This is our private nature reserve. We the shareholders of Jejane Private Nature Reserve and our visitors are privileged custodians of a pristine piece of unspoilt Africa. It is ours to take care of, to maintain, to enhance and to enjoy without intruding unnecessarily more than we already have with our invasive presence. We collectively share responsibility for the wise use of our resources and for the conservation of the diversity of species that occur on our reserve.
Our rules that have evolved over a period of time and born out of experience and necessity have a prime focus:
•Consideration at all times for our fellow shareholders and
•The care and protection of our fauna and flora.
Whilst observing the Use Agreement and our rules please also ensure that your visitors are familiar with them. Please enjoy your stay on Jejane.
1.Access
1.1Visitors to Jejane Private Nature Reserve are not permitted unless accompanied by an "authorised user" as defined by the rules below.
1.1.1Shareholders, CC Members or Trustees, their spouses or live-in partner and the children of the above over the age of 18 years are designated "authorised users"
1.1.2Visitors to Jejane Private Nature Reserve must be accompanied for their entire visit by an "authorised user"
1.1.3Unaccompanied visitors are not permitted other than as visitors to Sindyane Bush Camp. They have no right of access to the Reserve other than via Reserve supervised guidance or authority.
1.1.4Parents of members may apply for "temporary authorised user" status on payment of a supplementary levy of R120 per month in respect of the month of visit. For example: If a parent of a member wishes to visit the Reserve on an unaccompanied basis during August, he or she would pay the temporary levy of R120 for the month of August. The levy is not related to time spent on the Reserve but to a monthly facility, which would allow them to visit the Reserve on an unaccompanied basis.
1.1.5It is recognised that some shares are registered in the names of children or grandchildren for the purpose of tax or estate planning. In this instance the de facto owner of the share may apply to be designated as the "authorised user".
1.1.6Similarly family trusts have been formed. Irrespective of Trustees and beneficiaries the trust would designate members and their spouses or live-in partner and their children over the age of 18 years as designated "authorised users". Trusts will be limited to a maximum of 5 designated "authorised users"
1.1.7The status of "authorised users" may only be verified by reference to gate indemnity forms. In the event of a visit without the accompaniment of an "authorised user" the shareholder concerned will be levied a penalty fee of R350 per person per night in respect of all unaccompanied visitors. This fee will be payable to the Reserve. No appeals for leniency will be entertained.
1.1.8A register will be maintained of "authorised users". Families of members will not be considered to be "authorised users" unless and until their details have been included in the register. The onus rest with the shareholder to ensure their authorised details are updated and correct.
1.1.9Authorised users to include ex-spouses where use of the Reserve was part of a divorce settlement and subject to syndicate approval if appropriate. This facility would only apply whilst the divorced spouse had not remarried. Once the spouse had remarried they would no longer be considered to be an authorised user.
1.2All shareholders and visitors must legibly complete and sign an indemnity form on entering the Reserve. Access will not be granted if the indemnity form is not completed. If entry is via the landing strip it is incumbent upon the shareholder to complete an indemnity form at the office at the first opportunity. (see sample indemnity form attached as annexure 1)
1.3The number of shareholders and guests for any one site at any one time may not exceed 10. Shareholders found in breach of the maximum number will be fined the current accommodation rate at Sindyane Bush Camp per person over the maximum of 10 per night.
1.4Shareholders are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
2Environment & Conduct
2.1The general speed limit on Jejane PNR is 30k.p.h.Optimal and successful game viewing cannot be achieved at high speeds, dust is created, roads are damaged and damage is inflicted on the smaller, slower and less obtrusive animals, birds and reptiles.
2.2Off-road driving is strictly prohibited. Shareholders will be fined R1 000 if found driving off road. We have an extensive road network and off-road driving is damaging to the environment and causes distress to the animals that are being followed.
2.3Driving on the runway is strictly prohibited. Shareholders will be fined R1000 if found driving on the runway.
2.4Motor cycles and quad bikes are not permitted.
2.5Unlicensed drivers driving on the reserve roads must at all times be accompanied by a licensed driver. Driving by unaccompanied, unlicensed driver is not permitted.
2.6Camping is only permitted on a shareholder residential site pending the construction of the shareholder's residence. Camping is not permitted elsewhere on the Reserve.
2.7No loud noise or music is permitted.
2.8No shooting, hunting, capturing or interfering with birds or animals or reptiles. Animals are not to be fed. It is bad practise, the animals lose their fear of man, become aggressive or a nuisance and invariably have to be put down or relocated elsewhere.
2.9The playing of taped calls to attract animals is prohibited.
2.10Firewood may not be collected on the Reserve. Firewood is available on sale from the security guard at the entrance gate. Shareholders will be fined R500 if found collecting wood or with collected wood in/on their property.
2.11Please do not remove artefacts from the veld such as horns, bones, archaeological specimens etc. Apart from the fact that these belong in the veld one runs the risk of infection from the bones and horns.
2.12Only indigenous plants and preferably endemic to the Lowveld may be introduced to the Reserve and to shareholder sites. Exotic plants will be removed and destroyed without notice.
