·        R580,000+ cumulative revenue (2019-2024) with 78% annual growth rate

·        100% black female-owned enterprise with UVU Bio incubation since 2021

·        8+ premium product lines with proprietary formulations based on indigenous knowledge

·        Partnerships with 25+ local suppliers and 5+ traditional knowledge holders

·        SABS compliance achieved(not for all products), international certifications in progress

·        Strong quarterly performance: R19,000-R84,000 revenue range demonstrating seasonal resilience

·        Export inquiries from 12+ international distributors across Europe and North America

The Problem

·        The global natural cosmetics market lacks authentic African indigenous botanical products with scientific validation and cultural provenance

·        Traditional African wellness knowledge is at risk of being lost, whilst communities receive no economic benefit from their ancestral wisdom

·        Consumers increasingly demand natural, effective alternatives to synthetic cosmetics, but struggle to find products with genuine traceability and ethical sourcing

·        The beauty industry globally is dominated by multinational corporations with limited authentic African representation, despite Africa's rich botanical heritage

Our Solution

African Secret addresses these critical market gaps by offering:

Scientifically Validated Indigenous Formulations: Proprietary cosmetic formulations based on traditional African botanical knowledge, validated through UVU Bio research partnerships

Complete Ethical Traceability: End-to-end control from traditional knowledge documentation to finished consumer products with formal benefit-sharing agreements.

Premium Quality Manufacturing: SABS-compliant production meeting international standards whilst maintaining authentic cultural heritage

Multi-Functional Product Innovation: Modern wellness solutions addressing contemporary consumer needs whilst honouring ancestral formulation wisdom

With vertically integrated operations spanning research, formulation, manufacturing, and distribution, we guarantee authenticity, quality, and ethical community benefit-sharing.

African Secret produces and distributes a comprehensive range of premium natural cosmetics based on indigenous African botanicals for both B2B and B2C markets:

Core Therapeutic Range:

Aromatherapy Body Oils (100ml – R250): Multi-functional therapeutic blends incorporating Marula, Baobab, and indigenous essential oils for stress relief, muscle relaxation, and skin nourishment

Universal Healing Oil (50ml – R140): All-purpose treatment oil for cuts, insect bites, burns, and skin irritations containing antibacterial Buchu and Tea Tree extracts

Deep Tissue Body Oil (100ml - R350): Professional-grade massage oil with analgesic properties for therapeutic and sports applications

Marula Cuticle Oil (15ml - R120): Specialised nail and cuticle restoration treatment addressing gel manicure damage and ageing effects

Specialised Skincare Collection:

Tea Tree Cream (50ml - R150): Antibacterial, anti-fungal treatment for acne, eczema, and problematic skin conditions with a gentle, sensitive-skin formulation

Rooibos Body Wash (200ml - R165): Gentle daily cleanser with anti-inflammatory properties suitable for all skin types

Breast Care Botanical Oil (30ml - R180): Specialised prenatal and postnatal care product for expectant and nursing mothers

Wellness & Travel Products:

Aromatherapy Sanitiser Spray (50ml-100ml - R50-R95): Natural hand sanitisation with therapeutic essential oils providing antimicrobial and aromatherapy benefits

Travel Kits (R250-R2,000): Complete personal care solutions designed for hospitality, tourism, and corporate gifting with customisable branded packaging

Corporate Gift Sets (R500-R5,000): Premium packaging with bespoke formulations for VIP gifting and corporate entertainment

New Products (in development):

Indigenous Botanicals Premium Range: International export line featuring rare South African botanicals

Men's Grooming Collection: Beard oils, aftershave balms, and therapeutic body care

Cosmeceutical Anti-Ageing Range: Enhanced active ingredient formulations targeting mature skin markets

All products are certified organic, cruelty-free, and vegan, and are processed in SABS-compliant facilities, ensuring maximum purity, safety, and cultural authenticity.

Target Segments

International Hunting Tourists: High-net-worth individuals from North America and Europe seeking authentic African hunting experiences,

Photographic Safari Market: The growing eco-tourism segment values sustainable, community benefiting experiences. 

