A look at Mauritius and Meet Andy Watts in Durban

A luxury lifestyle that makes economic sense

If you’re thinking of migrating to the coast or buying a holiday home at Plettenberg or Camps Bay, think again. For the same money as you’d spend on a modest pad by a chilly sea, you can buy a luxurious apartment, duplex or villa at La Balise Marina in Mauritius with its own private mooring at the end of your garden.

Set in the picturesque Black River district, La Marina Balise sits between a gorgeous backdrop of mountains and warm, turquoise lagoons and Ocean. The trendy town of Black River has every modern amenity, but retains its laid-back charm.

Mauritius is only a four-hour flight away, but it’s a different world completely. It’s almost crime free, boasts year-round sunshine, has excellent schools and medical facilities, a strong and stable economy and a tax rate of 15% for individuals and businesses; making it not only ideal for a holiday, but the perfect place to base your business and your family. La Balise Marina falls under the Integrated Resorts Scheme (IRS), a government initiative to attract high net worth individuals by granting permanent residency to buyers who spend more than $500,000.

Phase 1 is sold out with all units delivered to their owners and marina infrastructure operational and Phase 2 was launched in March 2014. As Phase 2 is also the last phase of the development, the opportunity to secure a stake in this luxury lifestyle resort is fast becoming limited. Once it’s complete, La Balise Marina will feature 146 luxury units, with 70 apartments, 62 duplexes and 14 villas with a choice of two to five bedrooms. Interior designers on-site can advise you on the décor and furnish everything to your specifications. Cleaning services and fibre-optic internet access are also part of the package. With prices starting at US$700k for an apartment and US$2.6m for a villa (all taxes and fees included), which includes the investor’s right to Mauritian residency for the family (dependents) as long as he owns his property.

With stunning views on the sea and the marina, “Le Sunset” clubhouse features a bar, restaurant, gym, spa, a kids club and an infinity pool, while “L’Estuaire” a small commercial centre is being built with shops and another restaurant. “L’Estuaire” will also be home to the region’s main nautical service providers, offering scuba diving, deep sea fishing, Catamaran cruises and other exciting activities to mention a few.

It’s a sound investment, as La Marina Balise is the only high-end Marina resort on the island with direct water access and fully established marina amenities, creating a unique investment opportunity. Apartments bought for $600,000 three years ago have already been resold for $800,000. Owners not living permanently in the marina will also be able to put their units into a managed rental pool when they are not using them, generating a regular income.

“Mauritius boasts a solid economy, a stable, democratic government and a remarkably low crime rate. With an attractive 15% tax rate, Mauritius is undeniably attractive for anyone who wants a safe and luxurious lifestyle,” says Rob Hudson, MD of South African property development and sales company Hayes, Matkovich & Associates, the marketing company for La Balise Marina.

The project is being developed by a consortium including Investec Bank Mauritius and ENL Group, one of the largest property companies in Mauritius. ENL Group, also being the promoter of projects like Villas Valriche and Bagatelle Mall, the latter being the largest retail centre in Mauritius in which ENL partnered with the SA based Atterbury Group.

The amenities in Mauritius are improving continually thanks to the buoyant economy and forward-thinking government. With first-class health and education facilities, a 92% rate of employment and a vibrant social scene, Mauritius is ideal for a second home or a first-rate lifestyle.

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE AWARD-WINNING THREE SHIPS WHISKY

                                                   (Andy Watts) 

Discover the proudly South African Three Ships whisky range and meet Andy Watts, master distiller and pioneer in the South African whisky industry, at the FNB Whisky Live on 25 and 26 April at Tsogo Sun’s Suncoast Casino, Durban.

Andy will share the extraordinary journey of these locally produced whiskies and how they have earned many firsts for the South African whisky industry namely: the first single malt, the first blend of South African and Scotch whiskies, a 100% locally blended whisky and the first South African whisky to take the title as the World’s Best Blended Whisky at the annual Whisky Magazine’sWorld Whisky Awards with the Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old.

Visitors will be able to taste the Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old and Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish, among only seven whiskies from around the world to receive a double gold award at the 2013 New York International Spirits Competition in addition to both taking gold at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge.  The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish was also named Africa’s Best Spirit at the 2014 China Wine and Spirits Competition. Taste South Africa’s first whisky launched in 1977, Three Ships Select, which received a double gold at the 2014 San Francisco International Spirits Competition.