2.13No littering or burying or dumping of refuse is permitted. The Reserve operates a weekly refuse removal service. Refuse bags must be kept in animal proof containers in terms of the aesthetic guidelines. Refuse needs to be sorted into waste for the incinerator and other waste. Failure to separate refuse carries a fine of R50 per unsorted bag. No refuse may be placed into the skip. Unwanted kitchen appliances/implements, metal piping, building rubble etc. must be removed by the shareholder.
2.14Fires at shareholder sites are to be attended at all times. Risk of fire and its devastating effect is with us constantly. Please ensure that all steps are taken to prevent the spread of fire. Coals must be covered with a "fire-drum" when not attended. Fires are not permitted elsewhere on the Reserve under any circumstances
2.15Builder and contractor staffs are not permitted to light fires on the Reserve.
2.16Domestic pets are not allowed on the Reserve under any circumstances. This ruling does not apply to the manager who is permitted to keep dogs, but not cats, provided that they are controlled.
2.17Unauthorised traversing on neighbouring property not covered by a reciprocal traverse agreement is not permitted. Transgressors will be fined R1,000 should they traverse without authority or permission on neighbouring property.
2.18Traversing rules, where applicable, are to be strictly adhered to. Fines or restrictions as are laid down from time to time will be imposed on transgressors of these rules.
2.19The area within a radius of 50 meters of a shareholder residence or commercial camp is exclusive and private property to that particular shareholder or lodge and is off limits to other shareholders and their guests.
2.20Shareholder vehicles traversing the Reserve are limited to one vehicle per site and must have a shareholder or authorised user present in the vehicle.
2.21Please do not shine spotlights in the direction of shareholder houses during night drives. Utilisation of a red lens on the spotlights is recommended. Exercise courtesy in the utilisation of spotlights, for example do not shine spotlights at oncoming vehicles. Please do not unduly harass animals by keeping spotlights trained on the animal. Please do not harass baboons on the pylons during night drives.
2.22Entry to the hides should be as silent as possible in order not to frighten the game and in deference to other users. No loud noise is permitted in the hides and shareholders are urged to keep small children under control. Please leave hides in the condition that you would like to find them. Please do not leave litter or cigarette butts behind. Ensure the door is securely closed and locked on departure.
3Safety and Protection
3.1Shareholders are reminded that the wildlife on Jejane Private Nature Reserve constitutes a potential danger to persons walking on the property or travelling in open or closed vehicles, whether or not accompanied by a ranger or in proximity of hides, Sindyane bush camp, shareholder residences or other buildings and are encouraged to take adequate care and to be vigilant.
3.2Firearms are not permitted to be carried on the Reserve. If carried by shareholders in transit to and from the Reserve they should be stored safely in the shareholder's residence in compliance with the laws relating to the carrying of firearms.
3.3Shareholders are required to lodge a duplicate set of keys with the Reserve manager to ensure access to their residence in the event of an emergency such as fire, burst water pipes, electrical faults, rain damage etc. The manager's office is not to be construed as a key registry for the convenience of syndicate members.
3.4Reserve staff wear a distinctive uniform. Please report strangers to either the manager or the security guard at the gate as soon as possible.
3.5All lost property is to be handed in at the office.
4Reserve Manager's Jurisdiction
4.1The Reserve manager is appointed by the Board to manage the property and as such has full jurisdiction over the property, its facilities, employees and any visitors at all times. He has the right to exclude admission on reasonable grounds.
4.2Shareholders do not have access to and use of Reserve equipment, stores or facilities without the express authority of the Reserve manager.
4.3The water and electrical reticulation systems are not to be tampered with save with the express authority of the Reserve manager or someone designated by him. Shareholders are expressly requested not to operate the pumps or valves.
4.4In the event of there being difficulties with the water supply, shareholders are requested to contact the Reserve Manager, or in his absence, the duty staff member via the security guard at the main gate.
4.5Emergency contact numbers for medical, fire, Eskom, electrician, mechanic and plumber have been supplied to each site and are displayed on the office door.
4.6All staff on the Reserve is under the direct control of the Reserve manager. All requests for labour assistance should be directed to the Reserve manager. Staff may only assist on shareholder sites if the process does not interfere with Reserve work and with the express approval of the Reserve manager. Under no circumstances should shareholders attempt to negotiate directly with the Reserve staff.
4.7Contract and builder staff may not remain on the Reserve overnight.
5Services
5.1Please respect the Reserve manager's privacy at all times, particularly after normal working hours i.e. after 5.00 p.m. and before 7.00 a.m.
5.2A limited domestic service of no more than 2 hours daily is available through application to the Reserve office. The size of our domestic labour team is limited by accommodation and security constraints and it is therefore imperative that at least 14 days written notice is given of your requirements. Tariffs are advised to shareholders from time to time and may be obtained from the office.
5.3Please lock up valuables. The Reserve is not liable for theft or damage by its domestic employees.