Domestic Tourism: Affluent South African families and corporate clients seeking premium wildlife experiences and accommodation

Forestry & Timber Clients: Established relationships with major processors requiring a consistent, sustainable timber supply

Premium Food Market: Restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets demanding ethically sourced, traceable game meat and traditional products

Market Size & Growth

• Southern Africa safari tourism market: USD 11.70 billion (2023), projected CAGR of 9.8% to 2030
• South African hunting tourism: USD 250 million annually, supporting 17,000+ jobs
• Wildlife ranches generate an average revenue of USD 404/hectare vs USD 131/hectare for traditional livestock farms.
• Live game trade: R4.3 billion annually in South Africa
• Global timber market: USD 992.43 billion (2024), projected CAGR of 4.7%

Revenue Streams

Wildlife Hunting Operations (45%): Premium Big Five and plains game hunting packages, average R300,000 per client

Accommodation & Tourism (25%): Lodge accommodation, photographic safaris, corporate retreats

Forestry Operations (15%): Timber harvesting, processing, and value-added products

Meat Processing (8%): Game and livestock processing, traditional products, export sales

Live Animal Sales (4%): Breeding stock for conservation programmes and game ranches

Agriculture & Consulting (3%): Crop production, training services, conservation consulting 

Unit Economics Snapshot

• Big Five Hunting Package:
  
  • Cost: R120,000
  • Selling Price: R400,000
  • Gross Margin: 70%
    
    
• Lodge Accommodation (per person/night):
  
  • Cost: R800
  • Selling Price: R2,500
  • Gross Margin: 68%
    
    
• Overall Business Gross Margin: 60-68%, depending on revenue mix

Current Achievements: 

• R20 million DFFE-EPIP funding secured and committed
• Environmental Impact Assessment approved April 2024
• 4,200 hectares under a long-term lease agreement with DALRRD
• Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node participation
• Established forestry client base with multi-year contracts
• Award recognition: 2017 & 2019 National Youth in Agriculture Awards 

SAFTT's operations actively contribute to biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration:

Wildlife Conservation & Restoration

• Reintroduction of Indigenous game species to historical ranges, including buffalo, rhino, and antelope
• Population management aligned with ecological carrying capacity
• Contribution to regional wildlife corridors connecting Addo Elephant National Park and surrounding reserves
• Science-based conservation management practices with monitoring protocols
  
  

Habitat Rehabilitation

• Conversion of 3,000+ hectares from degraded agricultural land to natural grassland and bushveld ecosystems
• Alien invasive species control across the entire 4,200-hectare property
• Indigenous vegetation restoration using local seed sources
• Establishment of wildlife corridors and buffer zones
  
  

Climate Resilience & Carbon Management

• 100% renewable energy systems (solar, wind, biogas) for off-grid operation
• Carbon sequestration through grassland restoration and sustainable forestry practices
• Water conservation via rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and efficient irrigation
• Sustainable building materials and construction practices
  
  

Community-Based Conservation

• Training programmes for local communities in wildlife management and eco-tourism
• Traditional ecological knowledge integration with modern conservation practices
• Preferential employment and procurement from surrounding communities
• Educational programmes for local schools focusing on biodiversity and entrepreneurship

Near-Term (12-18 months): 

• Complete wildlife stocking programme with Big Five introduction
• Launch hunting lodge operations with an initial 50% occupancy target
• Establish a processing facility for game meat and traditional products
• Develop international marketing partnerships and booking platforms
  
  

Mid-Term (2-3 years):

• Expand accommodation capacity to 40 beds with conference facilities
• Secure international hunting concessions and outfitter partnerships
• Launch photographic safari and eco-tourism packages
• Develop organic certification for agricultural products
  
  

Long-Term (3-5 years):

•  Replicate the model across additional Eastern Cape properties
• Establish SAFTT as the leading transformation operator in the wildlife industry
• Develop a training academy for biodiversity economy skills development
• Explore carbon credit and ecosystem services revenue opportunities 

Near-Term (12-18 months): 

• Complete wildlife stocking programme with Big Five introduction
• Launch hunting lodge operations with an initial 50% occupancy target
• Establish a processing facility for game meat and traditional products
• Develop international marketing partnerships and booking platforms
  
  

Mid-Term (2-3 years):

• Expand accommodation capacity to 40 beds with conference facilities
• Secure international hunting concessions and outfitter partnerships
• Launch photographic safari and eco-tourism packages
• Develop organic certification for agricultural products
  
  

Long-Term (3-5 years):

