quote:

Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
Ok, I'll ask the question because I look at the real estate sites in Africa and am wondering the same thing.

What would renting something be like?

Renting rather than buying would obviously keep your money safer but there are still the farm attacks to worry about and you can find out more about that by Googling South Africa farm attacks or South Africa genocide.

IMO, whilst living in RSA has a lot of advantages you need to be very aware of the security issues and the safest way to live is probably within a good quality secure housing estate (but it ain't cheap) and to try to keep as much of your money overseas and your in country assets easily moveable.

the cycle in africa revolves around the haves and the have nots - in other words each time there is prosperity , there will be millions who can be influenced to take it from the haves and share it with the have nots. In South Africa the haves are increasing closer to a point where the have nots cannot simply take it without a fight ( political and economic).

In Botswana they have allready worked this cycle out and have a land system in place where most land is leasehold title and not free hold title ( a bit of a misnomer as the banks generaly maintain ownership of the land and hold your title as security). The leashold title is registered and notorial and has the same market value as freehold title , any change of title or expropriation will require Ministerial and Cabinet approval which has never happened so your investment is secure ( as can be in any country ). So at no time can the have nots say the settlers have taken their land - because they have not, the ownership is still vested with Government or Tribal Land Boards, and you have a long lease with all rights enshrined in the constituition and an automatic renewal ( if you have developed as you said you would - water buildings etc) , and your property has equal if not better market value , as title land is very scarce in Botswana. This has seen unprecedented growth in Botswana and other safe countries in Africa - growth is well beyond developed countries. Land ownership is only as safe as the economy of that country be it in the USA ( as the morgage crises showed ) or on tribal land in Africa. It boils down to investment versus returns - which Botswana , Namibia are leading the african pack , and fringe benifits where Africa wins hands down. You can live in a gated community anywhere in the world if that is your desire , I have no desire to be able to pee on my neighbours lounge wall from my bathroom window , my desire is not only to never see my neighbour but to have to get in a car and drive to see him should I feel the need for his company. My home has hippo in the river and fish eagles in the trees , we are 30 minutes to the centre of our town and 20 minutes to our kids private school . At night we lock ourselves up in a fortress of burglar bars and security doors and dont sleep so sound , but the kids do , we have a pump action shot gun next to the bed and 5 dogs. I could get knocked over by a car in new York or bit by a snake in Botswana , its the journey thats important.

Great post Safaris Botswana bound! I have being to many countries outside of Africa but this is home.

This should help,

Land issues, no foreigners to own land in SA

fficial&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">https://www.google.co.za/searc...ial&client=firefox-a

Several articles to choose from.

If articles such as THIS are true, it's going to open all kinds of cans of worms.

What about those who already already own their own homes, what about overseas mining companies that already own & mine land & what about large industrial set ups that already own the land on which their factories are built....... to say nothing of the original preposition?

If you read the article carefully, it doesn't say they'll stop land ownership by foreigners in the future, it says they'll stop land ownership by foreigners.

I'm not knocking those who live in RSA so those that do, please don't bother getting into turbo tongue mode and bollocking me or giving me grief about it's your home as much as theirs and you'll fight for it. I agree with that point of view and don't blame you for feeling that way...... However, nor do I blame people, especially those with young kids or the 'more mature' for getting the hell out either.

My point is, this is another bloody good reason why someone from overseas shouldn't invest their money in RSA.

This thread is a little old but it would be interesting to hear on updates. Just visited Hoedspruit area Greater Kruger farms with an idea of buying (Thornybush) but all the land claims, crime, increasing illegal building, politics, rise of EFF, possible restriction of ownership are all concerning. Seems a lot of properties on sale .. Beating th land claims?

Is Botswana a good place to invest?

If you want some sort of security in your investment then look at Namibia.

I have only read pages one and four of this thread, but here goes:
Some parts of SA are worth investing in. In my part of the Eastern Cape I have half a dozen foreign landowners as neighbours and a town and district that is doing well.
My family has been on the same land for seven generations and has faced threat from warring tribes, civil war, two world wars, the "opposition" government and the "opposition" government again.
Add droughts, predators, interest rates, commodity prices, etc. into it and somehow the future is not so bleak after all.
I admit that this is not true for all of South Africa, but there are definitely selected pockets that are no worse an investment than anywhere else.
Add the exchange rate into the mix and you may find yourself the owner of a beautiful piece of Africa.

quote:

Originally posted by Venture South:

If you want some sort of security in your investment then look at Namibia.

X 100%


54 million vs 2.3 million - do the math...

Last I heard foreign nationals weren't allowed to own agricultural land in Namibia without ministerial consent. Namibia too has had land reform and it seems relatively stable. As the largest economy in Africa (recently moved past Nigeria), it's not a given that South Africa will turn out like Zimbabwe. Politicians desperate for attention will use emotive issues to garner support. That's the same the world over. South Africa is an amazing country but you need to grow a set if you want to live or own land here. It can't be all things to everyone...

If any of you feel pessimistic about land prices and owning land in South Africa, that's understandable but the market definitely doesn't share your sentiment. Land prices remain high and return on capital investment on land has been phenomenal at whichever point you look at over the last 20 years.

It is accomplished through a waver process. Most farmland (especially up north where most concession land exists) must first be offered to the government if it has a waver in place. Should the government decline, then the farm can be sold. If the government wants it, they must pay fair market value for the property. It is a very straightforward process.

With the drought, lots of land is up for sale in Namibia along with lots of equipment and vehicles. It is a buyer's paradise at the moment, but sad for the families who are losing the properties they have held for generations.

If you're considering land investment, Namibia hands down. They have a future, still not so sure about SA.

Victor and Karoo, Thank you for your thoughtful posts. Brian

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
It is accomplished through a waver process. Most farmland (especially up north where most concession land exists) must first be offered to the government if it has a waver in place. Should the government decline, then the farm can be sold. If the government wants it, they must pay fair market value for the property. It is a very straightforward process.

With the drought, lots of land is up for sale in Namibia along with lots of equipment and vehicles. It is a buyer's paradise at the moment, but sad for the families who are losing the properties they have held for generations.

If you're considering land investment, Namibia hands down. They have a future, still not so sure about SA.

No process involving any African government is straightforward. What's fair market price?

Calculated by an independent assessor and you can challenge the assessment.

I still own a beach house near Cape Vidal and would NEVER do it again in SA. Namibia is a dream in comparison.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
Calculated by an independent assessor and you can challenge the assessment.

I still own a beach house near Cape Vidal and would NEVER do it again in SA. Namibia is a dream in comparison.

Did the SA government expropriate your beach house? Did you have to get written permission to sell it on the free market?

Years ago I transferred the property to a corporate entity. The direction of SA was apparent years ago from an investment point of view.

I wouldn't personally own a bubblegum machine in SA today.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
Years ago I transferred the property to a corporate entity. The direction of SA was apparent years ago from an investment point of view.

Clearly we're not on the same page. I'm not as pessimistic about SA as you and see great returns in the market and lots of opportunity. The direction you refer to hasn't happened. No expropriations etc. Has SA ever seemed like a good place to invest in? Two Boer War in early 1900's, followed by 2 world wars, apartheid for 30 odd years, end of Apartheid (imminent civil war?). Doesn't sound like we've ever had a future. Yet here we are. It depends on your perspective. Let's leave it at that.

I wrote the original post in 2013. I was living in Australia and still in the Military.

As I left Australia I met tons of South Africans that were immigrating there, including a few from Accurate Reloading.

I have lived on 5 continents, if I had the funds to invest in a foreign country it would be Australia. I think you are less likely to get screwed over there. Canada is a no brainer but it is damn close to America to begin with.

As much as I'd love to make my boyhood dreams by a move to the African bush, that idea and that dream is dead. I don't see any way to have your cake and eat it to in 2016.

quote:

Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
I wrote the original post in 2013. I was living in Australia and still in the Military.

As I left Australia I met tons of South Africans that were immigrating there, including a few from Accurate Reloading.

I have lived on 5 continents, if I had the funds to invest in a foreign country it would be Australia. I think you are less likely to get screwed over there. Canada is a no brainer but it is damn close to America to begin with.

As much as I'd love to make my boyhood dreams by a move to the African bush, that idea and that dream is dead. I don't see any way to have your cake and eat it to in 2016.

I am sorry but if you are a US citizen anything you can get in Australia you can get better in the US. Australia is like a second rate version of the US. Sorry but nothing about Australia excites me.

Want to live in Africa - its Botswana, Namibia or the Cape in South Africa. Rest of Africa is for Africans.

New Zealand - now that is a good country.

