This section covers most aspects of our fractional ownership offerings. If you have a question which you feel is not covered, please use the contact form.
A. GENERAL
- What is Dream Lifestyles?
Dream Lifestyles is a private company that has a Management Division and an Investment Opportunities Division. The Management division takes care of marketing, sales and Member affairs while the Investment division sources suitable assets for our portfolio.
The Dream Lifestyles Management Division has 2 functions:
- Marketing & Sales – which markets and sells fractional ownership in leisure properties and lifestyle assets; and
- Member Affairs – which manages:
- The affairs of our Members (the Shareholders of the assets);
- The Rental Pool Programme for every property and asset;
- The Use Exchange Programme.
The Dream Lifestyles Investment Opportunities Division is committed to providing affordable investment alternatives in lifestyle assets. We will thus offer investors opportunities that go beyond fractional ownership in leisure property assets. We aim to be one of the first companies in Southern Africa to also offer fractional ownership of other highly desirable lifestyle assets. These would include private jets, yachts, sports cars, handbags, etc.
- Why was the DL concept developed?
Primarily the concept was developed to combine the benefits of second home ownership with the amenities and services available from world class luxury hotels and secondly because it makes financial sense. According to current studies the average second home owner in South Africa uses their property only 27 days per year. DL offers an attractive, problem free way to balance your vacation time use to the investment you make in a second home.
As a secondary goal DL desired to become one of the first companies to sell fractional ownership in lifestyle assets as well.
- What is Fractional Ownership?
Fractional Ownership is a method of co-owning an asset. Fractional Ownership can be seen as a more structured and formalised syndication method, whereby a number of shareholders own shares in a particular company which in turn owns an asset – the management and maintenance is usually taken care of by one party, the Fractional Ownership Company. Fractional ownership is no different from owning a property collectively with a few friends or family. The market has evolved to such an extent that this co-ownership structure is now more sophisticated, managed and promoted by professional firms. This allows you to own property without being burdened by the management and administration aspects.
- Is this a timeshare or shareblock scheme?
No, this is not a timeshare nor a shareblock scheme. You own a fully tradable share in a private company which gives you the benefit of visiting the properties or using the assets. You have full yet indirect ownership over the land and the land improvements in accordance with the structures as shown in the relevant Prospectus and the DL Brochure. The only way in which these luxury products can conceivably be deemed similar to timeshare is that time is used as the way in which to split up the use and ownership of the property or asset. In every other way it is fundamentally different and most owners think of fractional ownership as being more like traditional whole ownership.
- Is ownership in DL the same as owning real estate or assets?
You enjoy all the rights and privileges of owning real estate through holding an equity based share in a company which has structured ownership to the underlying property or asset. This means that you can sell your share at any time at any price, bequeath it to your heirs, allow friends to use it, invite guests to share it with you and of course enjoy it yourself.
- Who can purchase a share and become a Member of Dream Lifestyles?
Any person may become a Member of DL, providing they can afford a share in one of the properties or assets in the portfolio. Each Member will be required to follow a standard Shareholder Application procedure and abide by the rules in the Shareholders Handbook. The Membership will apply to all individuals in the Member’s immediate family and any guests he/she chooses to share it with.
Trusts, corporations, partnerships or other forms of multiple ownership entities may also become members of DL, provided that they nominate only one person as the Member, who then assumes the responsibilities applicable to the Members. A new individual may be designated upon the anniversary of the Membership.
- How do I purchase a share in Dream Lifestyles?
To purchase a share in DL, contact the Dream Lifestyles office on the following:
- Tel: +27 (0) 861 DREAML (373265)
- Fax: +27 (0)866 130 696
- E-Mail: membership@dreamlifestyles.co.za
- Web: www.dreamlifestyles.co.za
- Skype: dreamlifestyles
The Sales Agent will take care of all your needs and guide you through the Shareholders Application form (See also: Financial 3)
- Who are the Promoters of Dream Lifestyles?
