NEF invests R100 million to support SA tourism
THE NEF has made major strides in supporting South Africa’s tourism sector evidenced by the development financier’s allocation of close to R100 million worth of investments in stateof-the-art accommodation facilities in the booming industry, since its inception in 2005.
This is also based on the shared national vision which places tourism as a key sector with an excellent potential to bring about sustainable economic growth and employment creation.
NEF CEO Philisiwe Mthethwa says the tourism sector also has the added advantage of being one of the areas expected to continually contribute to the development of rural areas and the culture industries, among other benefits.
“A recently released World Economic Forum (WEF) Tourism Competitive Index ranks South Africa as number one tourist destination in the continent ahead of traditional powerhouses like Kenya, Tanzania and Cape Verde. Globally South Africa came at 48 out of 141 countries,” says Mthethwa.
Meanwhile, the National Department of Tourism says government aims to increase tourism’s contribution, both direct and indirect to the economy from the 2009 baseline of R189,4 billion which was 7.9% of GDP to R499 billion by 2020. It is estimated that Tourism supports one in every 12 jobs in South Africa.
Following are some of the iconic NEF funded hotels in the tourism sector:
TALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE:
NEF has invested R14.1 million on behalf of the Nkumbuleni Community Trust in the resort located in Camperdowns near Durban. The Trust has a 100% shareholding in Gradoscope (Pty) Ltd, the operating entity.
Tala is home to more than 380 bird species, as well as big game like Rhino, Kudu, Hippo, Giraffe and the rare Sable Antelope. Plant species found in this area include the Fiery Aloe, the imposing Euphorbia and fragrant Wild Sage.
RHINO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE:
NEF has invested R20,5 million towards the project on behalf of the Mpembeni Community Trust. The NEF, the private promoter and the Mpembeni Community Trust each have an equal shareholding of 33.3% in Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge was established to protect the previously endangered white rhino now numbering over 1000 in the 96 000 hectares of indigenous land. Located in Hluhluwe and Umfolozi in KZN this is a triumph of conservation efforts and boasts the Big Five.
JOZINI TIGER LODGE & SPA:
NEF invested R28 million towards the Jozini community, who are 16,67% shareholders in this business through a company called Ntsinde Royal Jozini Holdings.
Situated in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom with its rich heritage and untamed natural beauty, Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa is the perfect luxury getaway in the heart of nature.
Incredibly positioned along the banks of the picturesque Lake Jozini and backed by the splendour of the Lubombo Mountain range, the Lodge boasts superb facilities.
ROYAL THONGA SAFARI LODGE:
NEF invested R9,8 million in the business supporting 20 new permanent jobs for the local community of Masizwane - 70% of which are held by women.
Royal Thonga Safari Lodge, is the culmination of a dream for the local community, private investors and the Royal Tembe Development Foundation to create a natural paradise for visitors to this unique reserve. The lodge is architecturally designed to emulate the local Tonga building style, and each of the fourteen chalets are uniquely positioned to offer guests total privacy and luxurious comfort within a sand forest in Tembe Elephant Park.
Natural materials and timber give a warm organic ambience and invite the outdoors in - all rooms are appointed with quality furnishings and bathrooms come complete with an indoor and private outdoor shower for those whom enjoy immersing themselves in their surroundings in rare solitude and perfect tranquility.
PARK INN POLOKWANE
IN Polokwane, Limpopo a new hotel that has received a R45 million business loan from the NEF will be opened this year. The Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane is set to usher in a new era of business and leisure tourism in the province. The hotel’s overall funding requirement is more than R150 million.
“There has been a long standing demand for quality accommodation in Polokwane and we saw a need to fill this gap as far back as 2008 in the build up to the FIFA World Cup in 2010” says Mofasi Lekota, executive chairman of Park Inn Polokwane.
Meanwhile, Setlakane Molepo of NEF says South Africa’s spectacular scenery and excellent infrastructure position the country as among the most desired destinations globally.
“The sector received a massive boost from the successful hosting of the World Cup in 2010, when the country received a record-breaking 8.1 million foreign visitors. Tourism is a thriving sector of the African economy that is powering job creation and economic growth,” he says.