MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Plans for the development of an upmarket golf estate here on the slopes of the Soutpansberg Mountain were announced this week by Makhado Makhado Investments from Gauteng.

The envisaged project will include the establishment of an 18 hole top grade golf course, a state of the art clubhouse which will include a modern gym and recreational facilities, together with fully equipped conference centre and 200 to 500 upmarket residential units. The first 100 units and the complete golf course could be ready by June 2005 and is expected to generate considerable national and international interest, with the possibility of long-term economic spin-offs for the whole community.

In an interview the Chief Executive Officer of Makhado Makhado Investments, Mr Sheiks Makhado, announced that the proposed development will be aimed at creating a significant permanent asset for the local community, which will also be a major draw card for foreign investment and tourism. The envisaged golf estate will fill a need for top class golf facilities in the Vhembe region and will be a prime addition to the existing facilities on the South African golfing circuit.

"We are working together with the existing golf club and believe that the proposed physical development and management model will be to the advantage of all concerned. The present club members will in no way be marginalized or disadvantaged. The present nine hole course, situated in this magnificent site amongst the mountains, will be augmented into an eighteen hole course, which, together with the rest of the envisaged estate and facilities will comprise an extremely attractive and worthy major asset of considerable long term economical importance." He said he was impressed by the progressive style of the present club management.

It is envisaged that some 50% of the upmarket residential units in the golf estate would be reserved for international investors, 20% for South African investors, 10% for local residents, 10% for previous disadvantaged groups and 10% for the Makhado family. In both the planning and development phases Makhado Makhado Investments will utilise local professional skills. An office will be established locally.

During its latest meeting the Makhado Municipal Council granted a request for an opportunity to make a presentation to the Executive Committee with regards to the proposed development of the golf course. Mr Makhado said a detailed presentation would probably be made during the next two months, after exact details of the additional available land for the development have been established.

"If everything proceeds well we could be on site by June this year."

Makhado Makhado Investments is also involved in the planned development of a recreational resort at the Nandoni dam, which is nearing completion in the Thohoyandou region.

During the recent annual general meeting of the Louis Trichardt Golf Club, the president Mr Schallie van Schalkwyk referred to the proposed development of the golf estate. He confirmed that the developer established contact with the management committee and that negotiations are underway.

During the meeting it was unanimously decided to change the name of the club to Soutpansberg Golf Club. The Soutpansberg mountain range is known countrywide and the club's golf course is situated amongst the picturesque foothills of the mountain.