The Sir Lowry's Pass area is an area of historical significance for over 100 years. The picturesque mountains, forests and local Village is one of the best-kept secrets of the Western Cape in terms of its beauty and vistas.

The mountains are majestic from any viewpoint. In addition, the area is a fynbos paradise and contains some magnificent floral species.

However, the area is also a poverty trap, with the Sir Lowry's Pass Village community being described as the pocket of deepest poverty in the Helderberg region. With employment restricted to the seasonal hospitality industry and local farms, sustainable employment is an ever-growing myth in this community.

In addition, the housing crisis is best seen in the explosion of the informal settlement community over the last 8 years, filling up every available open space and slowly creeping up into the larger environment.

OWNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The future of the area is at a cross roads: The path of sustainable development with embedded economic development, social upliftment and environmental protection on the one hand and a "Russian-Roulette-hands-off" approach to let nature take its course on the other hand.

Just over 5 years ago, Dutch entrepreneur Henk Maris invested in the area by buying 10 farms in what he believed was "one of the most beautiful areas in the world".

Through private ownership Mr Maris believes that he can preserve and develop the area for the long-term benefit of the people of the Village, the adjoining property owners and the environment.