultivars, our Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, for fermentation. After which malolactic fermentation takes place which is the process of malic acid being converted into lactic acid which is a natural form of smoothing red wines. After malolactic fermentation it is time to carefully identify the red wines best suited to represent the Ruitersvlei range of wines! This will allow us the opportunity to put the first of the new seasons white wines to bottle for your enjoyment.

For now it is back to work, and as an old Afrikaans saying goes, "Die son trek water", so off we go as the grapes await our attention.


 


  Ruitersvlei Private Collection

We are very pleased to announce that the Ruitersvlei Private Collection has been bottled and labelled and is available exclusively to eLan Investor Club members!

This award winning Bordeaux Wine is a Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blend and is the pride of the Ruitersvlei range.

The nose is filled with distinctive blackberry and cherry flavours, a pallet lingering with an array of smoky-cigar box notes to compliment smooth and well rounded tannins.



To order the Private Collection Range contact
sales@ruitersvlei.co.za | 021 863 1517


  Boating World

eLan is in the process of establishing a joint marketing initiative with Boating World, the appointed Fairline and Riviera dealers for South Africa who have established themselves as the market leaders within the luxury boating market.

Boating World caters to the discerning buyer through sales, back-up service and brokerage, offering expertise, attention to detail and the best quality new and pre-owned products.

The link between the eLan Group and Boating World is an ideal fit based on the fact that both companies are associated with world class lifestyle products.


More details will follow in due course but for any information on Boating World in the interim contact:
Derrick Levy 082 881 2607 | derrick@boatingworld.co.za | www.boatingworld.co.za

  Opinion Poll Icon

When purchasing wine, what are you influenced
most by:

Price 16.67 %
Labelling 12.22 %
Prizes obtained by winery 7.78 %
Established name of winery 33.33 %
Referral from friends 30.00 %
 

What is it about a Sectional Title Commercial Opportunity such as the Worx Zone that appeals to you the most?

The buy-to-let opportunities that exist on a commercial investment.

Ability to own smaller, affordable office space as opposed to renting

Prime location within Umhlanga Town Centre

Access to communal amenities such as central reception, board rooms, coffee shops, printers and scanners.

Access to meeting facilities in other centres such as CT and JHB.

Warmest regards,

Investor Club Manager


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