Rules & guidelines for shareholders, authorised users and visitors
Preamble
Jejane Private Nature Reserve (hereinafter referred to as “the Reserve”) comprises Vienna Game Farm Proprietary Limited, Vienna Game Farm Share Block Proprietary Limited and Jejane Game Farm Share Block Proprietary Limited. We, the shareholders of Jejane Private Nature Reserve and our authorised users, 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 borne 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.
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MSNR Road Map
Maps are also for sale from the Jejane office:
Banner (420 x 297) @ R100
Canvas (594 x 420) @ R250
1. Access
- Visitors to the Reserve are not permitted unless accompanied by a shareholder or an “authorised user” as defined by the rules below.
- Shareholders, whether holding shares directly or indirectly via private companies or close corporations, their spouses or live-in partners and the children of the shareholders over the age of 18 years, are designated authorised users.
- The trustees of a trust that holds all the shares in a site directly may nominate up to five persons in total from the ranks of the Founder, the Trustees and/or trust beneficiaries to be deemed shareholders with the same rights as other shareholders, being able to designate their spouses or live-in partners and their children over the age of 18 years as authorised users. Trusts that hold shares through private companies or close corporations are only permitted to nominate either the Donor or a Trustee or a beneficiary to be deemed to be the shareholder for purposes of designating authorised users, being as such able to designate his/her spouse or live-in partner and their children over the age of 18 years as authorised users
- Visitors to the Reserve must be accompanied for their entire visit by a shareholder or an authorised user
- Unaccompanied visitors are not permitted. They have no right of access to the Reserve other than via Reserve supervised guidance or authority
- Parents of shareholders may apply for temporary authorised user status on payment of a supplementary levy of R500 per 30 day period. The levy is not related to time spent on the Reserve, but pays for the privilege of being allowed to visit the Reserve on an unaccompanied basis during a 30 day period
- It is recognised that some shares are registered in the names of children for the purpose of tax or estate planning. In this instance the person registering the share for such purposes in the name of his/her children, may apply to be designated as one of the authorised users
- In the event of a visit without the accompaniment of a shareholder or an authorised user the shareholder concerned will be levied a penalty fee of R700 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.
- All shareholders, authorised users and visitors must legibly complete and sign an indemnity form at the entrance gate 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 or authorised user to complete an indemnity form at the office at the first opportunity. Providing incomplete or falsifying details on the indemnity form, or not including the name of each person entering the Reserve and not having them sign the form personally, will result in a fine of R1000.
- The number of shareholders, authorised users 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 R500 per person per night over the maximum of 10.
- Shareholders and authorised users are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
- The Reserve is a Private Resort and in terms of Public Resort Ordinance 18 of 1969 shareholders or their authorised users may not visit the reserve for consecutive periods longer than 90 days. No site may be occupied for more than 9 months in a calendar year.
2. Environment and Conduct
- The speed limit on the Reserve is 30kph. Optimal and successful game viewing cannot be achieved at high speeds, dust is created, roads are damaged and damage is inflicted on the flora as well as on smaller, slower and less conspicuous animals, birds and reptiles.
- Off-road driving is strictly prohibited. Shareholders will be fined R3000 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.
- Driving on the runway is strictly prohibited. Shareholders will be fined R3000 if found driving on the runway.
- Driving on the service road between the residences is not permitted.
- Bicycles, motor cycles and quad bikes are not permitted other than by authorised anti-poaching or security personnel with Management approval.
- Driving on the Reserve roads is restricted to licensed drivers.
- Camping is not permitted anywhere on the Reserve.
- No loud noise or music is permitted.
- No shooting, hunting, capturing or interfering with birds or animals or reptiles is permitted. Animals are not to be fed. It is bad practice, the animals lose their fear of man, become aggressive or a nuisance and invariably have to be put down or relocated elsewhere.
- The playing of recorded calls to attract animals or birds is prohibited.
- Firewood may not be collected on the Reserve. Firewood is available on sale from the security guard at the entrance gate. Shareholders will be fined R1500 if found collecting wood or with collected wood in/on their property.
- 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.
- Only 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.
- No 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 R150 per unsorted bag. Unwanted kitchen appliances/implements, metal piping, building rubble etc. must be removed by the shareholder.
- Fires at shareholder sites are to be attended at all times. Risk of fire and it’s devastating effect is with us constantly. Visitors must 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. All sites that have fires are required to have fire beaters readily accessible.
- Builder and contractor staff are not permitted to light fires on the Reserve.
- Domestic pets are not allowed on the Reserve under any circumstances. This ruling does not apply to the manager and assistant manager who are permitted to keep dogs, but not cats, provided that they are controlled.
- Unauthorised traversing on neighbouring properties not covered by a traverse agreement is not permitted. Transgressors will be fined R5000 should they traverse without authority or permission on neighbouring properties.
