By Alec Hogg
Little on earth is more relaxing and rejuvenating than the South African bush. I was privileged to get another dose over the weekend at the 12 000 hectare Mabula Lodge, an easy couple hours drive from Johannesburg.
I’ve been to Mabula a few times over the years and never seen it in better shape. Reason, locals say, is the injection of capital by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya who bought the game reserve for a reported R100m.
But Mabula’s new patron may soon be forced to sell. Mallya is in such hot water that he skipped India for the UK last year. He is accused of fraud and money laundering by a dozen Indian banks owed over $1bn.
Mallya is fighting extradition with arguments that include Indian jails are unfit for human habitation. Unfortunately, Mabula is sure to be caught in the crossfire. Hopefully there’s another potential owner with a less spotty pedigree ready to step up.
