After a long battle that began over a quarter of a century ago, 104 families are about to regain their land, but not free and clear. Sun International’s legal lease on the land is valid for another 24 years and can be extended until 2079.

The prime coastal property where the Wild Coast Sun Casino is situated, overlooking the Indian Ocean between the Umtamvuna and Mzamba rivers, was built after the then Transkei president Kaiser Matanzima evicted the families known as the Khimbili group in a deal with the Holiday Inns group.

The lease period of 100 years has a legal clause with a guaranteed payout for the cost of all buildings and improvements to the property at the end of the term. The casino resort was taken over by Sol Kerzner’s company in 1983. The Khimbili group claimants may have nearly won a land restitution deal but say around R320 million may have to be paid to Sun International, forcing them to give away their land.

The families are hoping that it may be possible to renegotiate the lease, leaving the Wild Coast Sun to operate whilst allowing the community to develop other tourist and business ventures on adjacent land. (E-08.30.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage