GAMING FOR AFRICA
Sun International unveils new Sun Meropa Hotel
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aturday, 29th July 2017 marked the start of an exciting new era for Sun Meropa with the official unveiling of a new hotel at the complex. The opening of the upmarket Sun Meropa Hotel comes less than a year since Sun International and the Domba Empowerment Corporation (PTY) Ltd. announced the expansion plans for the complex. Construction workers and equipment have swarmed the site since September 2016 to complete the project ahead of schedule. Sun International’s R76-million investment in the hotel at Sun Meropa 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 over R1.2 million in Socio Economic Development projects mainly in Education, Sports and Culture initiatives. And through the Domba Trust has also ploughed back over R8.9 million in various projects focused on education.
suites and two Luxury suites. Catering to business and leisure travellers, the hotel features all amenities and the high quality of service that Sun International’s guests are accustomed to. Sun Meropa, which celebrated its 15th 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 Grill & Wine restaurant; the contemporary Jembe Tavern which hosts regular live entertainment, and a well equipped and versatile conference centre. Sun Meropa hosts a variety of events annually, with artists such as Mi Casa, Candy, Muzo Bothers and Loyiso Gola amongst the well known entertainers that have graced its stage. The casino itself boasts 417 slot machines and 17 tables, including classics like Roulette, Blackjack and Poker. Part of Sun International, Southern Africa’s premier gaming, hospitality and entertainment group, Sun Meropa offers guests the assurance of quality entertainment, premium facilities and the unparalleled high standard of service for which the company is renowned. Members of Sun International’s Sun MVG loyalty programme can access the array of benefits and rewards they qualify for at Sun Meropa. Sun International recently reinvented its well recognised
The hotel development provides economic stimulus for
the region, through job creation and tourism to the area. Approximately 475 jobs were created directly and indirectly through the development, with the majority of labour sourced from the local community. Sun Meropa’s General Manager, Peter Guthrie says the 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 travelers. “We continuously strive towards excellence to enhance Sun Meropa’s appeal so as promote tourism to the city and thereby contribute to the local economy. By enhancing Sun Meropa with a quality hotel, offering a high standard of accommodation, we believe we can increase our contribution to economic growth and tourism in the area. “We are delighted with the results of what has been a demanding, yet exciting, construction phase. With the largest, contemporary casino floor in Polokwane, a selection of dining and entertainment options and our beautiful new hotel, Sun Meropa is poised to become the premier leisure, business and conferencing destination in the region.” The new Sun Meropa Hotel flows seamlessly into the casino complex and reflects the discerning Moroccan styled, architecture and aesthetics that make the complex distinctly Sun Meropa. The hotel boasts 60 immaculate rooms with a Moroccan theme. Including four
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Most Valued Guest (MVG) loyalty programme to deliver more rewards, exciting benefits and exclusive offers to guests visiting its casinos and hotels in South Africa. A key enhancement of the new Sun MVG programme is the opportunity it provides to customers to earn both casino and leisure points when playing slots, table games, staying in hotel rooms and dining at selected restaurants and outlets at Sun International properties. Casino Points can be used for playback on the slot machines and table games and Leisure Points for hotel accommodation, dining experiences or exciting entertainment.
Agile Capital acquires stake in Goldrush Group
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gile Capital, via its black- owned empowerment subsidiary Zico Capital, has
acquired considerable equity in major gambling industry brand, the Goldrush Group (Pty) Ltd, through a significant BEE transaction. Agile Capital pursues investments
Pictured from l-r at the Sun Meropa opening are Peter Guthrie (General Manager: Sun Meropa); Serobi Maja (Chief Executive Officer: Limpopo Gaming Board); Anthony Leeming (Chief Executive Officer: Sun International); Raleigh Maesela
(Chairman: Sun Meropa) and Demi-Leigh Peters-Nel (Miss South Africa 2017).
across diverse sectors as a key PE player in the local market, holding a broad portfolio spanning multiple industries. “We specifically target businesses offering tangible growth potential and solid operational track records,” notes Tshego Sefolo, CEO: Agile Capital. “Our investment criteria further includes a minimum EBITDA of R30m.” The current deal sees Agile extend the variety of its interests still further and enter the gambling industry via its acquisition of interest in gaming business holding company, the Goldrush Group (Pty) Ltd. Goldrush is a diversified group holding gaming licences in most South African provinces and is focused on the bingo, sports betting and the limited payout machine (LPM) sectors. “Goldrush is structured and managed through its operating divisions that are based in turn on these various sectors,” notes Mergan Naidoo, Goldrush CEO. “Our investment in Goldrush will significantly bolster the empowerment credentials of the business,” says Sefolo. “As the transaction is via our subsidiary Zico Capital, the target company may regard such investment as 100% black owned for the purposes of the BBBEE scorecard, with significant women ownership. The deal will be effected through the buy-out of existing BEE and non- BEE shareholders in the current structure. According to Londeka Shezi; a Director at Agile Capital, the transaction was a significant milestone as it afforded some of the minority shareholders to realise their investment in the business. The balance of equity in the company is to be retained by existing shareholders, which crucially includes the current management – ensuring incentive through direct interest.
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