After originally hoping to open by December 2004, and an announcement one year ago on June 9 2004 scheduling a July 2005 opening, the Sun International casino development in Bloemfontein is now on track for a September 30 opening. The gaming licence from rural Thaba’Nchu is to be transferred to South Africa’s sixth largest city, the hub of road routes and the country’s largest railway workshop.

The Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre, 10km southeast of Bloemfontein city centre, will boast a conference centre, 3 speciality restaurants and fast food outlets, a children’s entertainment facility, an 80-room hotel and a convenience store with service station. The leisure development by Sun International - aligned Mangaung Sun (Pty) Ltd has already created around 560 direct and 700 indirect jobs in its construction. On completion some 390 people will be employed at the complex, and a resulting 380 or more indirect jobs would be expected.

Sun International's empowerment partners in Mangaung include the Thabo Community Trust, and Etapele Investments consisting of Belega Woman Investments, Umyeso Leisure, Tsela Tshoeu Investments and Mmabatho Business Investments. 30% of the equity in Mangaung is in disadvantaged hands.

Bloemfontein, sometimes referred to as the City of Roses, is thought to have derived its name from the abundant flowers growing round a spring on a Voortrekker farm. It became the Free State capital in 1854 and the city rapidly grew after the discovery of diamonds at Kimberley and gold in Witwatersrand. Mangaung, meaning ‘Place of the Cheetahs’ is the local Sotho name for Bloemfontein.

The Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre is costing around US$35.4 million to develop. The exterior is in the style of British architect Sir Herbert Baker who designed the Union Buildings in Pretoria and controversially reconstructed the Bank of England in London, and the interior will be themed on the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris, which should make an interesting contrast of styles. The casino will have 230 slot machines and 10 gaming tables.

Once open, the Windmill is expected to add substantially to the Free State’s GDP by an average US$18 million annually, after a little under US$11 million in the first year of trading. At present, the complex is about to get its roof finished, which means the construction is around 70% complete. By the end of September 2005 Bloemfontein should get its new casino and entertainment centre. (E-06.10.05)

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