If you are American living anywhere else in the world will be a step down unless you are really into the urban lifestyle (London, HK, Singapore, few European cities). You have a lot of choices in the US.

Mike

quote:

Clearly we're not on the same page. I'm not as pessimistic about SA as you and see great returns in the market and lots of opportunity. The direction you refer to hasn't happened. No expropriations etc. Has SA ever seemed like a good place to invest in? Two Boer War in early 1900's, followed by 2 world wars, apartheid for 30 odd years, end of Apartheid (imminent civil war?). Doesn't sound like we've ever had a future. Yet here we are. It depends on your perspective. Let's leave it at that.

It hasn't happened yet...... but when, not if, but when Malema takes power, it'll happen..... and when it does, God help SA & especially the whites in SA.

I love SA with all my heart but it's not a good investment for a whitey nowadays.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:

quote:

Clearly we're not on the same page. I'm not as pessimistic about SA as you and see great returns in the market and lots of opportunity. The direction you refer to hasn't happened. No expropriations etc. Has SA ever seemed like a good place to invest in? Two Boer War in early 1900's, followed by 2 world wars, apartheid for 30 odd years, end of Apartheid (imminent civil war?). Doesn't sound like we've ever had a future. Yet here we are. It depends on your perspective. Let's leave it at that.

It hasn't happened yet...... but when, not if, but when Malema takes power, it'll happen..... and when it does, God help SA & especially the whites in SA.

I love SA with all my heart but it's not a good investment for a whitey nowadays.

I live in the present. And presently

1. South Africa has a strong denocrazy and constitution.
2.There are no expropriation and it isn't government policy to expropriate land.
3. At the local government elections, the party the educated traditionally support, the DA won 27 present of the vote, retained control of Cape Town, most of the Western Cape and gained control of Port Elizabeth. It had the highest majority in Johannesburg and through coalitions is set to gain control there and in Pretoria. The DA is the fastest growing party in SA. The fact that only 8 present of SA are European illustrates that it's a non racial party.

Malema's party got 8 present of the vote! That vote was taken from The ANC and represents the population you're so concerned about. I understand if it scares you but he doesn't scare me or most South Africans. There are far right wing parties in Europe that would scare the daylights out of most minority populations who get more than 8 present of the votes in their countries.

There are south Africans who left in 1994 w/o feared the worst. 22 years ago...

What I fear is negative talk where facts get drowned by rumours. If you tell someone he's something he'll eventually become that thing. That's why I think it's important to stick to the facts.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:

quote:

Clearly we're not on the same page. I'm not as pessimistic about SA as you and see great returns in the market and lots of opportunity. The direction you refer to hasn't happened. No expropriations etc. Has SA ever seemed like a good place to invest in? Two Boer War in early 1900's, followed by 2 world wars, apartheid for 30 odd years, end of Apartheid (imminent civil war?). Doesn't sound like we've ever had a future. Yet here we are. It depends on your perspective. Let's leave it at that.

It hasn't happened yet...... but when, not if, but when Malema takes power, it'll happen..... and when it does, God help SA & especially the whites in SA.

I love SA with all my heart but it's not a good investment for a whitey nowadays.

Another fact for you

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fin...turns-since-WWI.html

Victor:

I'm certainly not scared of the EFF but I am concerned what will happen if they take power........ and as much as I hate to say it, I personally believe they will eventually take power.

As I said in a much earlier post: "I'm not knocking those who live in RSA so those that do, please don't bother getting into turbo tongue mode and bollocking me or giving me grief about it's your home as much as theirs and you'll fight for it. I agree with that point of view and don't blame you for feeling that way.."

But that said, I can't see that buying land is a good investment for someone living overseas........ If they really feel the need to have a foot in Africa, there's plenty of places available for long term rents to say nothing of other countries that would be a safer investment if they did want to buy.

But if they are hell bent on buying land in SA, I've got a lovely spot overlooking the Blood River Monument in KZN I'd be happy to sell 'em.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
Victor:

I'm certainly not scared of the EFF but I am concerned what will happen if they take power........ and as much as I hate to say it, I personally believe they will eventually take power.

As I said in a much earlier post: "I'm not knocking those who live in RSA so those that do, please don't bother getting into turbo tongue mode and bollocking me or giving me grief about it's your home as much as theirs and you'll fight for it. I agree with that point of view and don't blame you for feeling that way.."