The Promoters of DL are:
- Secprop Leisure
- Peter Wright (B.Comm. (CA) SA)
- Michael Wright (B.Sc. Agribusiness Wildlife Science)
- Cradle Hotels & Resorts
- Gareth Simaan (B.Comm.)
- Who are the Managers of Dream Lifestyles?
The Managers of DL are:
- Peter Wright – Director
- Michael Wright – Chief Executive Officer
- Who are the builders of DL properties?
The projects are all under the control of the developer from concept to delivery. Currently the developers of DL’s Cradle of Pilanesberg Lodge property are the renowned Group Five Limited, who are treating it as a turn-key project.
- How many times can I visit the Destinations per year and what are my rights of use?
A Member who owns one share may visit the destinations at any time of the year, subject to availability.
Members may book one suite per visit at any of the properties for a minimum period of 7 days per share. If the Member owns more than one share they may book one suite per visit for 7 days or 14 days (2 shares) or 21 days (3 shares) etc., or two suites per visit for 7 days (2 shares), three suites per visit for 7 days (3 shares), or a combination of the above. Each suite can sleep 2 people in the main bedroom. Additional suites booked to accommodate a larger party will be deducted from the Member’s annual bed-night allocation.
Members will be able to make full use of all the facilities, but will be charged separately for beverages, transfers, items of a personal nature, Visa costs, travel insurance, business centre service costs, additional activities, specialist guiding and entrance fees to reserves . Members will be offered an a la carté menu with several choices for all meals.
- Who can visit the Properties with me?
Members are entitled to bring whom ever they chose to utilize the destinations (although certain properties may have age restrictions, for safety reasons). You, your spouse, your family, or the shareholder nominee and any other guests of yours may visit the destinations, subject to your authorisation.
- What are the expansion plans for Dream Lifestyles?
Dream Lifestyles is hoping to expand its property portfolio in a swift but sustainable manner. Cradle of Pilanesberg Lodge will be the first property launched, with Cradle of Vilanculos Resort soon to follow. Each property will be restricted to a closed number of shareholders, in order to ensure that there is no dilution of the capital appreciation of the assets and the accumulation of wealth for the owners.
- Can I inspect the destinations that will be owned by Dream Lifestyles?
All the sites for the destinations in Dream Lifestyles can be visited at any time, however they are still in the development process. Therefore all destinations may be visited by potential buyers and will obviously be available for booking the moment they are operational and the Member complies with the obligations relating to the acquisition of the share.
Preliminary planning indicates that certain preferred destinations may still be developed, as these destinations are considered ideal for inclusion in Dream Lifestyles, and will have to be constructed or refurbished in order to comply with the standards required. The units will be designed and built to the architectural requirements of the specific destinations. Dream Lifestyles utilizes its long-time associated architects and builders for the design and development of all its newly developed Properties.
- What is the size and/or specification of the suite/s?
The standard size of a suite offered by Dream Lifestyles is one-bedroom en-suite for two people per night sharing. Suites vary in area size depending on the destination, and should range between 60m² (646 sq. foot) and 75m² (807 sq. foot), but are always comfortable and spacious, with all the necessary amenities and luxuries. They are designed to be exclusive and to cater for a couple, be it a Member and his/her partner or a Member and his/her friend. If a Member would like to include a group of friends, they would need to book another one or two units depending on the size of the group.
- What about service and property maintenance?
The properties are all managed by Dream Lifestyles’ dedicated Hospitality Management Company, which ensures that all destinations are serviced and maintained at levels of a high standard of luxury by well-trained staff. All management, services and maintenance will be taken care of by the Hospitality Management Company, so that all Members’ stays remain devoid of worry, hassle, responsibility or unnecessary expense. The staff will clean all facilities daily, carry luggage, clean pools and maintain gardens etc. Your unit is serviced once a day, while the central facilities are serviced three times a day. Members and their guests may wish to visit other restaurants on the property for meals if they so please.
- Do Members have any input in furnishing the suites?
