BLACK-owned company Pamodzi Investments, which in 2002 led a consortium to win a R52m concession to develop and build Tinga, a luxurious fivestar lodge, has completed the development and opened it to the public.

This is the first of many concessions that would be provided to empowerment companies in partnership with property and infrastructure developers in SA.

The Tinga lodge, consisting of 5300ha of concession area east of the Kruger Park's Kruger gate, was the first asset in the Pamodzi Leisure portfolio.

Pamodzi executive director Solly Sithole said yesterday the acquisition was proof of the company's abilities, and would serve as a platform for Pamodzi to make further acquisitions in the sector.

"This lodge serves to illustrate Pamodzi's ability to gain control of prime leisure locations, conceptualise a luxury product offering and execute on the business model," he said.

Pamodzi CEO Ndaba Ntsele said his group was proud to have some of the Kruger Park owned by previously disadvantaged people.

The funding for the development was raised in part from the Industrial Development Corporation and the remainder from private investors.

May 18 2004 07:06:00:000AM Patrick Wadula Business Day 1st Edition