The whiskies are crafted at The James Sedgwick Distillery in the picturesque Boland town of Wellington. The distillery was established in 1886 and over the past two decades underwent several upgrades which transformed it into a state-of-the-art distillery.

Tickets cost R150 each and can be purchased at www.whiskylivefestival.co.za or R170 at the door. All ticket prices include a complimentary tasting glass, a 2014 Whisky Handbook, a 500ml bottle of Valpré Spring Water, 15 tasting vouchers, and a variety of additional value adds.

Visit www.whiskylivefestival.co.za for more information.

The House of Walker is coming to Durban

Experience the House Of Walker at the Whiskey Live Showroom

Discerning whisky lovers and casual enthusiasts alike are set to enhance their whisky knowledge with a House of Walker tasting at the Whisky Live Showroom, taking place at Durban’s Suncoast Casino Sunzone from the 25^th to 26^th April.

Guests to the Whisky Live Showroom will be able to sample the world’s rarest and most sought-after whiskies, while meeting the stars of the industry. Innovative cuisine and a range of educational and entertaining activities make the Whisky Live Showroom the most engaging way to learn more about this legendary spirit.

The House of Walker stand will host Johnnie Walker’s renowned range of finely crafted whisky, including the historical brand’s Red and Black labels, as well as the prestigious Gold Label Reserve, Platinum Label 18 Year Old, and the coveted Blue Label.

“With the full House of Walker range on offer, guests will be able to truly appreciate the finest whisky that Scotland has to offer – the most awarded blended scotch whiskies in the world with over 195 years of masterful blending experience,” says Paul Madden, Assistant Brand Manager at brandhouse.

The specialised House of Walker tasting available at the stand will offer guests a stimulating insight into the rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation that underlies the fine whiskies of Johnnie Walker. Led by Alan Schuman, an expert whisky ambassador and member of Keeper of The Qualch Society, this tasting will take guests on an unparalleled journey through the uniquely bold flavours synonymous with Johnnie Walker.

“The House of Walker tasting is a captivating exploration of the iconic flavours that make Johnnie Walker’s whiskies so unique – from the beautifully balanced character of Gold Label Reserve to the complex and powerful notes that lend Blue Label it’s supreme quality,” says  Alan Schuman.   

The Whisky Live Showroom will travel on to Nelspruit and Cape Town on the 16 – 17^th of May and 19^th – 20^th June respectively. Ticket’s are available for R170.00, and include a tasting glass, 15 whisky-tasting vouchers and a 500ml bottle of mineral water for palate cleansing. 

As with anything enjoy the event responsibly.  If you plan on having a party make sure you have a designated driver.

Join Cindy Pivacic and Lisa Smart-Campos for a Vintage Flair Affair

Aid My Journey-Support and PiNCorg Go Vintage.

   

Two local NPO founders, Cindy Pivacic of AID MY JOURNEY SUPPORT and Lisa Smart-Campos of PiNCorg (People investing in our communities) have united in raising funds for their non-profit organisations and creating awareness about HIV & Aids and Cancer. The theme of the event is VINTAGE FLAIR AFFAIR which will be held at the Durban Country Club on Friday 06 June 2014 at 19h30.

Cindy Pivacic is a Speaker, Trainer, Counsellor, Author and Activist on HIV & Aids. In 2011 she founded a centre for people living with HIV & Aids to assist them in skills development and knowledge to empower them to get back into the workforce.

Lisa Smart-Campos co-founded PiNC with, Dario Campos in June 2010 to represent five main aspects of raising awareness and socio-economic relevance in South Africa, assisting communities, families and individuals along with various skills developments within KZN and Gauteng. The funds raised from this event will go towards the Computer Skills Initiative for the unemployed and the Bra and Panty drive for underprivileged girls.  

The theme colour for the event is pink and red and the dress code is, vintage. GO BIG! The function will include live entertainment, a fashion show, dancers, raffles and an auction. The evening festivities include a buffet dinner.  Tickets are R 750 pp.

Sponsors for goodie bags, prizes and venue fees are welcome.

