Our Portfolio

The result of LIH’s investment philosophy is the establishment, so far, of ten parallel investment pillars within the overall portfolio, which comprise a total of 43 existing ventures, some of which are illustrated below:

LIH remains committed to stabilizing our portfolio and seizing new growth opportunities through strategic investments locally and internationally. The 2023 corporatization exercise, fully implemented in 2024, has been instrumental in these efforts.

Retail and Leisure (Local and International)

LiH remains dedicated to the Retail and Leisure sector, where we see significant opportunities emerging in the post-COVID landscape, particularly within the alternative accommodation sub-sector.

The Retail and Leisure sector at LIH is thriving with strategic investments like SleepOver and Lethabong Lodge, offering innovative and diverse accommodation experiences across South Africa. SleepOver is rapidly expanding, both locally and internationally, while Lethabong Lodge provides a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore more to discover how we’re shaping the future of hospitality.

SleepOver

Operating 356 rooms across 10 locations in South Africa, with two new sites opening by December 2024. Six additional locations are planned for 2025, increasing the total to 638 rooms.
First territory license secured in Mauritius, with the opening set for December 2024. Ongoing negotiations in Namibia, Botswana, Nigeria, the USA, and Australia, with promising interest from other regions.

Visit SleepOver

Lethabong Lodge

Located in Limpopo’s Rooiberg District, Lethabong Lodge offers a full range of amenities, including luxury tents, lodge rooms, camping sites, a waterpark, game drives, and more.
Development of a 360° events venue for cultural and function gatherings.

Visit Lethabong Lodge

Restaurants & Fast-Food Brands

The future motto for this sector is one of management-by-information and to give a rapid yet considered response as the new market shapes and settles (both locally and globally).

This sector represents less than 20% of the investment portfolio. It is a sector that was severely impacted by the adverse trading conditions brought about by the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020/2021.

This has necessitated a deliberate and assertive review of the operating strategy to account for the changes in consumer behaviour within a post-COVID world.

Immediate successes include the establishment of the NYAMALICIOUS sub-brand and mobile-shop deployment during the fourth quarter of 2021. The effect has been positive immediately, allowing for maximum flexibility insofar the selection of core-aspects sites, rapid-relocation, and spontaneous pop-up promotions; as well as the sale/appointment of several new and exciting franchisees to the QSR-group. We remain acutely aware of the ongoing consumer shift from sit-down dining to home-based meals and continue to actively pursue this market.

A material investment has been made to a mobile-first management systems (i.e., bespoke in-house application) which places performance dashboards in the hands of our management team and allows rapid-response to the ever-present shifts in the marketplace.

Our mining ventures are strategically positioned to capitalise on the future of essential metals and minerals. From pioneering copper extraction in Namibia to exploring lucrative diamond and gold deposits in Angola, we are committed to driving growth and sustainability in the mining sector. Our operations are designed to maximise efficiency, and our focus remains on delivering strong investment returns while contributing to the global demand for critical resources.

GEM Plant Hire has swiftly established itself as a reliable partner for construction and excavation needs in the Helderberg area, Cape Town. Offering high-quality earth-moving equipment, the business is already experiencing significant demand, driving rapid fleet expansion.

Witvlei

Upgraded copper-ore smelting plant in Namibia, boosting capacity and efficiency. The new Electrowinning Plant has increased copper extraction by 55%.
With copper poised as the ‘metal of the future,’ we anticipate strong investment returns and long-term sustainability

Parklands Exploration

Major exploration license secured in Namibia’s Karbib region, focusing on copper, lithium, and gold. A state-of-the-art copper ore crushing plant has been established in Kowares, set to process 15,000 metric tons of ore monthly.
First mining operations expected by the end of 2024, with a projected yield of 500,000 tons of copper-bearing ore over five years.

Angola

Entered the Angolan mining sector, targeting alluvial diamonds and gold deposits. Initial small-scale exploration and mining are underway, with plans to expand.

GEM Plant Hire (Diamonds Meets Plant Hire)

Launched recently, GEM Plant Hire provides top-tier earth-moving machinery for hire, catering to the growing needs of construction and excavation projects in and around Cape Town. The service’s success is evident in its rapid fleet expansion, driven by strong demand for reliable and high-performance equipment.

Mining and Industrial (Local and International)

LiH sees mining outside South Africa as a strategic opportunity, dedicating substantial resources to this portfolio.

