This last weekend saw the ground breaking ceremony in the Breede River Valley, known as one of the great secrets of the Western Cape, for the latest Sun International development. Amongst magnificent views of the Cedarberg Mountains, fruit orchards and South Africa’s biggest wine producing area, the Worcester Casino will take shape for a scheduled opening in October 2006. The new property, costing an estimated R156 million (US$24.1 million) is in addition to Sun International’s R320 million (US$49.4 million) upgrade of GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, also in the Western Cape.

The Sun International Group has a 40% economic interest in the Worcester Casino and holds a long-term management contract. The other 60% economic interest is in the hands of the company’s BEE partners, ensuring broad-based empowerment of the disadvantaged at all levels. The 250 slot machine casino will have a conference facility, restaurant, entertainment bar and children’s entertainment facility. The new development is expected to act as a catalyst for further investment and the creation of employment in the Breede Valley area.

Peter Bacon, in his year end message, says that 2005 has been a good year for both Sun International and South Africa. Nationally there has been steady economic growth with good investment expenditure and job creation, which has led to higher disposable incomes and spending in the leisure industries. Earlier this month all casino operators in South Africa pledged themselves to the Casino Association’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, a social contract with far-reaching measures to ensure the implementation of responsible gambling policies. Peter Bacon will retire next year, and David Coutts-Trotter will take over as Sun International Chief Executive. (E-11.29.05)

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