South Africa’s Tsogo Sun achieves Level 1 B-BBEE status
The Chairperson of South Africa’s Tourism B-BBEE Charter Council, Dr Vuyo Mahlati, has congratulated the country’s largest casino operator Tsogo Sun on attaining the status of a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor. The BEE scorecard is an empowerment barometer that meaures job creation, employement and senior levels and various otehr criteria designed to redress inequalities in the workplace brought about by apartheid, that ended more than 23 years ago in 1994.
Dr Mahlati said Tsogo Sun is a shining example of what can be achieved when businesses are committed to empowerment and commercial success. “We congratulate the group on this outstanding achievement. You have put transformation policy into action, and you are an inspiration for others who want to follow the path you have embarked on. We believe this status will help Tsogo Sun to broaden empowerment and contribute to a more inclusive economy,” said Dr Mahlati.
Tsogo Sun’s most recent empowerment certificate indicates that the group has achieved 62.1% black ownership and 34.4% black women ownership. Empowerment criteria, which are assessed for the certificate, include ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and socio-economic development.
Tsogo Sun is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The group includes 14 casino and entertainment centres, and over 100 hotels in South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and the Middle East. The portfolio includes theatres, cinemas, over 300 restaurants and bars and over 250 conference facilities, including the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa also congratulated Tsogo Sun for their empowerment efforts and wished Tsogo Sun every success in the future as it continues to offer great experiences to tourists, creates value for its shareholders, and contributes to the transformation of the tourism sector and the South African economy.
“We are determined to implement economic transformation throughout the tourism value chain, and we will succeed as more and more businesses drive transformation in their operations, as Tsogo Sun has done,” said Minister Xasa.
Anantara & Marriott venture into Tanzania
Two major global hotel chains have signalled their intent to venture into East Africa, with Marriott International’s recent announcement that it will open a hotel in Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania to tap into the isle’s tourism business.
The planned $330 million hotel will be part of the Amber Resort complex, and the largest accommodation facility occupying 1,750 hectares of Indian Ocean coastline in the northeast of the island. It is expected to be operational in four years. Marriot Middle East and Africa president Alex Kyriakidis said the hotel design will combine modern architecture and a touch
of Zanzibar culture to bring a “unique feeling of Tanzanian hospitality.” “This development will be a catalyst for premium tourism to Zanzibar and Tanzania in general, and will also feature East Africa’s first signature golf course,” he said.
The Zanzibar Amber Resort, a mixed-use project, will offer a retail souk, a tropical aqua park, a marina, an equestrian centre and international polo club, Mr Kyriakidis added.
Anantara Hotels and Resorts
Anantara Hotels and Resorts, another leading hotel chain, has also announced the development of Anantara Zanzibar Resort, expected to open in three years, featuring 100 guestrooms. Minor Hotels chain CEO Dillip Rajakarier said the new accommodation and tourist service facility will be their first property in the region.”The development of Anantara Zanzibar Resort marks a key strategic move that provides synergy and diversifies Minor Hotels’ well-established presence in East Africa, complementing the Elewana collection of luxury safari camps, lodges and beach resorts in Tanzania and Kenya,” Mr Rajakarier said.