The units will be furnished according to a specified standard that is in keeping with Dream Lifestyles and its Hospitality Management Company’s ethos and image. The reason for this is that the Properties are operated as tourism businesses and may also be booked by tourist guests. Members will not have a choice with respect to the furniture, fittings and equipment (FF&E). The décor complies with specific standards that meet the requirements of Dream Lifestyles and its Hospitality Management Company, and can therefore not be changed to suit individual tastes.
- Is Dream Lifestyles environmentally sensitive?
Dream Lifestyles is not only environmentally sensitive, but holds environmental management and conservation as a primary principle. The company has chosen the destinations and properties that complement and add to the unique Southern African experience, making environmentally friendly destinations a pre-requisite. All properties have passed all the Environmental Impact Assessments that were required of them by Law during their development and operation.
- Security in the destinations?
The properties have been chosen in such as way as to optimize the duration of stay of all guests. Security of the Members and the properties is of paramount importance to Dream Lifestyles and its Hospitality Management Company.
- How do I, as a Member, make a reservation?
To make a reservation, a Member must book through DL Reservations at the following contact details:
- Tel: +27 (0) 861 DREAML (373265)
- Fax: +27 (0)866 130 696
- E-Mail: membership@dreamlifestyles.co.za
- Web: www.dreamlifestyles.co.za
- Skype: dreamlifestyles
A professional Member Affairs Manager will assist you with all your reservations requirements and travel advice, and will offer a seamless travel booking service.
- Can Member’s families and guests utilise the lifestyle amenities?
Members’ families and guests are entitled to membership privileges while they are utilizing the destination with the Member or the Member’s spouse.
- Are the lifestyle activities and amenities included in my stay, and will I have to pay for anything?
The ownership of a share entitles the Member (shareholder) to accommodation, three meals and two standard activities per day at all of the properties, including free use of all the activities and amenities normally associated with a standard reservation.
Any additional activities not usually associated with a standard reservation can also be experienced by the Member, however these will be at an additional charge at the standard rate paid by regular guests.
- What can I expect when I arrive at the Property?
You can either drive or fly to the properties (the cost of travel to access the destination is for the member’s account). If you fly to the properties, a property staff member will meet you at the airport or air-strip and will transfer you to your Property at a specified rate for Members (transfers are an additional cost). If you drive to the property, a manager will meet you at the car park and a staff member will carry your luggage to your unit.
A manager or guide will spend time with you to establish what you would like to do for the duration of your stay. You will be able to create your experience during your stay at the property, with the staff and guides available to cater for all of your requirements.
- How does Dream Lifestyles ensure similar quality at all of its Properties?
Dream Lifestyles ensures quality for both buildings and services as follows:
- The building quality is governed by the architectural guidelines and approved developer for building standards, as laid down by the development. The interior decorating is governed by the approved guidelines for interior decoration.
- With respect to service quality, the Hospitality Management Company, an associate of Dream Lifestyles, ensures similar quality in all destinations by contracting the required levels of service. These are commercial relationships that can be terminated against non-performance. Additionally “property rules” are contracted for provision of amenities to Members of Dream Lifestyles.
- What activities, amenities and experiences are available, and are they special?
You will be free to enjoy your holiday at your leisure. As the properties provide for only two standard activities per day, you will be able to enjoy any other specified activities on offer at an additional cost. Each property will offer its own unique experiences, and any activities that are not included in your normal stay itinerary can be enjoyed at the normal rates.
A major focus of Dream Lifestyles is the development of exceptional and unique experiences that surpass activities currently offered in the tourism market. The Hospitality Management Company will place special emphasis on developing a large array of activities to ensure optimum enjoyment by Members staying at each of the individual properties. Each property has been especially chosen for its unique attributes and attractive environment, which is designed to keep you interested, educated and active . The portfolio of properties intend to cater for all interest groups, gender groups and age groups, ensuring that there is something that appeals to every Member’s individual tastes and interests. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, golfer, fly-fisherman, health spa enthusiast, beach bum, horse rider, shopper, city-slicker, surfer, scuba diver, tennis player, birdwatcher, hiker, astrologer, skier, snowboarder or just love sports and nature of any kind, there is an intended option for everybody.