- Traversing 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.
- The area within a radius of 50 metres of a shareholder residence is exclusive and private property to that particular shareholder and is off limits to other shareholders, authorised users and their guests. The drive ways of each site are off limits to other shareholders.
- Shareholder vehicles traversing the Reserve are limited to one vehicle per site and must have a shareholder or authorised user present in the vehicle at all times with the vehicle having Jejane decals showing the site number on both sides of the vehicle.
- Do not shine spotlights in the direction of shareholder houses during night drives. Exercise courtesy in the utilisation of spotlights, for example do not shine spotlights at oncoming vehicles. Do not unduly harass animals by keeping spotlights trained on the animal. Do not harass baboons on the pylons during night drives.
- Entry 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. Do not leave litter or cigarette butts behind and ensure the door is securely closed and locked on departure.
- Do not remove the pool cleaner from the pool or switch off the pool pump – penalty R500.
- Generators may not be installed at sites.
3. Safety and Protection
- Shareholders are reminded that the wildlife on the 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.
- Walking on the Reserve is not permitted unless accompanied by two registered rangers other than to access hides or in close proximity to a vehicle when stopping for refreshments.
- Running on the Reserve is not permitted.
- Firearms are not permitted to be carried on the Reserve. If carried by shareholders or authorised users 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.
- Shareholders are required to lodge a duplicate set of keys with the Reserve manager, for the exclusive use by management, 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 to provide access to visitors who have forgotten to bring along their keys. Requests to management to provide residence keys will attract a penalty of R250.
- Reserve staff wear a distinctive uniform. Please report strangers to either the manager or the security guard at the gate as soon as possible.
- All lost property found is to be handed in at the office.
- Alarms installed by shareholders at their residences have to be silent.
4. Reserve Manager's Jurisdiction
- The 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 refuse admission or to evict any persons on reasonable grounds.
- Shareholders and authorised users or their guests/visitors do not have access to and use of Reserve equipment, stores or facilities without the express authority of the Reserve manager.
- The 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.
- In 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.
- Emergency contact numbers for medical, fire, Eskom, electrician, mechanic and plumber have been supplied to each site and are displayed on the office door.
- All staff on the Reserve are 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.
- Contract and builder staff may not remain on the Reserve overnight.
5. Game Drive Protocol - Etiquette
Sightings of the ‘Big Five’ on our reserve are becoming more frequent and ever more exciting - with this comes a level of congestion that we as Shareholders are unaccustomed to - especially those of us who remember the days when the Big Five were only on the ‘wish list’.
We encourage all shareholders to circulate a courteous reminder to authorised users of the protocols expected around sightings on Jejane Private Nature Reserve. Please assist newer visitors to understand and apply these requirements.
We expect the utmost professionalism from all visitors and guides of our traversing partners whilst on the reserve and it is important for shareholders and authorised users to repay the same courtesy.
The Golden Rule – SPACE – Never enter the ‘comfort zone’ of the animal, every animal has a natural “flight or fight” zone, stay within the “flight” zone.
Overcrowding at sightings
- All sightings should be treated on a first come first served basis.
- Once you have had a good view of the sighting, and assuming there are other Shareholders who have arrived subsequent to your arrival, move off after a reasonable time to give others the opportunity to experience the sighting from a decent and safe distance. As a rule of thumb 5 (five) vehicles is the maximum of vehicles that should be around a sighting. This should be reduced to 3 (three) around ‘sensitive’ sighting as outlined below.
- It is the responsibility of the shareholder, authorised user, and commercial operator in control of the vehicle to assess the situation as well as the sensitivity of the sighting and thereafter hold back until the opportunity presents to move forward to a better position.
Sensitive sightings: - e.g. a kill, cubs, rhino, wild dog, cheetah, elephant in musth etc.
When approaching an obvious sighting:
- Switch off unnecessary lights and spotlights
- Be quiet, the noise level on the vehicle is to be kept to a minimum for the benefit of the animals and other vehicles with special attention being given to young children.
- Switch off the vehicle once you have arrived at the sighting – a noisy engine only serves to disturb the peace and is highly irritating. If you are the most recent arrival on the scene and if your vehicle would overcrowd a particular vantage point, switch off your engine at the earliest opportunity, be patient, and await your turn for a better position.
- Position your vehicle so that others can move away if they wish.
- Do not move more than a vehicle width off the road.
- Consideration towards other viewers and the wildlife is the tenant of courtesy.
- Do not stand up in the vehicle or hang over the side of the vehicle whilst at sightings, this breaks the shape of the vehicle – it is imperative that this does not happen when viewing dangerous animals.