•  Replicate the model across additional Eastern Cape properties
• Establish SAFTT as the leading transformation operator in the wildlife industry
• Develop a training academy for biodiversity economy skills development
• Explore carbon credit and ecosystem services revenue opportunities 

• 8,400 hectares of prime agricultural land (owned)
• 130 hectares under irrigation producing maise, sunflower, and wheat
• Established livestock operations across 1,000-1,500 hectares
• Game management area exceeding 1,500 hectares
• Strategic location with historical significance and minimal competition within 130 kilometres
• Member of the Professional Hunters Association and Game Rangers Association 

• South Africa's agritourism sector remains underdeveloped in rural areas, particularly in the southwestern Free State region
• Limited authentic agricultural tourism experiences combining working farms with luxury hospitality
• High unemployment in rural mining communities following mine closures
• Lack of integrated tourism offerings that showcase both agricultural heritage and wildlife conservation
  
  

Our Solution 

Kalema Game and Cattle Ranch addresses these challenges by offering:

• Authentic agritourism experiences on a genuine working farm
• Integrated luxury accommodation, conference facilities, and wildlife experiences
• Comprehensive employment creation in an economically underserved region
• Preservation and celebration of regional historical heritage, including the Great Trek significance and diamond mining history
• Sustainable land use practices combining agriculture, wildlife management, and tourism 

Kalema Game and Cattle Ranch operates through diversified revenue streams designed to maximise land utilisation whilst providing comprehensive visitor experiences:

Accommodation Services:

• Luxury eco-lodges accommodating 60 guests
• Premium pricing of R4,500-R6,500 per person per night
• Conference and event facilities for corporate retreats and social celebrations
  
  

Hunting and Wildlife Experiences:

• Professional hunting packages (R7,500-R9,500 per hunter per day)
• Photographic safari experiences (R3,500-R4,500 per person per day)
• Wildlife breeding and conservation programmes 
  
  

Conference and Event Hosting:

• Professional conference facilities (R25,000-R45,000 per day exclusive use)
• Wedding venues (R85,000-R150,000 per event)
• Corporate team-building programmes
  
  

Agricultural Operations:

• Crop production on 130 hectares of irrigated land
• Livestock breeding and sales
• Educational farm tours and experiences
  
  

Educational Tourism: 

• School programmes and cultural experiences (R350-R450 per student)
• Day visitor programmes (R450-R650 per person)
• Agricultural heritage education initiatives

Target Segments

International Eco-tourists (35% of revenue): Affluent visitors seeking authentic African experiences (average spending R25,000-R35,000 per visit)

Domestic Premium Leisure (25% of revenue): High-income South African families and couples (average spending R15,000-R25,000 per group)

Corporate and Conference Market (20% of revenue): Companies requiring unique venues (average spending R45,000-R85,000 per event)

Hunting Enthusiasts (15% of revenue): International and domestic hunters (average spending R75,000-R125,000 per package)

Educational Tourism (5% of revenue): Schools and cultural groups (average spending R8,500- R12,500 per group)  

Market Size & Growth

• Middle East and Africa agritourism market: USD 485.1 million (2024), projected 9.3% CAGR to 2030
• South Africa is expected to register the highest regional growth rate
• Global agritourism market: USD 73.2 billion (2024), projected to reach USD 205.6 billion by 2033
  
  

Competitive Edge 

• Unique geographic positioning with no direct competitors within 130 kilometres
• Authentic working farm operations providing credible agricultural experiences
• Historical significance of location (Great Trek heritage, diamond mining history)
• Diversified revenue model, reducing market risk
• Strategic location near the Orange River and the Northern Cape border

Revenue Streams:

Accommodation Services (40-45% of total revenue): Luxury lodges and conference facilities

Hunting and wildlife (25-30%): Professional hunting and photographic safaris

Conference and Events (15-20%): Corporate meetings, weddings, and special events

Agricultural Operations (8-12%): Crop production and livestock sales

Educational Tourism (5-8%): Farm tours, school programmes, and cultural experiences 

Unit Economics:

• Accommodation: 65% target occupancy generating R7.2-R12.5 million annually
• Hunting operations: Premium pricing with high gross margins (60-70%)
• Conference facilities: High-value events with minimal variable costs
• Agricultural base: Stable revenue foundation supporting authentic experiences  

