Supplier News
South Africa – Gauteng welcomes residential opinion on Sun relocation
By Phil - 6 August 2013
The Gauteng Gambling Board has said it will allow residents to present their views before ruling on whether Sun International can relocate its Morula Casino licence to the proposed Time Square at Menlyn Maine, upping its gaming mix to 3,000 slots and 100 gaming tables in the process.
Sun says it will invest R3bn and complete the project in three years but it faces opposition from a group called Joint Action Group (JAG), representing 22 residents’ associations as well as political opposition.
Fred Nel, Gauteng local government spokesman for the Democratic Alliance, said: “The ongoing controversy surrounding the proposal fuels the need for proper consultation. Proper impact assessments must be done, including on the local infrastructure network and social fabric, and that social responsibility should form a cornerstone of any proposed casino development in the area.”
Lucky Lukhwareni, Head of Legal Services at the Gauteng Gambling Board, said: “The public will never be disregarded. We will hear their complaints if they follow the correct procedure.. Even the DA can come and if they are unhappy they can lay a complaint.”
Richard King, of JAG, said: “The city says the gambling board must oversee public participation, but the residents of the city want to speak to the city fathers. The city has ducked out on public participation on this one.”
City spokesman Blessing Manale, added: “The city has repeatedly said it will engage with any investor and industry relocating operations in any node within its boundaries. We are equally an interested and affected party and will make our submission to the Gauteng Gambling Board on the various impacts and mitigation measures of such impacts should such a licence be granted.”
The resort will include a 5-star hotel with 100 luxury rooms and 10 suites, a conference centre, an indoor entertainment arena for 8,000 people and a diverse range of retail shopping, bars and restaurants.
A Sun spokesperson explained: “Our market research has shown that there is clear demand for the hotel and convention space in Tshwane as well as the proposed entertainment arena – all of which also dovetail with Sun International’s existing assets and proven competence in the industry. Research into the gaming market indicates that for many customers from Tshwane West, North, Central and East, the location of the existing Gauteng casinos has made reaching them difficult. This suggests that there will be growth in the market from these areas with a casino based in Tshwane, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the same ease of access and urban facilities found in other South African cities.”
