ERINDI – The massive 70 000-hectare Erindi private game reserve, which is being hailed by its owners as the missing jewel in the crown of Namibia’s game reserves and which is now up for sale at a price of N$1.43 billion, is the focus of a special feature in tomorrow’s edition of New Era.
The current selling price of N$1.43 billion represents a 10 percent increase on the initial offer of N$1.3 billion, which was announced by owners Gert and Paul Joubert two years ago.
In an extensive interview with New Era the co-owners explained how through consistent investment in infrastructure they converted the once dilapidated farm, which they bought for N$2.3 million in 1985, into an exceptional cattle farm, then eventually into a trophy hunting game farm before they finally transformed it into the largest privately-owned game reserve in Southern Africa.
And while the lands ministry recently told New Era that the government is still interested in purchasing Erindi, it said the State is still awaiting a new offer from Erindi’s owners.
“We are preparing the sale offer presentation to government and I think one of the most crucial questions that needs to be asked is: what will government be willing to pay for the Etosha National Park or the Waterberg Plateau Park?” asked co-owner, Gert Joubert.
The older of the two Jouberts added that his wish is for government to buy Erindi but hastened to add that he would like to see a private operator appointed to manage the reserve.
He added that the latest sale offer to government will be accompanied by a private valuation of the prime property and its approximately 20 000 animals. “Erindi should be considered a strategic asset allocation and should not fall under the Land Reform Act,” added Joubert.