Current Operations:

2020-2024: Established farming operations across 8,400 hectares

Agricultural Production: 130 hectares of irrigated cropland, 1,000-1,500 hectares of livestock grazing

Wildlife Management: Over 1,500 hectares designated for game breeding and hunting

Infrastructure: Existing farmhouse facilities and agricultural equipment valued at R8.5 million

Market Position: 

• Member of the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa
• Member of the African Game Rangers Association
• Established relationships with local suppliers and agricultural cooperatives
• Strategic partnerships under development with tourism operators

Kalema's operations actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration:

Conservation Initiatives:

Habitat Restoration: Converting degraded agricultural areas to Indigenous wildlife habitats

Species Reintroduction: Restoring native wildlife populations historically present in the region

Sustainable Hunting Practices: Maintaining wildlife populations through professional management

Water Conservation: Implementing efficient irrigation, reducing consumption by 35%

Environmental Benefits:

Carbon Sequestration: Grassland restoration and strategic tree planting programmes

Soil Health Improvement: Rotational grazing and crop rotation practices

Renewable Energy: Comprehensive solar power installation reducing grid dependency

Waste Management: Comprehensive recycling and organic composting programmes

Biodiversity Impact: 

Wildlife Corridors: 15% of the land is reserved for natural corridors supporting native species

Pollinator Conservation: On-site programmes supporting wild and domestic pollinators

Indigenous Flora: Reintroduction through intercropping and habitat restoration

Monitoring Programmes: Continuous biodiversity tracking with academic institutions

Phase 1 - Infrastructure Development (Years 1-2):

• Construction of 60-bed luxury accommodation facilities
• Development of a 200-person conference centre
• Restaurant and recreational amenity development
• Professional hunting and wildlife viewing infrastructure
  
  

Phase 2 - Market Development (Years 2-3):

• International market expansion targeting Europe and North America
• Corporate partnership development for conference and event business
• Educational programme expansion with schools and universities
• Premium service offerings, including spa and recreational facilities
  
  

Phase 3 - Regional Leadership (Years 3-5):

• Establishment as the premier southwestern Free State agritourism destination
• Additional accommodation capacity development
• Regional tourism network leadership
• Franchise or management contract opportunities

The BCPA’s vision of Poverty Alleviation, Job Creation, Income Generation and Economic Upliftment, can best be achieved through taking advantage of the Barokologadi land’s proximity to the established Madikwe Game Reserve, as well as the opportunity to partner with conservation agencies and private sector, to create tourism products which can attract much needed jobs, small business development and income for the advancement of the poor Barokologadi community.

Extension of the protected area through creating a more attractive game and nature viewing area adjacent to both Madikwe and Molatedi Dam as well as covering the additional portion of the Dwarsberg mountains. In addition to this, the establishment of lodges which will cater for both the local and international markets.

1. Protection of wildlife species: In addition to the existing species on the land which include Impala, Kudu, Blou Wildebeest, Reedbuck, Zebra and Waterbuck, we already imported Rhino and Giraffe onto the area.
2. Creation of lodge accommodation and wildlife watching for guests wanting to enjoy wildlife experience.
3. Extension of the protected area in the region. Over 6000 hectares of conservation area is to be added to the 65 000 ha Madikwe Game Reserve.
4. Instilling conservation awareness among neighbouring communities.

The project is meant to extend the conservation area and further improve the conservation awareness within the Barokologadi community, which occupies 4 villages, as well as over 10 surrounding villages.

It is also meant to create over 200 permanent and 240 temporary job opportunities from within Barokologadi and the surrounding communities.

The project would also boost the local economic empowerment as some of the services required would be rendered by the local small business entities.

Other expected spin-offs include training for the local community members, corporate social investment programmes and poverty alleviation programmes.

Scarcity of trained people among communities:

Our community is faced with having to source labour for participating in the project, which is trained for specific job opportunities. This unfortunately requires more investment in accelerated empowerment programmes within the communities and such programmes need funding and other resources.

Funding:

In addition to training, funding is also required to boost small business development in the locality. 

Marketing of available products:

While our vicinity to Madikwe will have a positive impact on our access to the markets, the project would still need some vigorous promotion to the broader market given the high competition in the industry.

