Fynbosstrand is a private company registered in terms of the South African Company’s Act and operates under the Share Blocks Control Act. Shareholding is limited to 58 shares. Each share represents a specific co-ordinated position along a 1 km of the most beautiful stretch of coastline. This position is demarcated by a peg with coordinates that are recorded. Fynbosstrand is situated halfway between Stillbay and Gouritz River Mouth, along the Southern Cape coastline. Each share constitutes an exclusive use right on its corresponding peg and a communal use right over the remainder of the property, excluding the 57 other exclusive use rights enjoyed by the other shareholders. The following benefits accrue to a shareholder and are comprehensively covered in the company’s Memorandum of Incorporation:
Ownership of a 58th share of a beautiful farm with a splendid 1 km of coastline and stretching 4 km inland and covered with undisturbed Southern Cape fynbos, hence the name Fynbosstrand. The property is approximately 426 hectares in size.
Fynbosstrand is situated approximately 30 km east of Stillbay and 20 km west of Gouritz River Mouth. Fynbosstrand therefore has a remote piece of coastline not easily accessible to the general public except for a few anglers who occasionally are prepared to walk a long way from either Stillbay or Gouritz River Mouth.
The coastline represents beautiful patches of clean sandy beaches in between unspoilt rocky areas. It offers an abundance of sea life and safe swimming areas. Whales, dolphins and orcas are frequent visitors while black oystercatchers roam and breed along the coast. Apart from game introduced on the property there are various indigenous wildlife such as bush buck, honey badgers, caracals and porcupines.
The specific share constitutes a specific exclusive use right to erect a thatch roof house in old Cape vernacular architecture. The shareholder can select from three different types of house layouts and any minor deviations are controlled and managed by the company's Aesthetics Committee. This aesthetics control ensures a harmonious and pleasing development that blends into the environment.
The development was approved by the relevant authorities in 1990 and 30 houses have been built to date by shareholders. There is no time limit for a shareholder to build but he pays a levy each year for the availability of services. The company is not dependent on any services from the local authority. It has its own water supply, internal gravel roads, refuse removal and sewage is handled via septic tanks. Each house is powered by solar energy and gas.
The annual levies paid by shareholders cover amongst others the above services, property taxes payable to the local authority, plus the salary of the permanent employed farm manager and maintenance costs. The current levy per share is R16750 per annum.
Annual General Meetings of shareholders are held once a year in December where shareholders are afforded the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern and to elect a new board of directors to manage the company for the ensuing year.