Serengeti Estates News No Images? Click here DEVELOPMENTS | GOLF & LIFESTYLE | LATEST NEWS NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2018It’s impossible to resist the sense of optimism that South Africa is experiencing right now.And who can blame us: there have been some very exciting developments of late, all of which point towards an improved economy during 2018. At Serengeti, we certainly share this feeling of anticipation. We’re continuing on the trajectory established during 2017; a year where we transformed the estate with the launch of our magnificent Whistling Thorn apartments; upgrades to our golfing offering with the acquisition of new golf machinery and refurbishments to the Clubhouse; and a makeover, thanks to the newly landscaped South Gate. Be assured that we’re not slowing our pace. We have big plans for the year, including the continuation of earthworks at Whistling Thorn and the development of stunning new products and amenities – including scrumptious options at our restaurant and the launch of the first 18-hole par 3 golf course in South Africa (and possibly the world). Something else residents can look forward to is the establishment of our beautiful golfers’ bar, where players can enjoy a chilled cocktail or frosty beer while taking in the views from the first and eighteenth holes. This stunning facility is part of the second phase of alterations planned for the Clubhouse beginning early February, which will also see the gym moving to a new location and upgraded to offer a more stimulating workout environment, while the halfway house is transformed into a tapas and sushi bar. ONWARDS AND UPWARDSWe’re both pleased and proud to report that our sales have increased significantly since our new developers took over; a sign not only that South Africa’s economy is on a more positive path, but also that Serengeti has the full support of both the market and existing homeowners. In fact, as much as 80% of the first phase of the Whistling Thorn apartments have been sold out. This is likely to boost construction activity threefold in the near future – and, to capitalise on this momentum, we’ll be launching more new product within the next few months. Property director John Hart promises that the new houses will broaden the estate’s appeal by providing even more lifestyle options for would-be buyers looking to make Serengeti their home. Check out the progress of the Whistling Thorn’s earthworks – all well on track – in the pictures below. LANDSCAPING FROM THE SOUTH GATEOur new developments will be publicised through the launch of a new marketing campaign, which highlights Serengeti’s potential as an investment destination. Underpinned by the tagline “We’re investing, shouldn’t you?”, the campaign conveys a long overdue positive sentiment to investors. MEET THE TEAM | MARK RENWICKGolf Club CEO Mark Renwick joined us in September 2017. Having gained extensive experience in all areas of the hospitality industry and golf club environment during his 17-year career, Mark has worked at some of London’s leading hotels. He has also completed stints with Jackal Creek Golf Estate and More Corp (owners of The Pro Shop and World of Golf). Mark’s career highlights include learning the ropes at one of SA’s most prestigious golf estates, launching a 1 500-home estate golf course, account managing over a hundred 5-star hotel properties in Europe, re-positioning a 100-year old failing ‘members club’ and turning around one of the busiest golf courses in SA. Through these career milestones, implementing systems and procedures, establishing revenue generating strategies, enhancing operational efficiencies and growing customer satisfaction. As CEO of Serengeti’s Golf Club, he is looking forward to the launch of the 18-hole, three-par golf course which will be a first in South Africa. The course will break ground in March 2018. MEET THE TEAM | DARREN SWAFFIELDOur new Golf Director, Darren Swaffield, first joined Serengeti as However, his involvement with the club stretches much further back: he has been a member of our golf club – and the I Wanna Be A Champion Programme - since he graduated from the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club’s Golf School of Excellence. Darren’s skill and enthusiasm for the game comes as no surprise, given that he’s been playing golf since he was nine years old. Darren places enormous value on quality, teamwork and passion and empowerment – attributes he’ll be calling on in his quest to improve the golfing experience at Serengeti. MEET THE TEAM | MEGAN GEMMELFormer events manager Megan Gemmell has recently been promoted to operations director. Megan has been part of the Serengeti family since 2010, when she joined the estate as banqueting manager. She has vast experience working at some of South Africa’s most distinguished venues, including the Park Hyatt and Kievits Kroon, and spent time honing her skills in London. Passionate about every aspect of eventing, from the food and beverage to the décor, Megan was the driving force behind the establishment of Serengeti’s events department, which consolidated team members working in various areas of eventing into a single unit. In her new position, Megan is responsible for introducing a
community spirit, including evenings like Sunday Classics, themed Monday buffets and Friday Night Live. She’s also looking forward to the establishment of a full members’ bar at the halfway house, along with a sushi and teppanyaki restaurant – in all, transforming Serengeti into one of the most alluring entertainment options on the East rand. MEET THE TEAM | CORNÉ JACKSONAvid golfer and runner Corné Jackson joined Serengeti as duty manager at the Clubhouse restaurant in 2012. He was promoted to events coordinator, working alongside Megan Gemmell, after just nine months. Corné received yet another promotion last year, when he was named events manager. With Serengeti’s new developers planning to expand the estate’s conference and banqueting facilities, Corné is certain to have a busy time introducing a bouquet of new services. |