Also, enjoy the tasty cuisine around boma fires in the bush, in classy restaurants, family restaurants, or outdoor dining, as well as the city life, starry night skies and evening entertainment.
- Can baby sitters be arranged?
Dream Lifestyles’ associated Hospitality Management Company does provide babysitters and these can be arranged by the Member before booking for the specific destination.
- What sports facilities are provided?
Each property is unique, so please see the amenities available at each individual destination.
- Are shuttle transfers provided from the nearest airport?
Yes, a transfer service to the nearest airport is available to all Members and their guests. These will be provided at special Member rates.
- Will the Hospitality Management Company arrange my flights and car hire?
The arrangement of the flights and car hire can be arranged by the Hospitality Management Company, however, these will be at an additional cost to the Member. Dream Lifestyles, as part of its strategy, plans to establish partnerships with leading providers, so as to ensure seamless professional service at rates exclusively to Members.
- Do the units offer a laundry service and what does this cost?
All of the properties offer a laundry service. This will be for the Member’s own account.
- Are the contents of the unit and the amenities insured?
The contents of the units, facilities, equipment and vehicles are all insured.
- What are the restaurant hours of service?
Restaurant hours will be specific for each destination. Generally Members can expect that the hours of service are the same as what is available in a luxury boutique hotel or lodge.
B. USE
- How many days per year can I stay at any unit, and are there date restrictions?
A Member and his/her partner, family member or friend will be allowed to stay at any single unit for a minimum of 7 days per annum. The use period commences on January 1 and finishes on December 31 annually i.e. the period runs for a calendar year and may not be extended past the end date. Units can be booked any day of the year, subject to their availability and subject to terms and conditions. Members will be able to make a preferential booking in the 8 month Priority Reservation Period prior to the year beginning. If the member does not do this, then their use period will automatically be placed in the Rental Pool Programme. Refer: Shareholders Handbook.
- How can I be sure that I will get the time I want?
By understanding the reservation policies and process which has been designed to be fair and equitable and ensuring that you avail yourself of those. A DL Member Affairs Representative will always be available to deal with your request to ensure the best fit.
- Can I place unused time in a Rental Pool and what payment will I receive for the rental? Will DL rent out the unused time for me, or must I arrange that myself?
Yes. Any unused nights per annum can be placed in the Rental Pool Programme managed by DL and can be offered to any alternate guest. All bookings must be done through the Hospitality Management Company, and Members will receive 80% of the rental for bed-nights actually sold at the destination for that year. The remaining 20% is to pay for the Hospitality Management Company’s administration costs. Dream Lifestyles will facilitate rental occupancy on behalf of its Member. The Member is entitled to rent the suite out as long as the use period of the reservation is in accordance with the Shareholders Handbook use rules. However, DL cannot guarantee that all Members’ rental bed-nights will be sold. Members will be paid annually for their rentals in the end of February in the following year.
- Are shareholders of one property able to exchange use with any other properties in their Dream Lifestyles portfolio?
Yes, Members can exchange use with any other property in their Dream Lifestyles portfolio through the Use Exchange Programme.
- What is the estimated completion date of the properties by the developers, and when will I be able to utilize the suites and visit the Properties?
The suites at the properties will become available as soon as the developments are complete. Cradle of Pilanesberg Lodge will hopefully be available by the end of 2009, with more destinations coming online as soon as they are completed.
- Is the use component interchangeable with RCI timeshare?
The use component is not interchangeable with RCI timeshare. Dream Lifestyles is an exclusive club and has no affiliations with RCI or any similar organization at this stage.
- Can I book another unit in the same destination at the same time?
Yes. Members are able to book concurrent time at any of the properties subject to availability as long as they own more than one share. This additional time will be derived out of the booking allocation per Member per annum.
- Do Members always stay in the same suites?
Each of the properties and suites in each of the locations has been appointed to exactly the same level of luxury and members are not restricted to a particular suite.