For more information contact:

Cindy Pivacic

E-mail: cindy@cindypivacic.co.za

Cell: 073 739 6044

OR

Lisa Smart-Campos

E-mail: lisa@pinc.org.za

Cell: 073 953 6771

Bookings:

Cebo Nene

cebo.cindypivacic@gmail.com

Funding Database for South African Entrepreneurs

A Powerful Resource For SA Entrepreneurs

Useful link from the Deloitte KZN Funding Fair

This week I attended the Fair and was made aware of a fantastic resource for Entrepreneurs in South Africa.
It is a huge database of funders where you can seek funding for your business idea.  It features details on each fund and contact details and the process.  A great tool for any Entrepreneurs in SA.

To access the Database click on the link below and click on 'Funding Database for DEDT


Funding Database For South African Entrepreneurs

Click on Funding Database for DEDT

(Source - Deloitte KZN Funding Fair)


INDABA Networking Golf Day

9 May 2014

Registration at 9am

Tee-off: Shotgun start at 11am

Where: DCC Beachwood Golf Course

For more info email melissa@indabagolfday.co.za

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Mauritius - An investment destination of choice

Making an investment in Africa is considered to be tricky business, with political instability and economic uncertainty two hurdles that can trip up the unwary. However, Mauritius – Africa’s shining beacon of social and economic stability tops several polls as the safest place to put your finances.

It’s not just the beautiful scenery and balmy tropical sunshine that are persuading entrepreneurs and wealthy foreigners to relocate their businesses or add a villa in Mauritius to their portfolios, but the Ibrahim Index of African Governance hails it as the best run country in Africa the World Bank’s survey of the Best Countries for Doing Business ranked it as the 1st in Africa and 20^th globally in 2014.

These economic accolades are backed up by a 92.9% employment rate and 89.9% literacy rate, a 15% corporate and personal tax rateand blissfully little crime. The beautiful beaches, top-notch healthcare system, good flight connections and widely spoken English and French also make Mauritius an easy emigration option.

For businessmen used to dealing with bureaucracy, the Mauritian approach is a breeze. Applications for Occupation Permits or Residence Permits are made through the Board of Investment and are issued within five working days.

These efforts to open Mauritius up to foreign investors were essential after the country’s sugar industry slumped. Sugar now contributes only 1% of GDP, down from 75% in the 1970s.

Further to Sachin Mohabeer, assistant  director at the Board of Investment: “Without investment there won’t be growth or job creation so our strategy is to diversify the economy want to have more investors and high calibre professionals working in the country and more retirees living in the country.”

The strategy to broaden the economy includes capitalising on the natural beauty of the island by allowing high net worth individuals to buy properties in specifically designated areas. Foreigners can invest in property under the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), designed to attract wealthy foreigners and their hard currencies.

The government grants residency to investors who spend at least $500,000 on an IRS home and they can also apply for permission to start a business or find a job. Rob Hudson, MD of South African property development and sales company Hayes, Matkovich & Associates, says South Africans account for 40% to 50% of IRS sales and are often businessmen who want to take some money offshore.

Hayes, Matkovich & Associates is marketing two upmarket IRS resorts, La Balise Marina and Villas Valriche. Villas Valriche boasts the attractive combination of being both a beach resort and a golf estate, with 288 villas. With 146 units, La Balise Marina at Black River is the only IRS resort to feature waterfront access and a marina, making it ideal for wealthy water babies.

Both La Balise Marina and Villas Valriche are developed by the ENL Group, a family-run company listed on the Mauritian Stock Exchange.

Hudson says the IRS policy is incredibly successful in helping to diversify the economy and is also proving a solid investment for the buyers. “You are investing in a stable country with a very low crime rate, an economy that’s doing well and a lifestyle that is hard to match anywhere in the world,” he says.

The first IRS properties to have been resold notched up an average 35% return on investment. Where other international ‘second home’ real estate markets have collapsed in recent years during the financial crisis, Mauritius has stood out with positive growth and continued returns on investment.  With around 40% of investors coming from Europe, this performance in the ‘hard times’ bodes well for when the European investment markets recover.  That said, Hudson does emphasize that Mauritius is a niche market opportunity but not a speculative one and investors should adopt a medium to long term outlook.

Owners can also put their villas into a rental pool, giving them a holiday home of their own that generates a steady income too.

While many South Africans are investing in Mauritius for a holiday home, as a long-term retirement plan, or to base their business there, others see it as a safety net in case South Africa takes a turn for the worse. “It’s a contingency plan for many people,” Hudson says. “You have a wonderful holiday home to enjoy but you also have the option of going to work in Mauritius or running your business interests from Mauritius, where there is an extremely attractive tax rate of 15%.”