The first expansion is the acquisition of the majority (51%) equity stake in Sausage Saloon (Pty) Ltd. This is the single largest hot-dog franchise in South Africa, and includes a clear growth-plan for expansion into the previously unserved but emerging-market through a combination of mobile-trailers and pop-up stores.

The national footprint of Sausage Saloon (Pty) Ltd. currently comprises more than 100 franchised operations.
An additional 50 is scheduled to be opened for the remainder of 2022,
with identified and accessible growth opportunities for further expansion of up to 600-sites over the next 2 to 3 years.

Plans have immediately been agreed to internationalise the brand, with a fully funded 20 store proof-of-concept approved for Dubai during 2023/2024. Further medium-term expansion territories include Oman, Singapore, Mauritius, Australia & New Zealand.

National Fast-Food Hot-Dog Franchise Brand

The national footprint of Sausage Saloon (Pty) Ltd. currently comprises more than 100 franchised operations.

Industrial (Local Onlyl)

Diamonds Meets Plant Hire

GEM Plant Hire

Hospitality: Sleepover – International

The appeal of the brand/business-model is evidenced (amongst other) in SleepOver’s recent attraction of a new CEO from Nike SA.

The post-pandemic environment has positively boosted the hospitality sector in South Africa and even the broader Africa. Following the successful venture capital investment (i.e., incubation) of the rapid-deployment (pop-up) motel concept, SleepOver, in South Africa, the company has recently expanded to Mauritius from where it will be operated as an international base of operations across the African continent and abroad.

SleepOver is a low-cost accommodation business focusing on comfortable, secure, affordable accommodation to travellers. Franchises are being established adjacent to en-route filling stations, at the entrances to secondary towns, at tourism destinations and in suburban hubs. The principle of the motel is to offer affordable and accessible accommodation to a larger portion of the population – especially budget travellers. This makes the business ideal for expansion into other countries as the idea is also unexplored in these terrains.

Employing the vast franchising (i.e., licensing) expertise of the group, the next phase of growth will include the establishment and sale of multiple international master-territories as well as the appointment of in-country partners to manage such expansion.

The growth of the market potential in South Africa is estimated to include more than 75 motels.
In the larger Africa it is estimated to be between 200 and 400 motels.

Enquiries are presently being fielded from Australia and the United States, which market potential is yet to be assessed, but could easily overshadow the South African and African potential and justify the ‘unicorn’ label applied to the (initial) investment.

Medical (Local and International)

LIH has identified significant growth opportunities in both international and African markets, ready for exploration and investment.

Our medical sector is thriving as we explore dynamic growth opportunities across international and African markets. LIH is strategically positioning itself to capitalise on emerging healthcare needs and expand our footprint in regions with significant demand.

Medi-Rent

In response to challenges posed by the pandemic, Medi-Rent has consolidated its operations in South Africa while seeking new growth avenues for medical device deployment and finance. This strategy has sparked interest in underserved markets across Africa.

Notable achievements include international rental contracts for our expanding range of medical equipment and the establishment of Medi-Rent Namibia. We are also progressing with trade-license registrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, the continent’s largest market. Medi-Rent remains committed to delivering high-value support and quality services, with ongoing interest from partners and potential buyers.

Visit Medi-Rent

The property sector has shown growth in the post-pandemic environment. Property is a successful tool for investment and shopping malls with strong anchor tenants prove to attract consumers. In Montana in Pretoria, a local strip-mall shopping centre, Wingtip Crossing, has been acquired. The centre has attracted Woolworths as a new anchor-tenant and the centre will undergo substantial upgrades.

Opportunity has accordingly presented to partner with a longstanding and reputable developer as majority shareholder and development financier alongside Investec as existing bankers. This is defined as phase-1 development only, phase-2 will present various complementary development and commercial opportunities and in respect whereof, a first option of refusal has simultaneously been secured.

Property: Wingtip Crossing – Montana

There are discussions to align the various food-franchising brands of the LIH group with the plans of the developer and hereby secure prime-sites for mutual-benefit expansion.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

- Benjamin Franklin -

Our property investments are strategically driving growth and value through targeted local developments and explorations into international markets. LIH is dedicated to enhancing our property portfolio with innovative projects and acquisitions that promise long-term returns and expand our footprint.

