WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Beekman Group receives top honours for sustainability at Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards.
Beekman Group, a prominent player in the hospitality and tourism industry’s property investment sector, recently clinched the prestigious “Top Business in Renewable Efficiency and Green Initiatives” title at the 2023 Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Awards. This is the Group’s second consecutive win at the Top Business Awards and their fourth overall.
This accolade is a testament to Beekman Group’s unwavering dedication to sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and innovative initiatives. Over the past decade, the Group has been a trailblazer within the industry, spearheading paperless customer interactions, robust recycling programmes, solar energy solutions, and pioneering wastewater management strategies.
The Kingdom Resort
DEDICATION TO SUSTAINABILITY
Taking a giant leap towards their sustainability objectives, Beekman Group recently unveiled the installation of 333 cutting-edge solar panels at their Port Shepstone headquarters. As highlighted by Cindy Allan, Executive Director at Beekman Group, this significant investment generates an impressive 181.44 kWp of sustainable power, ensuring a reliable and renewable energy source for operational needs. This milestone complements the existing solar power generation systems at Dolphin View Cabanas and solar farms across four flagship resorts: Dikhololo, The Kingdom Resort, Cayley Lodge, and Kiara Lodge. Collectively, these initiatives contribute a remarkable 1.6 million kWh of energy annually.
“We have also made significant progress in water management, with hydro-purification and wastewater recycling infrastructure at The Kingdom Resort, Waterberg Game Park, and Dikhololo. These efforts repurpose approximately 480,000 litres of wastewater daily, supporting our holistic approach and commitment to bettering our social and environmental contributions,” said Allan.
Cayley Mountain Resort
FAMILY BUSINESS LEGACY
Beekman Group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is deeply intertwined with its enduring legacy in South Africa. In 2022, the company was honoured as KwaZulu-Natal’s premier Family Business, paying tribute to the visionary efforts of John and Bram Beekman and their children, Neville, Wayne, and Cindy. Neville and Wayne, as torchbearers of their father’s legacy, gratefully accepted the 2022 award, cementing the Group’s commitment to sustainability and excellence. Neville Beekman, Executive Director of Beekman Group, stated, “This award is a testament to the sacrifices of not only my father and uncle but also their wives Jay and Antoinette as well. The success of a family business is intricately woven with the support of extended families and networks of friends.”
Cayley Mountain Resort
With an impressive legacy spanning over five decades, the Beekman Group is a trusted steward of over 35 vacation resorts across five countries, distinguished by their adept management of numerous owner and member bases. In addition to its remarkable presence in the leisure sector, the Beekman Group demonstrates its prowess in managing various commercial properties across two countries. With a track record of excellence and innovation, the Beekman Group continues to shape and redefine the landscape of property development and leisure in South Africa and beyond.
Umhlanga Cabanas manager, Sheldon English, accepts the 2023 award for Renewable Efficiency & Green Initiatives on behalf of the Beekman Group. With Hameed Noormahomed, retail and business banking central head at Standard Bank and Grant Adlam, CEO, KZN Top Business Awards.