- Can I carry over unused time from one year to the next?
No, unused time cannot be carried over from one year to the next.
C. FINANCIAL
- Is the price of membership in DL the same for all Members?
The sales in all Dream Lifestyles properties will be implemented in separate phases. The launch price is fixed at R 50,000 per share for the 1664 shares at Cradle of Pilanesberg. There will be a total of 1664 shares available in the public company, Cradle Hotels & Resorts Ltd. All future properties will offer comparable pricing.
- Is financing available for the cost of the share?
Yes, financing can be arranged through any reputable financial services institution. There are numerous financing options for prospective buyers. Aside from a cash purchase, home equity loans and first home refinancing, there are also lenders who will create new mortgages on shares. A mortgage loan of up to 60% can be arranged through a commercial bank, usually over a ten year repayment plan. The loan is in the name of the legal entity, owning the property. You sign surety for your proportional share. The growth of this industry will see a number of new financing plans being offered by financial institutions. DL has an association with bond originators if you would like to arrange finance through your mortgage bond. Contact DL for details or visit the DL website: www.dreamlifestyles.co.za.
- How is the purchase price per share applied?
An investor may purchase their share by either paying the full share price up front or by paying a 20% deposit. The 20% non-refundable deposit is required to be paid into an attorney’s Trust Account to reserve a share. The remaining portion of the purchase price will be guaranteed by the Purchaser by means of a guarantee or letter of undertaking issued by a bank or financial institution acceptable to the Seller. The balance of the purchase price will be paid in cash on or within 14 days of the effective date, being the date on which the final share has been sold, thereby defining the launch of DL. Only once the balance is paid and on acceptance of his/her membership application, does a person become a Shareholder of the asset and Member of Dream Lifestyles.
- Will I, as a Member, ever have to pay any Fees or other additional charges?
As an Investor in of Dream Lifestyles’ properties you will not have to pay for membership, but will automatically become a member. You will have to pay a Preferential Room Charge / Levy per share. At Cradle of Pilanesberg Lodge this amounts to approximately R 8,000.00 per year per share.
These Preferential Room Charges / Levies are each shareholder's pro-rata portion of the funds required to cover the costs of the property and DL, which include, but are not limited to the ongoing administration of DL, the reservation and member affairs service system, management of the relationships with the companies providing the Rental Pool and Use Exchange Programmes (using the Rental Pool Programme and the Use Exchange Programme is optional for each member and any related charges are for the member's own account), annual membership fees, food, standard activities, TV licenses and satellite, hospitality services, staff salaries, supplies, maintenance, gardening, cleaning, housekeeping, laundry, standard activities, legal, accounting, auditing, fuel, utilities, property taxes, insurance, a reserve fund for the replacement and refurbishing of the facilities, and other costs associated with operating the property and DL.
- What happens when a member does not pay their Preferential Room Charge / Levy?
The properties and DL will continue to function and operate without any impact from any defaults, with high standards still being maintained. The management team and the board will institute the agreed actions to recover the fees from the member.
- Will I receive a return on my investment?
If you choose to sell your share in the property you should receive a return on the capital appreciation of the property. Also, if you make use of the Rental Pool Programme you will receive an annual payment before February the following year. This amount cannot be determined or guaranteed, but should at least cover the Preferential Room Charge / Levy.
As the DL properties have a limited number of shareholders, Members are, in some instances, also likely to achieve a capital growth of the value of their shares, brought about by the likely increase in value of the underlying property assets owned by DL. The capital growth on the investment is measured on the price obtained on resale.
However, the main source of return to the investor is the net gain achieved by comparing the actual cost of the 14 bed-nights (7 days x 2 people) to which the member is entitled, to the average rate payable for the equivalent bed-nights in the marketplace. Our research indicates that at Cradle of Pilanesberg Lodge this gain is at least R 22,000 per annum.
- Do I earn interest on the money until the share is purchased?
