Young families and retirees alike find value and lifestyle appeal in Underberg homes.

Minor Hotels – a global leader in hotel ownership, operation and investment – actively continues to demonstrate its commitment to the burgeoning hospitality industry in Africa with offerings that align perfectly with current industry trends, including experiential travel, sustainable tourism, and the growing interest in African destinations.

With its regional operational offices based in Johannesburg, Minor Hotels is making waves signalling a strong commitment to the African continent. Its renowned brands in the region, Anantara and Avani, are familiar to an already appreciative and discerning audience of travellers not just from South Africa but from around the world. The group’s active pursuit of growth underscores Minor Hotels’ dedication to redefining hospitality in Africa, positioning it as a key player in the continent’s tourism sector.

Find your wild side

Minor Hotels’ impressive Southern African portfolio is as diverse as it is far-reaching and boasts 29 spectacular properties located in Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia (Victoria Falls), Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. Among these gems are award-winning The Royal Livingstone by Anantara and Avani Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia; the breathtaking Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort and Avani Pemba Beach Hotel in Mozambique caters to the corporate traveller; Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino in Botswana; Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino in Namibia; and the charming Avani Maseru Hotel and Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino in Lesotho. Additionally, the Elewana Collection, a curated selection of luxury lodges, camps, and boutique hotels in East Africa, adds a touch of exclusivity to the Minor Hotels experience.

Africa is experiencing a hospitality revolution

Lindi Mthethwa, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing in Africa, highlighted the economic value of Minor Hotels’ presence in Africa. She stated, “Our commitment to the continent goes beyond providing exceptional accommodations in all of the 1234 rooms we have across our properties in the Southern African region. We are proud to contribute to local economies by generating employment opportunities and supporting the tourism sector. Across Africa, our hotels and resorts have created thousands of jobs, and our commitment to sustainable tourism ensures we benefit local communities.”

One of the hallmarks of Minor Hotels’ presence in Africa is its dedication to collaborating with local businesses, artisans, and suppliers. This commitment not only supports the local economy but also promotes sustainable tourism practices. By engaging with local partners, the hotel group is fostering a stronger sense of community and connection within the regions where they operate.

Where it all began…

Minor Hotels’ history dates back to 1967 when William Ellwood Heinecke, known as Bill, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 17. His vision and determination eventually led to the establishment of Minor Hotels, which has since grown into a global hospitality and lifestyle behemoth. Today, the company’s name pays homage to its humble beginnings and has become synonymous with excellence in the hospitality industry worldwide.

While Minor Hotels, may have a relatively low-key name compared to the alluring and exotic “Anantara” – which loosely translates to “water without end” in Sanskrit – this simplicity is a testament to its remarkable success story, showcasing how the group’s unassuming name belies its extraordinary achievements. At the heart of these achievements, you will find uplifting programmes and initiatives which are aimed at preserving and uplifting the communities and environments surrounding the hotels and resorts. These projects play a role in the recovery of tourism and sustainability is a big part of that.

Most recently the Minor Hotels in the region spearheaded the Victoria Falls Clean-up project and two scholarship programmes. In 2022 The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara partnered with Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA) and SOS Children’s Village Livingstone to run a six-month Youth Employment Programme on property. Fifteen vulnerable youths were selected for the first intake to be trained and given formal employment at the hotel. Anantara BazarutoCt and the Aujan Group Holding collaborated to form the Aujan - Anantara Scholarship Programme. This scholarship aims to provide youth from the local Zenguelemo, Pangaia and Sitone communities with access to college education upon completion of their secondary education. 10 students from the local Zenguelemo Secondary School were awarded scholarship opportunities and placed at Instituto Industrial e Comercial "Eduardo Mondlane" de Inhambane, in Inhambane City where they have been enrolled in a comprehensive hospitality course for a three-year period, with lessons covering theoretical hospitality foundation and English language classes. This focus on sustainability and empowerment which forms part of Minor’s DNA as a group, not only impacts tourism but the community as the hotels are key economic drivers in their region.

Minor Hotels continues to push the boundaries of the hospitality industry, and its commitment to Africa is a testament to its dedication to providing memorable experiences, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable tourism in the region. Plans are underway for adding a brand-new product to the Minor Hotels portfolio - an ultra-luxury safari tented camp, which will be the first of its kind under the Anantara brand. Watch this space…

Eris Property Group  has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Barend de Loor will assume his new role at the property development, investment and services group as of 1 September 2019, succeeding long-standing CEO of 15 years, Warren Schultze.

One of South Africa’s most recognised and highly-regarded property developers and investors, Jeff Zidel, is set to retire in June after a distinguished 47-year career in the industry. 

Many South African investors were recently introduced to Nomura Holdings Inc.’s new iPhone index which will most likely herald a brand new catchy acronym such as Ii or I2 (but we’ll leave that to the creatives to decide).

Lesotho constructed Polihali Dam, with its capacity of 2,2-billion cubic meters, made the LHWP one of the largest transboundary water-transfer schemes in the world.

Cement sales in January in southern Africa were down 4.7% year-on-year to 935,913 tons from 982,424 tons at the same time a year ago, data from the Cement and Concrete Institute showed on Tuesday.

The institute noted that January 2009 had one less sales day than January 2008.

"If the decrease in sales days is taken into account, total regional sales were only 0.2% lower than January 2008," it said.

Regional sales are down 4.7% at 935,913 million tons on a year-to-date basis in 2009.

The moving annual total in southern Africa was down 4.0% year-on-year in January to 14.7 million tons.

Exports to other countries excluding Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia rose by 376.5% to 31,986 tons – up 376.5% on a year-to-date basis.

Cement sales in southern Africa were up 0.8% year-on-year (y/y) in December to 921,570 million tons, data from the Cement and Concrete Institute showed on Tuesday.

The institute noted that December 2008 had two more sales days than the same month last year, and if the increase is taken into account, total regional sales were 9.3% lower than in December 2007.

Regional sales are down 3.9% at 14.719 million tons on a year-to-date basis.

The moving annual total in southern Africa was down 3.9% y/y in December to 14.7 million tons.

Exports to other countries excluding Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia rose by 158.1% to 18,385 tons, bringing total exports sales since the beginning of the year to 153,065 tons - down 28.2% on a year-to-date basis                                                        

The moving annual total of cement sales in South Africa increased 5.8% year-on-year (y/y) in January 2008 from the 7.4% y/y increase reported in December, according to Cement and Concrete Institute (CNCI) data released on Monday.

At the end of January 2008, cement sales were reported up to 15.290 million tons from the 14.448 million tons reported a year earlier.

Total sales in January, however, amounted to 982,424 tons from 1.008 million tons in January 2007, a decrease of 2.5%.

Exports of cement in January decreased 79.7% to 6,713 tons from 33,430 tons a year earlier.

Sales to Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia amounted to 1.191 million tons of the total sales in January, up from 1.030 million tons a year earlier.

Cement sales in South Africa grew 6.6% in 2007 to a record 14.1 million tons. This followed an 11.0% rise in 2006, an 11.6% gain in 2005, a 17.4% surge in 2004 and a 7.0% climb in 2003.

The 2010 soccer World Cup stadia, some new dams and the Gautrain project have been adding to cement demand.

The Clay Brick Association has announced the appointment of Pierre Sanson as its new Executive Director.