Johannesburg – A goldmine in the form of a buffalo named Horison has once again proved its worth after fetching R44 million for a one-quarter share at an auction near Rustenburg in the North West.
And according to industry experts, this new investment option could be the way to go in the current economic climate.
Professor Melville Saayman, director of Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North West University, said the sale on Saturday showed that there were opportunities in the hunting and wildlife industry “beyond the norm”.
This particular bull, which was bought by game farmer Pieter du Toit and two other partners for R26m in 2012, has the highest horn span in the world with a record length of 1.397m.
“We are seeing the prices of sable antelope (swart witpens) and kudu with above normal features escalating to previously unheard levels,” said Saayman.
“These prices and the risks involved are often too much for a single investor and so the risks are spread between partners to protect their investments. It’s like buying a house and renting out the rooms.”
Saayman said that they recently did a study which showed that the biltong hunting industry alone was worth R8.55bn annually.
With other markets struggling, new opportunities become even more enticing in what is already a stable sector of the economy.
“It gives investors the chance to build a diverse portfolio,” said Saayman.
“It furthermore allows would-be investors to expand their portfolio into a market that might not otherwise be too expensive.”
Investing in sought after game as opposed to a game farm with an expert managing the investment, could open many new doors.
He hoped that local hunters and the hunting industry would also be the beneficiaries of wildlife investments in the long run through these prime animals, which are able to generate long-term revenues.
Smiling from ear to ear, proud owner Peter Bellingham of Mookgophong near Naboomspruit, was delighted with his new acquisition, which he believes could easily breed animals worth a total of R1bn.
“We are going to put 40 cows – ten per investor – with him,” said Bellingham.
African News Agency
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