As the purchase investment is housed in a trust account, interest accrues at the designated rate. The interest component will be utilized to offset the share cost. The offset will be dependant on the amount of interest earned and will be applied on a pro-rata basis to the share value. As the purchase of shares constitutes a transaction in its own right, any interest accrued, accrues to Dream Lifestyles.
- Can I sell my shares?
Yes, any owner wishing to sell can trade his shares freely on the open market. However, according to law, the seller must sell their shares through an agent registered with the Financial Services Board. DL will happily provide this service for you and has the expertise, knowledge and experience to do so. DL will sell your share at the going market price as at the date of your sale. The ex-Member may nominate a buyer for his/her share; however, the introduced party will be subject to the standard Members Application process.
- Can I issue a bank guarantee instead of cash for the balance of payment until transfer takes place?
Yes – see 2 above.
- Is transfer duty payable?
This will depend on the structure of the investment. Normally when you buy the share in your individual capacity, no transfer duty is applicable. When you buy the share as a CC, Pty Ltd or trust, a 10% transfer duty will be applicable on the value of the property. As with all property transactions, transfer duties are only payable on fixed assets and not tangible / movable assets such as furnishings and so forth.
- Is there a Tax or VAT component?
Yes, Capital Gains Tax is applicable and works as follows for:
Natural Person: the 1st R 12,500 of the Capital Gain is exempt, 25% of the remainder of the Capital Gain is added to the personal income tax payable at the applicable income tax rate.
Legal entity: 50% of the Capital Gain is taxable at 29%.
There is no VAT payable on a share acquisition in Dream Lifestyles and therefore this does not allow for a VAT deduction.
- What is the process for international purchases and sales?
Refer to the DL website: www.dreamlifestyles.co.za, or contact Dream Lifestyles directly.
- Will I be billed for consumables, phone bills, laundry, other activities and the like?
Yes, all consumables that you use will be billed for and you will be provided with an invoice at the end of your stay.
D. LEGAL
- How is Dream Lifestyles membership evidenced?
A share certificate for the property you purchase into is transferred and registered granting a use right to the shareholder. Any shareholder of a DL marketed property will automatically become a member.
- Who are the attorneys and auditors and do I have to use them?
Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs are the attorneys and Grant Thornton are the auditors. You do not need to use the attorneys, as the transfer of a share does not have any conveyancing requirements.
- Is the share transferable?
Yes. The share can be bequeathed to any member of your family, or to another nominated shareholder in the case of Company, or a nominated trustee in the case of a Trust.
- Is the property insured?
Yes, Preferential Room Charges / Levies usually cover all normal insurance items. Breakages as a result of negligence by a guest / tourist will be replaced by the Management Company. Breakages as a result of negligence by a Member is replaced by the Management Company and reclaimed from the Member responsible for such damage. The Management Company thus acts as a 3rd party so as to prohibit confrontations between fellow Members.
- Who are the directors?
There will be 2 directors per property. Dream Lifestyles acts as a director (representing its Members) and the Management Company acts as a director at the AGM who are then responsible for some of the logistics relating to the operational issues of the property.
- Do Sales Agents need to have a fidelity fund certificate and be a member of the Estate Agent Affairs Board? Do they need also need to be Financial Service Providers (i.e. are they selling property or shares in a company)?
As the Sales Agents are selling shares in a company which owns a property, they will need a fidelity fund certificate, an estate agents certificate and a Financial Services Provider certificate.
- What happens if any of the development does not go ahead?
In some instances DL will invest in destinations that are existing businesses. However, it is the intention of the Promoters to invest in development opportunities both now and in the future. If, for any reason a development does not go ahead as planned, Dream Lifestyles will either offer investment in an existing property or in an alternative property.
- Who are the directors of the company I am buying shares in?
The directors of the company that own the property or the lifestyle asset that you buy shares in will differ depending on the property or asset.
The directors of Cradle of Pilanesberg (Pty) Ltd are:
- Peter Wright
- Matthew Egan
- Michael Wright
- Gareth Simaan
- Briss Mathabathe
- Andrew Simaan
- Spiro Noussis
- How are the directors limited in what they can do with the company?