*Please provide Full Financial Projections in the Business Plan*

Since the start of the project over 60 temporary work opportunities were created.  We also have over 20 people who are permanently employed currently. Of these, about 12 are members of the Barokologadi community.

The partnership between BCPA and ERP has also resulted in the following benefits within the communities:

1. For the past 3 years, BCPA in conjunction with ERP, has been conducting an “End User Computing” learnership program which involved learners (youth of up to 28 years of age) from the 4 Barokologadi villages and other 2 neighbouring villages. Each of the learners has been earning a monthly stipend of R3500 for the 12 months of each program. So far 80 learners have graduated from the program, while 50 learners are currently enrolled.
2. To further boost the quality of education for our youth, about 43 Maths and Science learners at our high school were supplied with smart phones programmed with study material for Mathematics and Science syllabi.
3. ERP and its partners have also so far donated over 350 bicycles to learners in the Barokologadi and surrounding villages for easier and timeous access to their respective schools.
4. As a poverty relief measure, over 2000 food parcels were also donated to needy households during the Covid lockdown period.

While the actual project operation is still at its initial stage, the partnership has managed to establish and sponsor a bee keeping and honey production cooperative comprising 13 youth members from the Barokologadi villages. The main purpose of the bee project includes the future protection of big trees from being damaged by elephants and rhinos, as well as honey production for income generation by the cooperative.

The cooperative has recently extracted over 50 kilos of honey and started supplying it to resellers and preparing packaged honey for store shelves.

• Grant
• Reimbursable grant

Yes

As indicated, the project will expand the current protected area by over 6000 hectares and hence positively impact on conservation. It will also improve conservation and environment protection awareness among the Barokologadi and other surrounding communities.

The project’s job creation, poverty alleviation, income generation and economic upliftment imperative will positively to the livelihood of local communities. The envisaged creation of over 180 permanent job opportunities, the empowerment of SMME’s through involvement in supporting services, and the engagement in poverty relief programs, are some of the interventions to improve these livelihoods.

The project can definitely continue to thrive post investment given the income generation activities and the partnerships attached to it. It encompasses the establishment of up to 110 beds lodges linked with traversing rights for game-viewing experience as well as boosting of small business activity through the supporting services like cleaning services, maintenance, food supply, laundry services, tour guides, construction, etc.

The success of similar models in many other areas in the country and the structuring of the model around partnerships between communities, private sector and government entities like North West Parks and Tourism Board, will indeed make the model viable.

1. Business Plan (including current financials, employees, business history) and projected cashflows
2. Company Registration documents

22659 Hectares

Mpumalanga

• Water Resource Management Plan & supporting water supply infrastructure
• Ecological Conservation - Invasive alien plant control working towards the long-term restoration of natural areas
• Design and develop an ecotourism activity hub with supporting facilities – to include God’s Window Look-out and Skywalk Suspension footbridge
• Design and build accommodation facilities and Conference Centre within the reserve
• Game Ranching - Game meat processing and trade
• Build a bio-industrial facility with factory plant capacity to handle a range of bio-prospecting ventures
• Commercial IAP Biomass industrial facility
• Training, skills development and capacity training

The land is owned by the Blyde Community Property Associations, (the CPA). All parent farms and farm portions comprising the Blyde NR and the Lowveld plantations were claimed by four CPAs. These CPAs, collectively trade as Blyde Valley 04 CPA’s NPC, comprise:

• Maorabjang Communal Property Association
• Moletele Communal Property Association
• Setlhare Communal Property Association
• Mahubahuba a Bokone Communal Property Association

The BRCNR (also known as the Motlatse Canyon) holds one of the top ten largest canyons in the world. It boasts of cliffs that rise nearly 2,625 feet (800 meters) from the riverbed below.

The soon to be expanded BRCNR is composed of two historically different

management units, namely the Blyde Nature Reserve (Blyde NR) and the Lowveld Plantations, with different land-use and associated histories.

The BRCNR seeks investors and partners to develop and conserve the site’s unique natural (biodiversity, ecosystems and landscape) & cultural tourism, and bioprospecting offering.

Key highlights include:

• Water supply for wildlife, biodiversity, wetlands and nearby communities
• Conservation, heritage & tourism visitor centre, conference centre & accommodation facilities, game ranching
• A major adventure ecotourism centre that includes God’s Window Look-out and the Skywalk suspension footbridge
• Forestry plantations