SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Indonesian investors are in the Garden Route to have a closer look at the Calitzdorp Spa in Kannaland and De Hoek Mountain Resort near Oudtshoorn. The Indonesians have been asked to give their input as to whether 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 may be taking them to Victoria Bay too.
In an interview with the George Herald during a break at the council meeting on Monday, Booysen said the resorts are not making money and that the municipality should get people in the field to manage these resorts on their behalf.
"They are coming to have a look on Wednesday and Thursday [4 and 5 October]. They loved our proposals. We now have the opportunity to take them to these resorts," said Booysen. "They will then come up with a comprehensive report and indicate whether they are interested in the location of our resorts and whether they see potential in them."
Booysen said the GRDM needs professionals to deal with the resorts.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed, indicating "huge interest"
from the Indonesians, he said. This follows after a delegation of four from the GRDM, led by Booysen, met various business representatives in Indonesia on 6 to 11 September.
The flights and accommodation were paid for by the ISCC Group of Companies (PT Ithuba Savings and Credits, Letscoin $C and ISC Bank). 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.
The new ANC councillor, Ndoda Tsengwa (left) from Knysna, was sworn in at the council meeting on Monday. Municipal Manager Monde Stratu (right), led the proceedings.
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 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. Read more about the relationship between GRDM and Ikusasa in the article "R1-billion chemical plant for Mossel Bay".
Other GRDM news
The manager of Roads Services, Hans Ottervanger, retired after 26 years of service. He was honoured for his service on Monday, with a certificate, many blessings from the councillors and some singing - For he's a jolly good fellow - on request of the Speaker, Barend Groenewald.
Knysna ANC Councillor Ndoda Tsengwa was sworn in at the meeting. He replaces the late ANC councillor, Victor Molosi, who was murdered in July in front of his home in Concordia.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'