They are limited in what they do by the mandate given to them through the Shareholders Agreement and the Companies Act No. 61 of 1973.
- What happens if you don’t sell all the shares in a Dream Lifestyles property?
If all the shares in a property are not sold there is nothing to worry about. The property developer has financed the full construction of the property and any unsold shares will have no implication whatsoever on the ability for you to use and enjoy the property.
- Who is responsible for selling my share when I want to do so?
According to South African law anyone registered with the Financial Services Board to sell shares in property can sell your share for you. DL will happily sell your share for you and has the expertise, knowledge and experience to do so.
- What commission is payable when I choose to sell?
The commission payable to Dream Lifestyles on a resale of a share will be 15% of the sale price.
- Can a Company buy a share?
Yes, a company can buy a share. The company must however appoint a one shareholder nominee who will be designated as the DL Member. This person will be responsible for all reservations and the notification of DL should a friend or colleague make use of the property or asset.
- Can a Trust buy a share?
Yes – a Trust can buy a share. The same as question 13 above applies.
E. GENERAL – ABOUT SOUTHERN AFRICA
- Is there malaria in Southern Africa?
In South Africa malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. Malaria is still present in much of Mozambique, and the more humid parts of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia.
The South African government has embarked on an extensive anti-malaria programme (in co-operation with Swaziland and Mozambique) and the incidence of malaria is decreasing. One reassuring thing about malaria is that there is absolutely no way at all that you can contract it unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito. And with modern insect repellents and some common sense one can reduce the chances of being bitten to close to zero.
The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that they take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.
- What is the weather and climate like in Southern Africa?
Southern Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere so our summer runs from November to February, when most of the country is characterised by hot weather with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are generally mild and dry. Southern Africa enjoys one of the world's highest average daily hours of sunshine - 8.5 compared with 3.8 in London, 6.4 in Rome and 6.9 in New York.
South Africa has an average annual rainfall of 464 mm, compared to a world average of 857 mm. In the Western Cape, the average rainfall is highest in the winter months, while in other provinces, the average rainfall is highest during summer.
Average temperatures in ºC:
City Summer Winter Cape Town 20 12.6 Durban 23.6 17 Johannesburg 19.4 11.1 Pretoria 22.4 12.9 - What is health care like in Southern Africa?
South Africa offers excellent health care facilities. In 1999, 29,180 medical practitioners, 4,435 dentists, 10,205 pharmacists and 173,961 nurses were registered in South Africa. Good medical care is very expensive and a patient generally has to prove that he will be able to pay for treatment before it is administered. A simple operation, such as an appendectomy, may cost approximately R 15,000. It is recommended that immigrants take out medical/life insurance upon arrival in the country. Several excellent schemes are available. Contributions are calculated according to the ages, number and medical histories of applicants. Travelers are recommended to take out medical insurance before their trip. Malaria and bilharzia are diseases endemic to certain parts of South Africa. Before visiting the country, foreigners are advised to take precautions in this regard. According to the United Nations AIDS Report, released in June 1998, South Africa is the country with the fastest growing number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Approximately 8.6% of the total population is estimated to be HIV positive, with more than 1 500 new infections occurring daily. An aggressive media campaign educates society about the disease and all blood products are screened by health services to prevent accidental infection of patients. A toll-free HIV/AIDS helpline exists at +27 (0)80 001 2322.
- How safe is my investment in Southern Africa?
Southern Africa, and particularly South Africa and Botswana, enjoy some of the best balance of payments in Africa and have large cash reserves. South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique are stable democracies and are run strictly in accordance with all internationally recognised legal statutes and processes. Once you have fully complied with the law, you enjoy all rights within the law. This project not only complies fully with all the laws of the Southern African countries it is invested in. DL has been designed to ensure sustainability and continued ownership by Members, existing landowners and the benefit to the local communities. Dream Lifestyles will also bring in vital tourism and foreign exchange into these Southern African nations and is therefore seen in a very positive light by all countries involved.