The recent slide in the rand has made dollar-denominated foreign homes more expensive, but conversely it is prompting people to take money offshore in case of further deterioration.

And a property in paradise is about as safe an investment as you can make. The Mauritian property laws are strongly in favour of home owners, while the IRS scheme will let you buy a plot now and hold it for up to five years before you build, to fit in with your cash flow.

Prices at Villa Valriche start at $670,000 for a 2-bedroom villa and $800,000 for a 4-bedroom villa, going up to $2.7m. At La Balise Marina, prices start at $700 000 for a 2-bedroom apartment, going up to $3.3m for 5-bedroom villa, all taxes and fees included. Still at La Balise Marina, Duplexes that cost $600,000 to build have already been resold for $800,000.

Mauritius has never been a cheap destination, but with good reason, Hudson says. “It’s a small island and they are not making any more of them,” he says.

* Figures from the Mauritian Ministry of Education

3 beaches, loads of fun in Durban this April and Auditions and Theatre Jobs

April is full of fun just for you.

KFC and East Coast Radio have joined together to bring you some amazing fun.

KFC Family Fun Days will have games and activities and of course the great KZN weather.

There will be frisbee darts, sand castle competitions, treasure hunts and loads more.

Mark these dates on your calendar:

12 & 13 April at uShaka Beach
20 & 21 April at Thompson's Beach on the North Coast
27 & 28 April at Margate on the South Coast

ECR Presenters Jane Linley-Thomas, Makhosi Khoza, Trevor Williams and Cameron and Kyleigh will be broadcasting live.

Audition notice for the new musical: You Bet Your Life!
ROLSKA Productions will be holding auditions for its upcoming production of the new musical “You Bet Your Life!” premiering at the National Arts Festival in July.
The producers are looking for a strong female character actress with a clear vocal tone in the mezzo/alto range.

The story revolves around Jonny who is recently deceased. Having been hit by a car he finds himself in a strange sort of purgatory; an 80’s style gameshow called ‘You Bet Your Life!’. The host acts as ringmaster interviewing Jonny and playing various clips from his life based on which the audience decide whether Jonny is a man of good character.

The female candidate should be versatile as she will be required to play a variety of parts during the course of the show including Johnny’s mother, girlfriend, piano teacher, a high powered executive and a showgirl.

Auditions will be on the 13th of April starting at 10AM at the Waterfront Theatre School. Please prepare one song of your own choice and “Ive Got Jonny” which can be downloaded in PDF format at www.rolska.com.  Please bring sheet music for your own song in the correct key to the audition.

Rehearsals are in Cape Town on weekdays, in the evenings, from the 2nd of June and on Saturday afternoons. Performances in Grahamstown from 1 - 13 July.

To book an audition slot or for more info please e-mail: rperold@gmail.com

Front of House Manager
Wits Theatre requires the services of a Front of House Manager who has good knowledge of the theatre and working within Front of House.

The role: The Front of House Manager leads all front-of-house activity working 6 days per week, including weekends, covering all internal and external hirer shows. S/he manages the box office, dealing with all queries, requests for comps, reservations and press nights, leads the day-to-day liaison with the bar and other service providers, supervises all FOH activities and manages rotas and training.

It is essential that you have:

• The personality and skills to act as the face of the theatre for all visitors and audiences
• Knowledge of the front-of-house set-up, box office operations and systems
• Knowledge of customer relationship management
• Leadership skills to allow you to coordinate and manage complex events and multiple teams including ushers, duty technicians, stage managers and service providers to ensure smooth and seamless running of performances
• Knowledge of the correct procedures to be followed by ushers for theatre Performances including Health and Safety protocols e.g., fire procedures)
• Ability to manage the box office, including establishing rules and procedures, training staff on system usage, setting up new shows and dealing with customer queries.
• The experience to act as Systems Manager for the box office system, troubleshooting, housekeeping and liaising with the provider as necessary
• Point-of-sale and customer service experience
• The stature to present a high and positive profile to the public for all aspects of Wits

Theatre’s work

• Financial managerial skills
• Marketing experience so as to improve front-of-house experience for all clients
• Understand and can implement theatre protocols and Health and Safety policies

We are looking for individuals who have:

• Excellent communication skills and a good speaking voice
• Good computer skills including Box Office systems, Excel, Outlook Express and MS Word.
• Advanced people and problem solving skills
• Strong event and coordination abilities
• Strong Managerial skills