Wingtip Shopping Centre

Acquired in 2022, Wingtip Shopping Centre in Montana, Pretoria, features over 90% national tenants, including Checkers and Woolworths Food. With these major anchors opening in early 2024, this development is set to deliver substantial long-term returns.

Assured Real Estate Companies

Founded in 2017, Assured Real Estate focuses on property development, acquisitions, and management. We target the middle-class residential market, neighbourhood retail, and educational properties, aiming to develop 50-100 residential units annually and acquire key retail and educational properties each year.

Visit Assured Real Estate Companies

Property (Local Only)

Our property portfolio is considered a stable investment pillar, with ongoing efforts to diversify and expand.

South Africa has a dynamic healthcare, and by extension medical, sector. Private healthcare remains the most lucrative sector within healthcare. The Medical Franchise Company was initially established as a specialist medical eco-system for the provision of medical-equipment finance, the development of a national dialysis clinic network and the (in-house) supply of medical-consumables through a franchise-type model. But during 2020/2021, the venture has also experienced severe trading pressures because of the pandemic and the attaching and unforeseen loss-of-life of many former dialysis patients.

An aggressive review of core strategy immediately followed at the end of 2021. The company is now actively in pursuit of the dental and pathology markets, each of which have seen material upswings during and following the pandemic.

Immediate successes in the fourth quarter of 2021 include:

the rental and sale of multiple medical devices into Namibia and Nigeria, and
the establishment of a sub-service pathology laboratory locally.

Expressions of interest have been received insofar the sale/purchase of the dialysis clinics, and
the company has entered discussion regarding our acquisition and rapid expansion of a network of GP clinics servicing the ever-growing emerging (township) market in South Africa.

Whilst remaining a highly regulated, resource-intensive and competitive market, there remains opportunity for systemisation, automation, and back-end supply-chain management/ownership (i.e., application of our core franchising expertise), which holds the promise of material future returns on investment/capital.

Medical: Medical Franchise Company

Expressions of interest have been received insofar the sale/purchase of the dialysis clinics.

Agriculture (Local and International)

LIH has pursued niche investment opportunities in the agriculture sector for portfolio diversification and sustainability.

Our agricultural ventures are designed to enhance both local and international markets through innovative farming practices and strategic partnerships. LIH is committed to advancing our agricultural portfolio with projects that drive growth and deliver exceptional results.

Free Range Enterprise

Located outside Cullinan, Gauteng, this farm focuses on free-range livestock and integrated vegetable farming. Initial success with sheep, beef, and various vegetables has led us to explore additional seed varieties, livestock species, and technologies to optimise economic outcomes.

Namsnails

Based near Swakopmund, Namibia, Namsnails is now the largest producer of edible snails in the Southern Hemisphere. Despite weather-related delays, operations are being refined and restocked under new leadership, with a focus on sustained future performance.

bpure

In the medical cannabis sector, bpure has achieved key milestones but requires additional capital to enhance its growing system. LiH is increasing its equity stake, anticipating improvements in production volume. bpure has secured new international agreements with firms in Canada and Germany and holds GMP certification, SAHPRA accreditation, with EU-GMP certification in progress, positioning it as a promising VC investment with robust international connections.

Visit bpure

MedicinalCannabis Grower

The enterprise strategy includes the establishment, within the same Group (HoldCo) structure, of a state-of-the-art, 2 ton, medical-grade cannabis growing facility in South Africa (expandable immediately to 12 ton).

The second expansion is the acquisition of the material (51%) equity stake in BPure Growers (Pty) Ltd. The enterprise strategy includes the establishment, within the same Group (HoldCo) structure, of a state-of-the-art, 2 ton, medical-grade cannabis growing facility in South Africa (expandable immediately to 12 ton), as well as specialist extraction and processing facilities and a specialist retail division.

The acquisition of this company is exclusively targeted towards the premium international EU-GMP (European) market and underpinned by multiple guaranteed EURO-based international take-off agreements.

The company is fully licensed in accordance with South African and international standards. It is also licensed as a special joint-venture between a leading South African property developer, international certified master grower, and LIH acting as project funder.

In the private debt sector, LIH is dedicated to providing effective financial solutions that address growing personal debt trends. Our focus is on delivering reliable and responsible lending services tailored to the needs of our clients.

