Jan
14
MalaMala Game Reserve Update Post Land Claim
Dear Valued Partners and Friends in Tourism,
You may have read recent press reports regarding the MalaMala Land Claim and the sale of the property to the N’wandlamharhi Community Property Association (CPA) and we thought this is an ideal opportunity to update you on the current status quo.
The Land Claim involved the sale of the land and immovables to the N’wandlamharhi Community while the eco-tourism business “MalaMala Game Reserve” continues to be owned and operated by Michael and Norma Rattray and their team of dedicated staff.
The intention of the South African Government, the Claimant Community and the Rattray Family is for the Rattray Family to continue to manage the business with the community for many years to come, probably upwards of 25 years. It is “business as usual” for MalaMala Game Reserve while we finalise the long term working agreement with the community which will become effective from 01 February 2015.
MalaMala is now proudly the only community owned game reserve in the Sabi Sand area and the South African Government and the N’wandlamharhi Community are as committed to the ongoing legacy of MalaMala as we are. The family and staff look forward to partnering with the Community for the continuation of this successful eco-tourism model and to mentoring and training members of the Community in this field. This is a truly exciting opportunity for all parties to play a part in history and the road forward. We believe the success of the MalaMala/CPA model will become the benchmark for others.
On the 21st December the N’wandlamharhi Community Committee met with the Rattrays and the staff of MalaMala Game Reserve to reassure the staff that there would be no changes to their employment positions and conditions. Sales, reservations and marketing will continue to be handled exclusively by our Johannesburg Reservations office.
The successful outcome of the land claim enables us to now replace our entire landrover fleet in 2014 as well as significantly enhance the camp infrastructure. It goes without saying that, as in the past, any refurbishment will always be carried out with ZERO impact on our valued guests’ enjoyment.