Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa REIM February 2018

GIUSEPPE PLUMARI Getting to know Giuseppe Plumari BY MONIQUE DU TOIT A ll great things start with a great idea. Just ask the man behind the largest parkland residence in Johannesburg, Giuseppe Plumari. Along with business partner and friend, insurance mogul Douw Steyn, Plumari spent eight years planning what would culminate in a reimagining of how we live. “One of the distinguishing characteristics of Steyn City is the accent on old-fashioned, community living. We developed the concept as a direct response to the isolation that is typical of our modern suburbs. Everything in the develop- ment, from the design to the recreational facilities, has been created to encourage people to spend time outdoors, with their families and neighbours,” explains Plumari. Set on 2,000 acres of land, 50% of which is set to be re- served as woodland, Steyn City is the largest development of its kind in South Africa. Currently in the second phase of de- velopment, the lifestyle resort has already made waves in prop- erty circles. Last year’s New World Wealth ranking of South African lifestyle estates places Steyn City in second place — especially notable once you consider the fact that construction is still under way. To date, more than R6,5 bn has been invest- ed in infrastructure both within and around the development. Steyn City’s amenities will be impressive, to say the least. Plumari explains that all amenities are being planned around enhancing the community spirit of the development. Steyn City School was recently launched, providing excellent ed- ucation to children of residents and non-residents alike. The next major project will be the City Centre, incorporating lux- ury apartment living, retail, and several other conveniences. It won’t all be about the buildings, however: “I’m passionate about our planet and how it works. Conservation is a subject close to my heart and something I try to ensure is evident in the creative work and environment we’re endeavouring to create here.” Making a difference QUICK STATS Mentors: Nelson Mandela and Warren Buffett I’m reading: Various wildlife and conserva- tion books. I love reading about our planet and how it works. Life Motto: Embrace each other’s differ- ences My favourite travel destination: Hout Bay Plumari makes it clear that the development is about more than business: “The aim is to support our neighbouring com- munities through our several initiatives. We have a labour desk that is manned by local community liaison officers, a Skills Centre and Artists’ Programme, as well as our flagship drive Delivering Happiness to Diepsloot.” The location of Steyn City has been the source of contro- versy. Some claim that the construction of an exclusive lifestyle development, bordering impoverished Diepsloot, is insensitive and furthers the inequality faced in most of South Africa. Commenting on this, Plumari explains that Steyn City has actually generated much-needed jobs in the area: “For those working at the development, the location means far less time and money spent on commuting. This money can be used for other important household expenses, like their children’s ed- ucation.” He also goes on to explain that the development’s location was not an accident: “It was entirely planned, be- cause we realised that we had the potential to generate pos- itive outcomes for the community. We believe that develop- ers shouldn’t run away from these communities. Rather, they should support them by building in close proximity…this helps to stimulate local economies.” Many have raised concerns about the effect of the devel- opment on existing infrastructure. As part of the investment SA Real Estate Investor Magazine FEBRUARY 2018 7

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