Indonesians interested in Klein-Karoo resorts
Indonesian investors are currently in the region to have a closer look at the Calitzdorp Spa in Kannaland and De Hoek Mountain Resort near Oudtshoorn to see if these declining businesses can be turned around. Both resorts are run by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). According to Garden Route Mayor Memory Booysen, he might just take them to Victoria Bay too.
In an interview with the George Herald during a break at the council meeting on Monday, Booysen said the district council agrees that the resorts are not making money and that the municipality should get people in the field to manage these resorts for them.
Booysen said the GRDM needs professionals to deal with the resorts. A memorandum of understanding has been signed, indicating "a huge interest" from the Indonesians, he said. This follows after a delegation of four from the GRDM, led by Booysen, met up with various business representatives in Indonesia on 6 to 11 September. When asked why the GRDM doesn't consider South African investors, Booysen said South African companies are very sceptical, because it is more expensive for them to invest. He gave the assurance that the GRDM will remain the landlords of the property and ensure that 30 percent of the investment will involve locals. "International investors are focused on social upliftment and empowerment in foreign countries," said Booysen.
Icosa Councillor Theresa Fortuin asked Booysen in Council to please include female representatives on his next trip abroad. She said females should be empowered and share these experiences.
Booysen and a delegation will soon be travelling to Dubai, Peru and Chile to learn more about water purification systems. This follows an invite from Ikusasa Processing Engineering Consultants, with whom a memorandum of understanding was signed in June this year.