- Animals do not recognise the individual shapes within a vehicle, they see the basic outline as one form or shape. To protrude over the sides or stand up breaks the basic shape of the vehicle stressing the animals enough to influence behaviour change. Animals naturally fear humans, when you break the shape of the vehicle they feel threatened and behaviour can become defensive and/or aggressive.
Spotlights:
Taking factors such as general environment, light pollution, courtesy to other reserve users into consideration, coupled with the advances in lighting technology, management have revised the spotlight protocol as follows:
- Game viewers are not permitted to have any non-standard spotlights, “LED bar-type”, round LED spotlights on the front or rear.
- Permanently mounted side-spot lights are discouraged and their use will be closely monitored by management.
- Two hand-held spotlights per vehicle are permissible, with a maximum candlepower of 1 000 000 (or 1800 lumens or 50w halogen equivalent) per spotlight, with only one spotlight to be used at any sightings.
- Do not shine spotlights in animals' eyes; (particularly impala, antelope etc.) shine on the ground in the front of or on the back of the animal and view the animal/s in the peripheral and thus less harsh light. The use of coloured filters on spotlights is encouraged as this is less disruptive to the night vision of the animals and their activities. Never shine spotlights into elephants’ eyes.
- If more than one vehicle is on a night sighting it is unnecessary for all vehicles to shine a spotlight on an animal. One light is sufficient.
- Please use the spotlights with discretion & courtesy, especially if being used by the younger family members/guests.
- Please use the spotlights with discretion & courtesy near all shareholder, management and staff residences.
- Neither predators nor their intended prey should be disturbed by a spotlight while predators are hunting or stalking.
- Rhinos are sensitive animals, do not use spotlights on them at night.
Following Distance
- When following predators which appear to be hunting, limit your intrusion so as not to interfere with the animals' hunt. This implies keeping a good distance, avoid shining unfiltered spotlights directly onto the scene.
- Do not follow an animal whose behaviour is aggressive or if they are agitated. If you are unsure about the possible reaction or temperament of an animal, be cautious and remain at a safe distance. It is often sensible, once a sighting has been made, to observe the animal from a distance.
- Keep all noise levels (including that of the engine), to a minimum.
Escape Route
- It is essential at any elephant sighting to have an escape route. Circumstances can change in a flash and elephants are highly mobile. Be extremely diligent around elephant breeding herds - youngsters who are in “play/inquisitive” moods can often agitate the older cows and bulls who interpret the presence of a vehicle as a threat.
- Do not block the escape route of an animal you are viewing; or that of another vehicle, as the animal may become stressed and unpredictable. This is vitally important
- Learn to anticipate the behaviour and movements of the animals and avoid forcing them to move if they are not inclined to.
Tracker seats
- The use of tracker seats is strongly discouraged, due the dangers associated with them i.e. animals charging and people falling off and being driven over etc. and are therefore used entirely AT YOUR OWN RISK. Members are reminded that the reserve is a Big 5 reserve and has dangers associated with Big 5 game viewing and therefor the use of tracker seats is strongly discouraged. No person under the age of 16 years may be seated in a tracker seat – a fine of up to R1000, may be applied.
- Tracker seats must be fitted with a safety harness (seat belt), which must be worn at all times if the tracker seat is occupied while the vehicle is moving.
- If the tracker seat is occupied the vehicle must only be driven by a licensed driver that is a SH/AU, that has substantial bush/environmental awareness.
Vehicles
- All vehicles must carry two identifying decals whilst driving on the Reserve, one on either side of the vehicle indicating the site number. Decals (including magnetic) are available from the office.
- Game viewer vehicles 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 for which a penalty for not displaying decals of R500 may be applied.
- Only vame viewer vehicles are permitted to be used on game drives and not any private vehicles.
General Notes
- A shareholder or authorised user must be present with any/all guests whilst on game drives.
- Close windows and doors before leaving the unit - most animals are opportunistic feeders.
- Please pick up any litter you come across.
- The maximum speed limit is 30km/h.
- Drive around animal droppings and not through them to prevent killing dung beetles and other insects. There is a hive of hidden insect activity in animal dung, an integral part of ecology and nutrient cycling. Avoid driving over dung, irrespective of its age.
- When finding the road blocked by a tree having been pushed down, please return to a point where an alternative road can be used and then report the blockage to the Manager. By merely bundu-bashing around such a blockage we widen existing roads or create extra unwanted roads and unnecessarily destroy habitat.
- Hides/Weir etc: There is no rule on entering an occupied hide but common courtesy says one does not intrude on those already in occupancy. Drive past slowly and move on – unless of course you are invited to join fellow Shareholders and friends.
- Make sure children are, at all times, accompanied by adults and safe from predators.
- Avoid using your cell phone within earshot of other members and specifically not on drives, at dams, hides etc. When using a phone in a common area i.e. swimming poole/hide, be sensitive to other members may be disturbed by a ringing phone or a loud conversation.
