The Sibaya Casino development north of Durban is due to open next week and will entail a rapid switchover from the temporary Sugar Mill Casino open at present. The Afrisun KZN company, managed by Sun International, is only licensed to operate one casino in the area, so the Sugar Mill Casino in Mount Edgecombe will have to shut before Sibaya can open. The transfer is expected to be completed within twelve hours.

Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom created around 5,000 jobs during its construction, and an additional 10,000 indirectly. Building the road access to the property was a contract worth R40 million and over 500,000 cubic metres of soil were moved.

Afrisun KZN was created in 1996 to create socially and environmentally responsible tourism projects in KwaZulu-Natal. There are six principal shareholders, including Sun International and black economic empowerment companies. The Sibaya resort is set in the green hills overlooking the Indian Ocean, just outside Umhlanga and not far from Durban. The Royal Sibaya Hotel has 12 suites and 24 rooms, with a 120-room hotel planned for 2006. The colourful heritage of the Zulu nation is on show at the uMilo KaZulu (Circles of Fire) cultural village, where guests will be able to sample authentic Zulu cuisine.

Over 900 state-of-the-art slot machines, with touch screens and smartcard technology, and 37 gaming tables are available for play at the casino, and there will be a vibrant nightlife at Krakatoa, a multi-level venue. The architecture of the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is an impressive series of copper domes and the finishing touches are being given to the interior decor.

Anyone who has experienced the warmth of the welcome at other Sun International properties, and enjoyed their unique ambience, will look forward to sampling the delights to be found at this new resort in KwaZulu-Natal. Sibaya looks set to become yet another jewel in the crown of Sun International.

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