MEROPA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF ENTERTAINMENT

Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Polokwane celebrated its 20th birthday on Sunday, 27 March. During these two decades, it has become a landmark all-in-one entertainment destination in South Africa’s northernmost province, famed for its abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery as well as its rich cultural heritage.

Meropa, which is part of the Sun International group offers guests a Moroccan-style fiesta. The Meropa Casino and Entertainment World has both a loyal local following and attracts first-time visitors. The property offers both smoking and non-smoking casinos, with a wide range of slot machines and tables games including Blackjack and American Roulette.

A variety of dining options, from fast food to fine dining, are on offer, while the three-star hotel Meropa Hotel provides 54 standard rooms and six suites and is the perfect location for anything from a conference to a weekend getaway.

Meropa Casino General Manager, Sammy Mokhele, who has been with the Sun International group for more than 20-years and who worked at the property at the time of its opening said: “It seems like just yesterday when we opened and it has been incredible to witness the growth, which is a testament to the vision and dedication of everyone who has been a part of the Meropa family over these past two decades.”

Mokhele returned to Meropa as general manager in November 2020, having previously worked there as general manager from 2008 to 2013, before moving to Sun City.

His return to Meropa coincided with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic but he and his team have managed to steer the ship through the turbulent waters as operations eventually resumed under strict operational protocols, including reduced guest capacity.

“As we celebrated our 20th birthday, we looked back over the years which have included the most trying of times as a result of the pandemic, with a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment and we look forward to an even brighter future.”

According to Mokhele, Meropa is already the main entertainment destination in Limpopo but the property is not resting on its laurels and is intent on building out its “family entertainment facilities in order to cater for the growing leisure market in the province”.

He said epic shows, the ability to host functions, events and activations, as well as great casino prizes and giveaways, all form part of improving Meropa’s customer experience and services.

Providing entertainment for all ages is easy at Meropa. Guests can walk around the tranquil Wildthingz park or enjoy a pampering treatment at the House of Asante Spa that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Expand your local knowledge with a visit to the Cultural Village, which uses edutainment and traditional dance to showcase African life and history.

Many of the attractions were shut during the hard lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but all of these have now reopened, and activities resumed with full Covid-19 health and safety protocols in place.