To apply, please send a detailed application letter motivating why you should be considered and a comprehensive CV to the Wits Theatre Director, Gita Pather: Gitanjali.pather@wits.ac.za . Apply online on the Wits University HR portal at https://irec.wits.ac.za

Closing Date: 14 April 2014

Head of Wardrobe
Wits Theatre is seeking to secure the services of a Head of Wardrobe who is an experienced theatre seamstress. The post requires the incumbent to be able to design, manufacture, and purchase costumes for stage productions. We are looking for a creative and artistic theatre person who must have the ability to teach Drama and Performance students the craft of costume making. They may also be required to study the script and try and work out the best costume for the script. The person must be able to discuss ideas with production designers, directors, make up, set and lighting designers so that they can identify and create costume ideas to fit the production’s design concept and budget. This is not a core requirement but such a skill would be preferred.

It is essential that you have:

• 10 years experience in the theatre with both hand and machine sewing skills in garment construction
• Knowledge of pattern making
• Creativity, imagination and initiative
• Ability to work independently or as a part of a team
• Basic Computer Skills - Word Processing & Spreadsheet, E-communication,
• Research skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good personal time management skills
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

You need to be

• A ‘people person’ who likes working as part of a team
• A ‘self-starter’ able to work both independently and collaboratively
• A good, diplomatic communicator, able to work collaboratively with a wide range of people
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Able to use creativity and innovation to troubleshoot and problem solve
• Able to take on leadership roles
• Able to work in a constantly changing environment
• Highly motivated to pursue a professional career in entertainment or related industries
• Have a mature work ethic and able to handle stressful and pressure filled environment
• Have strong coordination skills

To apply, please send a detailed application letter motivating why you should be considered and a comprehensive CV to the Wits Theatre Director, Gita Pather: Gitanjali.pather@wits.ac.za . Apply online on the Wits University HR portal at https://irec.wits.ac.za

Closing Date: 14 April 2014

This edition by +Fred Felton

The FNB Whisky Live Showroom is coming to Durban

A boutique-style tasting event to share the spirit of whisky

The FNB Whisky Live Showroom will take place on 25 and 26 April 2014, at Tsogo Sun’s Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment in Durban, home of the popular alternate monthly Suncoast Whisky Club.

The Showroom will showcase some of the world’s finest whiskies, including Kavalan, The Glenlivet, Bains Cape Mountain Whisky, a selection form the Brandhouse portfolio, Balblair, The Balvenie and Glenfiddich among others, making it possible for fans and newcomers of the precious dram to sample and purchase their favourite whiskies in an exclusive setting.

“The new hand crafted show has been created to give whisky brands the opportunity to showcase their products at exciting new venues across South Africa, in recognition of the fact that there is no time like the present to enjoy this premium spirit,” says Emily Stockden, chief operating officer of Whisky Live Festival.

“The FNB Whisky Live Showroom is a great addition to the growing calendar of local and international events in the city, and a great opportunity for the Durban community to enjoy some of the world’s finest whiskies in a unique and incredible setting,” says Louise Howell, Marketing Manager of Suncoast. “We’re particularly pleased to announce that Suncoast cardholders will qualify for a discount on the price of tickets, limited to two per cardholder.”

Tickets cost R150 each at www.whiskylivefestival.co.za, or R170 at the door. All ticket prices include a complimentary tasting glass, a 2014 Whisky Handbook, a 500ml bottle of Valpré Spring Water, 15 tasting vouchers, and a variety of additional value adds, such as a R200 voucher for all first-time users of Uber’s taxi services, R50 off any purchase of more than R500 at the on-site FNB Whisky Live Shop and a 10% discount voucher for purchases on www.whiskyshopsa.co.za after the event (some terms and conditions apply).

There are limited tickets available for the event, and those who plan to attend are encouraged to book their tickets online in advance to make sure that they don’t miss out.

Follow @WhiskyLiveSA on Twitter, ‘like’ the FNB Whisky Live Festival Facebook page at Facebook/FNBWhiskyLiveFestival, or check www.whiskylivefestival.co.za for regular updates about the events.

The FNB Whisky Live Showroom promotes responsible drinking. No persons under the age of 18 years will be allowed into the Showroom. Designated driver tickets are also available at R95 per ticket. Part of the ticket proceeds will be donated to The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR).