EMPOWERMENT
PLAN FOR LUKIMBI Part
of the tender for the concession included the implementation of a viable
empowerment policy. Idube
Private Game lodge in the Sabi Sand has been operative since 1989 and
most of the current black staff joined the company soon after its
inception. The
empowerment aim of the Lukimbi directors is to have an active
partnership with involved people, so the black staff of Idube and other
staff working for the directors were included in the venture.
Now that Lukimbi has been up and running for eighteen months, the
black staff employed at Lukimbi Safari Lodge have been included and are
beneficiaries of an Empowerment Trust. An
Empowerment Trust was set up to own the majority shareholding of Indulo
Property (Pty) Ltd, the shares of which are purchased by a grant from
DEAT, through the Land Reform Credit Facility.
The assets of the Property Company, which are some of the
buildings of Lukimbi, are leased to Lukimbi Safari Lodge, thus
generating income for the Property Company, which in turn pays dividends
to the Trust. The
Trust makes annual payments to all beneficiaries. Lukimbi
is also committed to promote local enterprise in other ways.
A local businessman has won the contract to transport staff and
is extremely proud of his brand new 17-seater bus.
It is the intention to develop, with the community; tourist
visits to the villages close to the Malelane Gate.
Local artists will also be encouraged to produce artwork of a
high standard to be sold in the lodge shop, as opposed to mass
production of low grade and high wood utilising curios.
The soaps used in the rooms are made by Mrs Rebecca Subisi (Head
of Lukimbi Security’s wife) thus generating an income for her and
giving her a start in a new business.
Children from the local Sunday School travel to the lodge to
entertain guests. Instead of paying the children, we make a contribution
towards their school fees thus assisting them to
attend school. One of the first acts of the directors of Lukimbi before any building commenced on the concession, was to hold a Blessing of the Land ceremony. This colourful occasion combined elements of both Western and African cultures. Acknowledging and appreciating different cultures was a wonderful and meaningful way to begin a new partnership. The last ceremonial act was to plant a tree, reflecting the commitment of all to preserve our beautiful National Park and as an act symbolising the hope in the growth of the Company and sharing of the fruits of success.
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