- Only one vehicle per unit may be operated at any one time.
- Driving off road or up riverbeds is not permitted under any circumstances
- Respect the privacy of occupied units and do not shine on houses or make noise when passing units.
- The removal of any wood or any natural fauna & flora from the Bushveld, is strictly prohibited.
- Please ensure that litter can’t fall off your vehicle and please pick up litter should you come across it.
Radios
- When on game drive do take your hand-held communication radio with you in case of emergency, breakdown or for in case you need to contact management for any reason. Call “Jejane management” (repeat twice or multiple times) on either channel one or two. All management staff radios are on multi-channel scan mode and will respond. Ensure radios are charged and working.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
6. Services
- Please 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. During working hours, he should not be kept chatting for extended periods.
- A 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.
- Please lock up valuables. Whilst the Board and Reserve management make every effort to employ honest staff, and to exclude unauthorised persons, the Reserve is not liable for theft or damage incurred by shareholders, authorised users and/or their guests.
- Formal 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.
- If required, the Reserve can arrange for the collection of shareholders, authorised users and guests from Eastgate Airport or the Jejane landing strip. Tariffs are advised to shareholders from time to time.
- Subject 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 R50.
- The 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.
- In 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.
- In 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 a cost. The Reserve will arrange service of the fire extinguishers on an annual basis in accordance with SABS standards.
7. Factory parking facilities
- Consideration 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.
- Only 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.
- Remove 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.
- Parking 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.
- No refuelling is 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.
- Please respect other shareholders’ property.
- It has been suggested that in order to minimise the number of saloon cars on the Reserve that shareholders may wish to leave their cars in their allocated bays at the factory on arrival. That is a matter of personal preference however.
- Provided 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.
- The Reserve does not provide mechanical repairs to shareholder vehicles, but will provide limited assistance in the event of an emergency.
8. Game drive vehicles
- Game viewing vehicles must be open safari-type with properly constructed seats. No plastic seats or chairs whether fixed or loose, will be permitted.
- Game viewing vehicles are to be painted dark green, beige or brown. (Examples of acceptable vehicles are landrover or landcruiser)
- The vehicles and accessories (seats, canopies) must be built in correct proportions. No more than one row of seats may protrude behind the back of the original vehicle body.
- All vehicles to carry identifying number or lodge names of prescribed size and design on both sides of the vehicle.
- No vehicle may traverse without a “shareholder” “authorised user” “member” “owner” authorised lodge personnel or authorised farm employees aboard. Lists of authorised drivers. within the foregoing definitions are to be submitted to the Conservancy Committee for use by the Conservancy Warden.
- All vehicles are subject to approval by the Conservancy Committee
In addition
- The Manager has the authority to prohibit vehicles not displaying site decals from traversing the Reserve. A penalty will be imposed for not displaying decals
- Members 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. No person under the age of 18 years may be seated in a tracker seat. A penalty will be imposed for non-compliance.
- Tracker seats must be fitted with a safety harness (seat belt), which must always be worn if the tracker seat is occupied while the vehicle is moving.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
9. Radio Rules
- Radios are to be used strictly for emergencies.
- The use of radios for game viewing purposes, inter site communication, or requests for farm labour, cleaning services and wood deliveries is strictly prohibited.
- Emergency use is regarded as:
- the event of a vehicle breakdown whilst traversing the properties or the event of an accident whilst traversing the properties,
- the event of requiring managerial assistance for:
- a break in or security breach
- to report the presence of an intruder on the property
- medical emergencies
- removal of a dangerous animal from your property
- fire
- no water or electricity within the residential area
- The radio volume needs to be turned down at game sightings, at dams and water points and while visiting the hides.
- In the event of an emergency, the procedure that should be followed is:
- Press the Push “To Talk” (PTT) button to speak and release it to listen.
- Call, “Jejane, Jejane – come in for site #”
- Once a response is received, indicate what type of emergency you have and the location of the emergency.
- Always respond to an instruction or a request with “copied” or “repeat” so that the assistant
- Speak in a clear and concise voice.
- Try and call from an unrestricted position e.g. outdoors, away from electronic equipment, pylons, running vehicles, etc.
Penalty for first abuse R2000. Continued abuse will include removal of the site’s radio from the repeater.
10. Fines
Please note that fines are not mutually exclusive and more than one fine can be levied as circumstances permit. In all cases, fines will double in the case of a second offence and, either double again for each subsequent offence, or at the discretion of the Board the offending party will be banned from the Reserve for a year. These rules do not contain an exhaustive list of possible offences and the Board reserves the right to impose an appropriate fine on any behaviour in breach of the normal code of conduct that is expected on the Reserve.