But that said, I can't see that buying land is a good investment for someone living overseas........ If they really feel the need to have a foot in Africa, there's plenty of places available for long term rents to say nothing of other countries that would be a safer investment if they did want to buy.

But if they are hell bent on buying land in SA, I've got a lovely spot overlooking the Blood River Monument in KZN I'd be happy to sell 'em.

On the contrary, you seem to like saying it...

That comes to my point. Having lived abroad for several years I've found that the most negative people about SA are older generation South African expats. This is a broad generalization because I have family and friends living in the US and the UK who are relatively positive but the longer these expats live abroad the more negative they seem to become. Is this because they feel an internal need to justify a decision they made to leave SA? I mean no disrespect but I do live in SA, am South African, have invested much more than a beach house and love my country enough to believe and fight for it's future so I'm calling a spade a spade here.

quote:

That comes to my point. Having lived abroad for several years I've found that the most negative people about SA are older generation South African expats. This is a broad generalization because I have family and friends living in the US and the UK who are relatively positive but the longer these expats live abroad the more negative they seem to become. Is this because they feel an internal need to justify a decision they made to leave SA? I mean no disrespect but I do live in SA, am South African, have invested much more than a beach house and love my country enough to believe and fight for it's future

Well said.

Victor - I know a few South Africans like yourself that are proud of their country and have eternal hope for the future. But this thread was about foreign investors dropping money on a farm and if that was such a great idea.


I would believe anyone with actual knowledge of SA would caution someone before considering such a risk especially with SA being so volatile at the moment. The country is on a knife's edge and the social and political future for the country is uncertain at best. I don't see how that makes a strong investment environment.


I agree with Shakari - If you want something in SA, rent it - and short term at that.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
Victor - I know a few South Africans like yourself that are proud of their country and have eternal hope for the future. But this thread was about foreign investors dropping money on a farm and if that was such a great idea.


I would believe anyone with actual knowledge of SA would caution someone before considering such a risk especially with SA being so volatile at the moment. The country is on a knife's edge and the social and political future for the country is uncertain at best. I don't see how that makes a strong investment environment.


I agree with Shakari - If you want something in SA, rent it - and short term at that.

I respect your opinion but I DON'T agree with you. My optimism is not based on eternal hope but on rational thought. I understand it's about investing in SA and I WOULD advise anyone to invest in land in SA. I think it is a GOOD idea. Hence my contribution to the topic.

If you had dropped money on a farm in SA at any point in the last 100 years you would have been handsomely rewarded. That's a fact, the market values and return on investment don't lie and thankfully aren't based on your perception and opinion on what will happen in SA's future.

For some the glass is always half empty and South Africa will always be volatile and on a knife edge.

Just as you are entitled to your opinion, so am I.

quote:

Originally posted by Victor Watson:

I respect your opinion but I DON'T agree with you. My optimism is not based on eternal hope but on rational thought. I understand it's about investing in SA and I WOULD advise anyone to invest in land in SA. I think it is a GOOD idea. Hence my contribution to the topic.

If you had dropped money on a farm in SA at any point in the last 100 years you would have been handsomely rewarded. That's a fact, the market values and return on investment don't lie and thankfully aren't based on your perception and opinion on what will happen in SA's future.

For some the glass is always half empty and South Africa will always be volatile and on a knife edge.

Just as you are entitled to your opinion, so am I.

With all due respect, what rational thought do you apply when you form the opinion that buying land in RSA is a good investment for a foreign/non resident investor?

Is it the increasing Govt corruption?

Or the slow but steady increase in EFF support?

Or the (long term) falling Rand?

Or the ever declining infrastructure?

Or the kak reserve bank rules applied when one tries to get one's money out of the country should they need to?

Or if not...... what?

Forget the last hundred years & consider the last ten to twenty years.

I love RSA, adored living there & would still be there if they hadn't kicked us & many others out with their immigration act amendment but the fact that we amongst many others were forced to leave is indicative of the country's attitude to whites & white investment which in turn proves it'd be bloody foolish for a non resident to buy property (especially something like a game farm) in the country.

However: You are indeed entitled to your own opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:

quote:

Originally posted by Victor Watson:

I respect your opinion but I DON'T agree with you. My optimism is not based on eternal hope but on rational thought. I understand it's about investing in SA and I WOULD advise anyone to invest in land in SA. I think it is a GOOD idea. Hence my contribution to the topic.

If you had dropped money on a farm in SA at any point in the last 100 years you would have been handsomely rewarded. That's a fact, the market values and return on investment don't lie and thankfully aren't based on your perception and opinion on what will happen in SA's future.

For some the glass is always half empty and South Africa will always be volatile and on a knife edge.

Just as you are entitled to your opinion, so am I.

With all due respect, what rational thought do you apply when you form the opinion that buying land in RSA is a good investment for a foreign/non resident investor?

Is it the increasing Govt corruption?

Or the slow but steady increase in EFF support?

Or the (long term) falling Rand?

Or the ever declining infrastructure?

Or the kak reserve bank rules applied when one tries to get one's money out of the country should they need to?

Or if not...... what?

Forget the last hundred years & consider the last ten to twenty years.

I love RSA, adored living there & would still be there if they hadn't kicked us & many others out with their immigration act amendment but the fact that we amongst many others were forced to leave is indicative of the country's attitude to whites & white investment which in turn proves it'd be bloody foolish for a non resident to buy property (especially something like a game farm) in the country.

However: You are indeed entitled to your own opinion.

While I'm sorry to hear about your immigration struggles, you'd have to agree that there are thousands of foreigners living and owning property in SA. Many of them own game farms. At least a dozen in our immediate area. Please know that it's as difficult for a SA citizen to live and work abroad. It's not as simple as owning land or investing in that country. Why should SA be more accommodating.

I think I've made my point and you have made yours. Let's use this post as a point of reference as a rational way of comparing SA's progression. As of today the Rand / US exchange is 13.42. JSE all share is 52000. Average price of a non arable Karoo farm is R4000 per hectare. SA is a democratic country with a free market economy. No land expropriations. EFF got 8 percent of vote in local elections. DA got 27 percent.

So pick a point in the future and let's make a comparison then. It's all going to hell any minute now so don't feel that you have to pick a date 20 years from now.

If life is that safe and secure in RSA I wonder why Tanzania is now full of emigrated Kaburus?

http://www.gamefarmestates.co...._Menu/main_menu.html

there are some nice ones here and a few fractional ownership deals

this is the pricy glam stuff

over developed over priced but nice now so

After careful consideration, asking a lot of advice and talking to other SA and Namibian farmers, I ve decided to wait and see. Thanks for he additional comments

Seeing you have spare cash to play with why don't you look at the option of buying into a clean and profitable running business where your investment is likely to have more security?

You would obviously have to be very selective as to whom your future business partner will be and sort the Bream from the Piranhas.

Just wanted to add what is my current (general) understanding of the "foreign" owned land laws in Namibia.

1. Permissible for 100% foreign ownership of a residence/home (small holding) laying within the bounds of a platted municipality/town or formally platted subdivision outside of a municipality.

2. Permissible for 100% foreign ownership of a business.

3. Permissible for 100% foreign ownership of rural/agricultural/farm land classified as a "small holding" - less than 50 hectares.

4. There are a very few large farm/agricultural tracts that can be 100% foreign owned provided they were placed into a "Closed Corporation" prior to Independence in 1990/91. Foreign ownership of 100% of the CC shares.

5. Foreign ownership of farm/agricultural land not placed into CC prior to Independence is limited to 49% and must have 51% ownership by a Namibian Citizen. I think there are currently only a couple of farms excepted from to this restriction.

6. As Opus summarized - All farm/agricultural land sales must first apply for and obtain a "waiver certificate" from the Govt. This gives the Govt first option to purchase the property via negotiated/appraised value. If obtained, the "Waiver" has a limited duration before it automatically expires and must be reapplied for. The annual budget for Govt purchase is a set line (this year was less than $300M ND) item in the annual budget and once that budget is met, waiver certs are nearly automatically granted. Still limits the foreign sales/transfer of farm/agricultural land per 4 & 5 above.

Notes:
1 - Yes, there are very rare exceptions that seem to happen when seriously big money is involved that can get things done outside of what the laws state. TIA

2 - There is a law being considered currently that if passed will require ALL businesses, farms included, to turn over 25% holding to a Namibian Citizen - general feeling/opinion from Namibians is it won't pass but TIA still is prudent.

3 - There are supposed discussion within the MP and various directorates concerning current foreign owned farms/agricultural holdings that are "not productive" - meaning being used solely as the owners "private hunting preserve". There is a very large Russian holding about 150km from Windhoek that is the center of their current discussions. Discussions seem to range from forced sale to private hands or to the Govt or even outright confiscation.

4 - Foreigners purchasing a home/apt/condo, farm (large or small holding) or business does NOT automatically entitle ANY form of residency or citizenship outside of the "90-day per year" standard tourist visa. This may or may not be applicable to existing RSA citizens. Yes, I know people to stay for 80+days, go out the country for a few days and come back and get a new 90-day visa, but.....

5 - This HUGE influx and influence of the Chinese (recent Namibian newspaper estimates 250K+ in a total national populatin of approx 2M) causing large displacements of "local" Namibian citizens/workers are creating huge problems and probably the cause of the Govt's recent interest in tightening/restricting all current "foreign ownership" policies/laws. Also, likely responsible for the Govt's current "extreme reluctance" (per Namibian Embassy contact in D.C and US Embassy in Windhoek) to even consider granting " one year temporary residency" status. Must be granted "temp residency" before applying for "permanent residency" and must hold "permanent residency" for 10-years before applying for citizenship. Both temp and perm status as well as all forms of long term business (even 5yr missionary) visas can be rescinded at anytime or not renewed without "cause".

If anyone is interested, the largest (70K+ hectors) privately owned game farm in Namibia, Erindi is for sale lock, stock and barrel for $100M US.

Namibian residency is generally granted based upon the amount of foreign capital brought into the country. The more you invest, the greater the "chance". The minimum is around $300,000 USD and then you stand a pretty good shot. But you need good legal counsel to really push this along. Hopefully someone who is well connected.

Permanent status (non citizenship) is also possible based again on investment. I would not want citizenship. Your rights change dramatically - and not for the better...

Opus1:

Concur BUT, I know of one case, his last name is Rust, who was from the US mid-west. Had been in Namibia on temp and perm visas for 15-yrs. His 3 children were born in Windhoek at the Medi-Clinic (No "anchor babies" in Namibia) Had invested $500K US in a business and employed 15 locals. 3 yrs ago his visa was pulled with no explanation and had to leave it all behind.

Could there be more behind this that he didn't tell me? Sure, but I got this straight from him and also have read similar anecdotal stories from others as well.

By the way, Namibia does not have an extradition agreement with the US. Know there is/was a US guy (can't remember his name now) who embezzled $25M+ and got it and himself into Namibia. "Somehow", got citizenship nearly overnight. He is one of the major players/developers now along the road between Swakop and and Walvis Bay (Long Beach).

Concur about not wanting citizenship personally. For one, as retired US military, under US law and DOD regulations, the act of attaining citizenship in another county in incomparable with military service and all previously earned rights and claims to any and all retirement benefits are immediately cancelled and forever forfeit.

With the only "guarantee" of 90-days per year of access, even spending $150K US buying a house/condo/apartment seems a bit of a reach. I've obtained copies of the "residency" and "business" visa application forms and they are pretty intrusive. It is not just that they are interested in how much you intend to invest, but you also have to provide "proof" that you have sufficient income/resources to sustain yourself. This includes complete tax and bank account records just to apply.

Was "unofficially" told, similar to the RSA, the Namibian Govt has moved to a policy of "Africa is for Africans". Supposition was it has been due to the Chinese. The Govt is reluctant to crack down on the Chinese due to the HUGE amounts of US $$ they are running through their banking system. Also, when it comes to "tender" offers for Govt contracts most of the tenders are coming from Chinese owned companies. You've probably heard/read the complaints from local companies about them. I think a Chinese company just got the contract for the new road paving from Walvis Bay to Outjo that runs just west of Dune 7 and all the way to Outjo.

quote:

embezzled $25M+ and got it and himself into Namibia. "Somehow", got citizenship nearly overnight.

Money talks - BS walks.

I personally think outside investors would probably have a better chance in RSA than Namibia long term. But that's sort of like saying would you rather go swimming with a hungry crocodile or a hungry alligator?

quote:

If you had dropped money on a farm in SA at any point in the last 100 years you would have been handsomely rewarded. That's a fact, the market values and return on investment don't lie and thankfully aren't based on your perception and opinion on what will happen in SA's future.

Well, since we're discussing Foreign investment in RSA, if you'd bought a nice game farm in 2011 with a Rand/US dollar ratio of approx. 7/1 then in 2016, the value of that game farm would have had to double to break even, with a ratio of around 14/1. This does not take into account the problems of exporting money. I don't think the average cost of a game farm has doubled in the last 5 years.