Sheshisa (Fast) Finance

Sheshisa Finance addresses the rising trend of personal debt in South Africa by offering quick and dependable short-term debt solutions. Our approach emphasises responsible lending, helping clients manage their finances effectively and avoid reckless borrowing.

Visit Sheshisa (Fast) Finance

Debt (Local Only)

Identifying the current trend of appetite for personal overdraft-debt in South Africa where personal debt levels have increased from 46% to over 74% in the last decade.

Southern Africa consists of countries that have resource-rich land, making these countries ideal for various agricultural activities. Snail farming in particular is quite in demand as snails can be used for various functions. NAMSnails is a start-up Namibian facility employing patented European technology to be the largest producer of high-quality edible and cosmetic-grade snails on the African continent.

The company has been executed as a majority equity-stake joint venture and complemented by structured mezzanine-finance, the company is ensured to have substantial short-term ROI’s and medium-term capital-growth.

Ownership of the start-up facility includes the sole right for the on-continent establishment of a world-class snail-processing plant (factory), already agreed to be directed from a majority-owned HoldCo named SNAILGlobal to ensure maximisation of all local/international tax positions and back-end shared-services. This arrangement is supported by a guaranteed Euro-based take-off agreement.

Agricultural NAMSnails / SNAILAfrica

NAMSnails is a start-up Namibian facility employing patented European technology to be the largest producer of high-quality edible and cosmetic-grade snails on the African continent.

Food and Franchising (Local and International)

Expanding internationally with new sites in Mauritius and India while exploring further markets.

Our QSR franchising sector is making significant strides both locally and internationally. With an ambitious expansion plan, our brands are setting the pace in the quick-service restaurant industry, adapting to market challenges and capitalising on new growth opportunities.

Sausage Saloon

Aiming for 2,000 outlets globally by 2030, we are expanding with new sites in Mauritius and India, and exploring further markets like Saudi Arabia and China. Locally, we are boosting our presence with new openings and a refreshed marketing strategy. Visit Sausage Saloon

Nyamalicious

Nyamalicious offers a taste of South African tradition with delicious, flame-grilled meat and barbecue chicken, delivering quality food that resonates with the heart of the nation, available anywhere and on demand. Visit Nyamalicious

Chesanyama

Dive into an authentic South African braai experience at Chesanyama. Proudly South African, Chesanyama offers rich flavors and unbeatable value, allowing you to enjoy a mouthwatering meal without spending a fortune. Visit Chesanyama

Yami Pizza

Catering to vibrant families, trendy teens, and young professionals, Yami Pizza offers a lively dining experience with a wide range of mouth-watering pizzas. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, Yami is all about bringing people together. The brand embraces its “Deliciously Different” essence, celebrating being far from normal—always fun, never boring. Visit Yami Pizza

Chicken Stop

Born during the pandemic, Chicken Stop brings a family recipe from South America to life with signature grilled chicken, ribs, and burgers. Founded by two friends with 40 years of combined restaurant experience, Chicken Stop prides itself on quality taste and exceptional service, offering a memorable dining experience both in-store and at home. Visit Chicken Stop

Yummy Fish & Chips

From its roots in East London, Yummy Fish & Chips is expanding across South Africa, offering top-quality, fresh, and affordable meals. With a focus on serving delicious seafood, Yummy is dedicated to bringing its tasty offerings to more communities nationwide. Visit Yummy Fish & Chips

Zebro’s

Born in Caledon around a fire, Zebro’s serves 100% local, authentic braaied chicken with a unique, renowned sauce. This South African favourite is expanding nationwide, sharing its delicious heritage with the entire country. Visit Zebro’s

Mining: Gem Plant Hire (‘GEMD’)- Windsorton

Diamonds Meets Plant Hire

The business of diamond mining remains extremely lucrative, despite difficulties posed by the pandemic, and is allowing for new opportunities. Kimberly is well-known for its diamond mining. One of the popular areas for diamond mining is the Windsorton area just outside of Kimberley.

The Windsorton area outside of Kimberley has always been closed off to anyone but property owners and mining-permit holders. This situation is now changing due to various proposed land-reforms in South Africa and has presented a rare 3+3-year opportunity for the (open-cast) mining of such resource-rich lands by new market entrants.

Executed as a majority-share joint venture investment with 3^rd generation diamond prospectors, the objective is firstly a proof-of-concept (‘P.O.C’) to ensure a profitable local operation, whereafter aggressive expansion will be pursued into neighbouring countries.