5.4Formal gardens are discouraged. An external contractor is employed to keep shareholder sites tidy and to maintain firebreaks in the dry months. They are not employed to maintain gardens or water lawns. Shareholders can arrange with the external contractor for any other garden work they may require at their cost.
5.5If required, the Reserve can arrange to collect shareholders and guests from Eastgate Airport or the Jejane landing strip. Tariffs are advised to shareholders from time to time.
5.6Subject to prior arrangement with the manager, the Reserve will arrange for repairs to your property, appliances or vehicles on your behalf and at your request. No liability is accepted by the Reserve for poor performance or the standard of work by the contractors. The Reserve merely acts as a conduit for the shareholder. Accounts are payable by the shareholder. Accounts paid by the Reserve will attract a 10% service charge, with a minimum charge of R20
5.7The manager and Reserve staff are not employed to carry out maintenance or repairs on shareholder properties. However, the management will assist in the event of an emergency. The shareholder will be charged in accordance with Reserve rates.
5.8In conjunction with the domestic service the Reserve will arrange to have laundry washed and ironed for the shareholder utilising the laundry service in Hoedspruit. A service charge will be levied in addition to the laundry charge. Whilst every care will be taken, no liability attaches to the Reserve for damaged or missing laundry.
5.9In terms of the Reserve's insurance requirements each house must have at least one 4,5kg fire extinguisher, or alternatively 2 fire extinguishers of 2.5Kg. These may be obtained from the Reserve management at cost. The Reserve will arrange service of the fire extinguishers on an annual basis in accordance with S.A.B.S. standards.
6Factory parking facilities
6.1Consideration for your fellow shareholders. Please make sure that you park properly in the bay allocated to you. Space is limited and all it needs is for one person to park incorrectly to inconvenience several other people.
6.2Only park in the bay allocated to you. Parking bays are clearly marked with the site no. Do not park in another bay even if the bay is unoccupied at the time.
6.3Remove valuables from your vehicle. Do not leave any articles of value in your vehicle such as spotlights, binoculars or field guides etc. The Reserve will not be responsible for any losses whatsoever from vehicles stored in the factory parking.
6.4Parking risk.Vehicles are parked entirely at your own risk. The Reserve accepts no responsibility whatsoever and does not carry insurance for vehicles parked in the factory. Responsibility for that risk rests with the individual shareholders.
6.5No refuelling permitted within the parking area and storage of fuel in containers on the vehicle is not permitted under any circumstances. Fire extinguishers will be purchased by the Reserve and mounted in the respective garages. Please also try to ensure that there are no excessive oil leaks on your allocated bay.
6.6Please respect other shareholder's property.
6.7It has been suggested that in order to minimise the number of saloon cars on the Reserve that shareholders may wish to leave their car in their allocated bay at the factory on arrival. That is a matter of personal preference however.
6.8Provided that a minimum of 7 days notice is given, the Reserve will arrange to charge shareholder vehicle batteries. A charge will be levied in accordance with Reserve tariffs.
6.9The Reserve does not provide mechanical repairs to shareholder vehicles but will provide limited assistance in the event of an emergency.
7Game viewing vehicles
7.1All vehicles must carry two identifying decals, one on either side of the vehicle indicating the site number. Decals are available from the office. Magnetic decals are also available.
7.2Vehicles may not traverse the reserve without site decals clearly displayed. The Manager has the authority to prohibit vehicles not displaying site decals from traversing the reserve.
7.3Members are reminded that the Reserve is a Big 5 reserve and has dangers associated with Big 5 viewing. Use of tracker seats is strongly discouraged
7.4Use of two spotlights on a single vehicle is permissible when “looking” for game, but only one spotlight should be used at a sighting.”
7.5Do not shine the spotlight into the eyes of the animals. Rather, when viewing animals at night, shine the spotlight slightly away from, or above the animal/s and view the animal/s in the peripheral and thus less harsh light. Never shine spotlights into elephants’ eyes.
7.6Neither predators nor their intended prey should be disturbed by a spotlight while predators are hunting or stalking.
8. Hints for safer viewing of elephant
8.1. If the circumstances permit, always reverse into a sighting. This way if things turn nasty, you can always drive away in your forward gears.
8.2. Never allow any of the passengers to stand up in the vehicle. There won’t be time to go back and collect them once they have fallen out when you “popped the clutch” getting away from a charging elephant.
8.3. Only switch off your engine if you are reasonably sure your vehicle will start again easily, otherwise leave it running.
8.4. Avoid shining spotlights on elephant. In fact, unless the circumstances favour it, night viewing of elephant should be avoided.
8.5. If at all possible, get into a position where the prevailing wind blows from the elephant to you and not the other way around.
8.6. Do not park another vehicle in, i.e. always ensure you have left an “escape” gap.
8.7. Under no circumstances leave your vehicle while viewing elephant.
8.8. Maintain a discrete distance – elephants too have their space – their comfort zone – some will give you subtle indications that you have entered, others will leave you in no doubt that you have pushed the boundaries.
Revised January 2012
Ref: VGF rules & Regulations.doc
Click on the attachment below for a printable copy: