Waterberg: Nicklaus-Els project in South Africa
focuses world attention on Bela-Bela

Long before the mineral waters at Bela-Bela were used therapeutically, they were discovered by the Tswana in the 1800s and named Bela- Bela, meaning "the water that boils on its own".

Once the domain of the Bapedi, Tswana and Basotho people, the area is once again proving its worth as the new "Hot Spot" for the sophisticated well-traveled affluent executive and fast becoming the destination of choice for the enormously successful, who constantly seek a new trend or lifestyle experience.

Adding to this ancestry is Waterberg, the first Jack Nicklaus . Ernie Els golf course design collaboration, which marries an exclusive well-stocked game reserve with a world-class golf resort. The magnificent diversity of this region of the Limpopo Province was selected as the home of this truly world-class development, because of its location, breathtaking beauty and primarily for its uniqueness. Although it's just over 90-minutes drive from the business capital of Africa, Johannesburg, when you're looking out into the vast and mystical bushveld, it feels as if you are hours away from one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities.

The Waterberg Development will turn Bela-Bela and its surrounds into one of the emerging tourism hot spots of South Africa, leading the way with an exclusively designed Nicklaus-Els golf course, which brings with it not only a unique experience for golfers, but a wealth of opportunity for investment into the area. Game and golf are not all that Waterberg will offer, and added to that untamed but sophisticated allure will be a hotel, health spa, and conference facilities.

"Projects of this nature are critical to the development and growth of the Bela-Bela area," commented Bela-Bela Mayor Younus Lorgat. "We, as local government, are both excited and supportive of the development, as not only does it contribute to the Government's strategy of promoting tourism, but it also offers tremendous growth to the economy of the area. This will be done through the creation of jobs for members of the community, the delivery of services and the increase in retail expenditure by owners of the residential homes to be erected on the property."

Managing Director of the Development Team, Tony Georgiou added, "We believe that Waterberg is ideally positioned to capitalise on the burgeoning market for weekend homes and the modern trend of marrying family living with leisure options. The proof is in the sales we have made to date with Phase 1 sales in excess of R200 million in two days.

"I am particularly enthusiastic about the close relationship with the Bela-Bela Municipality and their vision to capacitate, support, establish and monitor a sustainable democratic local municipality. Waterberg will provide the Bela-Bela Community with great infrastructure, equip the unemployed with skills, as well as create employment and provide international recognition to this area."

Although the majority of the sales were made to local buyers, a number of overseas investors, including buyers from the United Kingdom, China, America and Japan, purchased stands in the development. A positive sign which demonstrates investor confidence not only in the Waterberg development but also in South Africa.

A further show of confidence is highlighted in the team developing the property, with Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els having taken a stake in the development company. Their partners include Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon, a company listed on the JSE and responsible for a construction portfolio in excess of R4 billion per annum; and Golf Data, the leading golf course construction firm in South Africa. Jonathan Stern, a New York-based property developer with numerous developments of similar stature is also a key investor in this exciting project. The final value of the project is expected to be in excess of R1 billion.

"The first ever Nicklaus-Els design collaboration will focus the global spotlight on the Waterberg area, accelerating investment in an area which has already seen properties double in value over the past 24 months," Georgiou added. "We look forward to working together with the mayor and the local government on a development which we believe will be hugely beneficial for all stakeholder groups. The knowledge that the area is malaria free, adds to the allure of the region."