Apparently the powers-that-be running the Kruger National Park are concerned that
'black diamonds' won't stay in KNP lodges. So the plan is to build a luxury upmarket hotel
in the park. That's got conservationists up in arms. They want the park to retain its "natural" feel. A great many people will probably agree with them.
Thinking of buying a home in a "boomed" community? Don't part with your money quite yet... Dr. Willie van der Merwe, owner of the RealNet WaterMeyer franchise in the east of Pretoria, reckons that
booms 'may not deliver all they promise'. "Crime," he says, "is actually sometimes more prevalent in closed suburbs and boomed estates than in open suburbs with other security measures such as community patrols and observant residents in place."
Here's PoPI... The Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Bill is designed to
force companies to protect personal information. That means companies that collect individuals' personal information - medical schemes, banks and so on - had better be very aware of the provisions of the bill; not doing so is a criminal offence and directors could face hefty fines or even imprisonment.
Taxes upon taxes, upon taxes... Some people - not us, of course - believe that it won't be long before our tax returns will be simplicity itself:
"How much money have you got left?" "Send it." Seriously, however, there's a
new tax law looming and it is set to have serious and significant ramifications for taxpayers.
Finally, no shrinking violet himself when it comes to fangs and claws, Henrie Geyser, our cocky, confident but not-so-compact motoring editor reckons that the new Suzuki Swift Sport
is a natty little fun drive.
Rod Baker, content director
Submit your company news to
propertynews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to
contributors-property@bizcommunity.com.
According to a Times Live report, young and wealthy 'black diamonds' with disposable income at the fingertips do not like staying in the Kruger Park camps or lodges. SANParks says that while a million people visit the park each year, just 26% of them are black. 
Tiffendell, South Africa's only ski resort, is to be auctioned on 12 July and as there is no reserve price, bidders could pick up a bargain, according to a Business Report report. 
Private Property and BetterBond have partnered to add two product offerings to their rewards programme, BetterRewards. 
Like all parts of the country, Fish Hoek in the South Peninsula was affected by the global recession. "During the period November 2007 up to and including October 2008 there were 207 residential - freehold, sectional title and land - sales totalling R265 million," says Tony Webb, MD of Fine & Country False Bay. 
The 10th annual Investment Property Databank (IPD) Property Investment Conference, entitled '10 Years Back - 10 Years Forward', recognises a decade of SA property and sets out to provide professionals with valuable strategic insight to tackle the opportunities of the next 10 years. It is set for 18-19 July 2012 in Cape Town. 
With so much to choose from in the current property market, many prospective buyers worry about missing something better - and possibly cheaper - if they make a purchasing decision too soon. This is the view of Jan Davel, MD of the RealNet estate agency group. 
The City of Cape Town is about to start compiling a new General Valuation Roll (GVR) and residents need to be well-prepared to lodge objections if their properties are incorrectly valued. 