Diamonds Meets Plant Hire

Any/all international expansion will be directed from a majority-owned HoldCo named GEMGlobal to ensure maximisation of all local/international tax positions and back-end shared-services. It is fortuitous that the market price of diamonds has been positively impacted by the pandemic and that luxury brands continue to prosper, also globally.

Our Health and Beauty sector focuses on providing top-notch services that elevate personal care and create lasting memories. Our leading clinics and innovative technologies offer exceptional experiences, whether it’s advanced aesthetic treatments or capturing cherished moments with state-of-the-art imaging. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality, transformative services that enhance both beauty and well-being.

Eximia Belle Aesthetic Boutique Clinic

Founded by Joha-Nel Van Zyl, this 5-star clinic is dedicated to transforming the aesthetic industry, offering the only partnership you need to enhance your skin and body continuously. Visit Eximia Belle Aesthetic Boutique Clinic

Peekaboo 4D Baby Scan

Experience the wonder of your baby in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Our state-of-the-art 4D technology provides non-diagnostic ultrasounds, capturing real-time video and 3D sonogram images, creating memories to cherish forever.

Health and Beauty

Our Health and Beauty sector is dedicated to enhancing well-being and creating memorable experiences with cutting-edge services.

The mining sector in Namibia continues to grow. A new venture has opened in Global Copper Smelters that encompasses a start-up 1-ton/hour copper-ore smelter. This smelter has recently been awarded the first Namibian production licence of its kind in decades for the processing of (raw) blister-copper

Initially executed as only an equipment finance transaction, the agreement has now expanded to include majority equity ownership and exclusive growth-financier status following the sale of all proof-of-concept (‘P.O.C’) production to buyers in the United Kingdom and China.

The price of copper has risen sharply as it is driven by demand for copper, particularly as it is the key-element of electric-car batteries used by the likes of Tesla and found in other electronic devices like mobile-phones. Copper’s price has risen from $3,000/ton to $10 000/ton in recent years, underpinning the group’s strategic expansion of the plant to (est.) 15-ton/hour.

Mining: Global Copper Smelters – Witvlei

Recently, expert geology and mining skills have been incorporated into the equity structure to ensure the required enterprise continuity and succession.

Property Development

Our property development projects focus on enhancing communities and delivering high-quality, sustainable spaces.

We are committed to developing properties that enhance communities and deliver exceptional quality. Our projects span commercial and mixed-use developments, prioritising both innovative design and sustainable practices. Our aim is to create spaces that not only address current needs but also offer lasting benefits to the area.

Wingtip Boulevard

Our property development projects are designed to elevate living standards and create vibrant, sustainable communities. We specialize in developing commercial, and mixed-use properties that combine modern architecture with functional design. Each project is meticulously planned, from selecting prime locations to incorporating green spaces and the latest amenities. Our commitment to quality construction, innovative solutions, and long-term value ensures that our developments not only meet current market demands but also enhance the surrounding area for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a investment opportunity, or commercial space, our developments offer unmatched quality and potential.

Our technology sector is focused on driving growth and innovation across various domains. From enhancing trading experiences and fostering digital transformation to providing exceptional IT support and custom software solutions, we are committed to utilising technology to unlock new opportunities and deliver impactful results.

QuidPro

We’re redefining trading with a platform that integrates strategy, technology, and real-time insights. Our mission is to provide traders of all levels an unparalleled experience, using trading bots for strategic gains. Visit QuidPro

Impactful

We inspire, connect, and empower people, driving change and progress. Through our High-Performance Golden Circle, we help businesses thrive by developing future-ready skills, fostering collaboration, and bridging the gap between people and technology. Impactful has a legacy of guiding organizations through digital transformation and professional skills development. Visit Impactful

FTS Technologies

We revolutionize IT support by offering innovative, affordable solutions that empower businesses to achieve their goals. Our mission is to deliver exceptional IT services, foster strong client relationships, and drive growth in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Visit FTS Technologies

Lion Software Development

Unlock your business’s potential with custom software solutions tailored to your needs. From requirements analysis to deployment and support, Lion Software Development offers expertise in creating efficient, modern applications that drive growth and enhance user experiences. Visit Lion Software Development

Technology

Technology is at the core of our innovation strategy, driving efficiency and growth through cutting-edge solutions and strategic insights.