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VENUE NEWS
Investment plans for Sun Meropa
Turning the first sod for a new threestar hotel at Sun Meropa are, from left, Kenny Maboea, chief director: business regulation at the Department of Economic Development; Thabo Mosololi, Sun International’s director of operations; Serobi Maja, chief executive officer of the Gambling Board; Raleigh Maesela, chairman of the Meropa Board; and Ruben Gooranah, regional general manager: Sun International.
Sun International and Domba Empowerment Corporation (PTY) Ltd announced its expansion plans for Sun Meropa at a sod-turning ceremony for a new hotel at the complex recently. The R75-million development is scheduled for completion in August 2017.
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he chief director: business regulation, Kenny Maboea, from the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism; the chairman of the Limpopo Gambling Board, Mashile Mokono; chief executive officer of the Gambling Board, Serobi Maja, chairman of the Meropa Board, Raleigh Maesela; chairperson of the Domba Empowerment Corporation, Ndivhu Ramalibana; and Sun International’s director of operations, Thabo Mosololi, were among the special guests who attended the sod- turning event. The investment forms part of the company’s commitment to the City of Polokwane and the Limpopo Gambling Board. In the last financial year, Sun Meropa directly contributed more than R850 000 in socio-economic development projects mainly in education, sports and culture initiatives. Through the Domba Trust, it also ploughed back another R4-million into various educational projects. This development reaffirms Sun Meropa’s commitment to supporting the city’s economic priorities, and growing Polokwane into a destination of choice for international and domestic travellers.
The development will provide economic stimulus for the region, both during the construction period and after, through job creation and tourism to the area. About 500 new on- and off-site jobs will be created during the construction phase, with the majority of the labour sourced from the local community. “Sun International takes pride in its role as a corporate citizen of Polokwane, and we continuously strive towards excellence to enhance Sun Meropa’s appeal so as to promote tourism to the city and thereby contribute to the local economy. “By extending Sun Meropa with a hotel, we believe we can increase our contribution to economic growth and tourism in the area.” Mr Mosololi said: “We will be able to extend our offering to include a high standard of accommodation and service to our guests visiting from other provinces. “And, with the largest contemporary casino floor in Polokwane, a selection of dining and entertainment options and a quality hotel, Sun Meropa is poised to become the premier entertainment, business and leisure destination in the region.” In keeping with the complex’s exquisite Moroccan architecture, the hotel will
reflect the discerning style, architecture and aesthetics that make the complex distinctly Sun Meropa. On completion, it will boast 60 rooms with a Moroccan theme; 54 of the rooms will be standard rooms. In addition, the hotel will have four junior suites and two superior suites. Catering to business and leisure travellers, the hotel will feature all the amenities and the high quality of service guests are accustomed to. Sun Meropa, which celebrated its 14th anniversary in March this year, is a vibrant entertainment hub at the heart of Polokwane, offering an array of entertainment and experiences for young and old. The complex features the upmarket Harvest Charcoal Grill; the contemporary Jembe Tavern, which hosts regular live entertainment, and a conference centre. Sun Meropa hosts a variety of events annually, with artists such as Mi Casa, The Parlotones and Loyiso Gola, among the well-known entertainers who have graced its stage. The casino itself boasts 417 slot machines and 17 tables, including classics like Roulette, Blackjack and Poker.