Thursday, April 23, 2015

Rising from the Moroni Mountains in the bustling town of Burgersfort, in the Greater Tubatse region of the Limpopo Province, stands the newly opened Peermont property Thaba Moshate Hotel Casino and Convention Resort, the first new casino resort to open in South Africa in a decade.

The R320 million investment is not only a major economic boost for the Burgersfort and surrounding areas, but will also drive enterprise development and job creation within the Greater Tubatse region. The construction and development phase of Thaba Moshate empowered local businesses and employed 961 individuals, facilitating skills transfer to the Tubatse community. 

Thaba Moshate features an 82 room three-star select services modern Peermont Metcourt Hotel offering comfortable and affordable accommodation options for guests travelling in the Limpopo province. The hotel features 50 classic, 12 superior, 2 special assistance rooms, as well as 8 self-catering rooms which encapsulate the spirit of home comforts with a kitchenette. The 6 suites, inclusive of 2 junior and 2 presidential suites, as well as 2 spectacularly decorated WOW suites are perfectly suited to executive travellers and the discerning tourist. The two WOW rooms were designed to offer a unique experience through the use of bold colours and dramatic lighting, created as focal points in the rooms. Serious business travellers can also take full advantage of the business centre with Wi-Fi available across the resort. Guests can also relax at the hotel swimming pool with its own terrace, loungers, outside bar and pause areas.

The sophisticated 160-seater Platinum Aloe Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with open view kitchens and display cooking as its focal point. The assorted seating offers a relaxed and eclectic feel, and includes a private dining room which is sub-divisible. The restaurant serves generous buffet breakfasts, à la carte lunches and wholesome dinners. 

Aptly named after the scientific periodic table and inspired by the mining community, the vibrant Molecule Showbar which showcases live entertainment and big screen sporting events. The showbar is decorated in spherical orbs and molecule-like shapes to depict the base structures of the earthly elements that the Limpopo province is so rich in. The Molecule Showbar is the perfect after-dinner drink destination or entertainment lounge.

“The construction of Thaba Moshate has been immediately beneficial to the people of the greater Tubatse region and in time we expect it will also deliver the expected returns to Peermont” said Anthony Puttergill, CEO of Peermont. “We are proud of the work done by our development and opening operations team and we look forward to working and serving local, business and leisure travellers and entertainment seekers exploring the province of Limpopo. The resort has also contributed greatly to job creation and provides real economic benefits to the region.”

“Peermont will continue its focus on providing exceptional resort experiences, offering a combination of relaxing stays and exciting times – striving to exceed our customers’ expectations,” concluded Puttergill.

The classic conference centre comprises: the main Ebandla Room (meaning meeting), which caters for up to 108 delegates cinema style, and the 14-seater Seboi Boardroom (named after Limpopo’s famous Baobab tree). All meeting rooms feature the latest audio visual equipment and flexible lighting options to suit any presentation style. Glazed doors allow natural light into the Ebandla Room, which opens onto a private courtyard, enabling pre and post-assembly gatherings. As part of the conference facilities, a grass platform ideal for tent structures, overlooks the resort and offers spectacular views across the valley. It is ideal for large events such as weddings, private parties, larger conferences and entertainment events.

Thaba Moshate offers a very special gaming experience. The casino also offers smoking and non-smoking designated areas, and houses 8 traditional table games and 150 exciting slot machines. The slot machines offer 24 hour multi-line video and reel games with denominations ranging from 1c to R25, from the world’s best slots manufacturers. Generous progressive and mystery jackpots will keep players entertained for hours on end. 
Additionally there are multi standalone and linked progressives, such as Platinum Fever and Red Eye Nickel, and with the wide range of denominations, these machines offer great value for money. All slots are linked to the state-of-the-art Bally gaming system that offers exciting personalized promotions and bonusing products. For tables players, 4 American Roulette, 1 Poker and 3 Blackjack tables are on offer.
The intimate Salon Privé, offers a more private gaming experience with 21 slots and 3 tables, ideal for the players who prefer privacy and exclusive service. Hosts and superior gaming standards complete this special offering.

Players can also become members of Winners Circle, Peermont’s exclusive gaming loyalty programme, where they will be rewarded at every turn. The membership is complimentary, and sign-up takes place at Winners Circle entrance counter. Members earn rewards for playing slots or tables and can progress from an entry level Maroon to a Black card for the elite player.

Thaba Moshate General Manager Clifford Ngakane brings more than 25 years of extensive gaming and tourism industry experience to Thaba Moshate. Ngakane is joined at the helm of the resort management by Thembi Maseko who manages the Gaming Division and Stuart Green as the Finance Manager. 

The grand opening saw a host of dignitaries including Premier Stanley Mathabatha, MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism - Seaporo Sekoati, Mayors Clr Ralepane Mamakoa and Clr David Magabe, Limpopo Gambling Board Chairman – Mashile Mokono, Limpopo Gambling Board CEO, Serobi Maja, local captains of industry, community members and leaders, media and invited guests welcomed by traditional Ndebele and Swazi dancers before enjoying pre-event drinks at the beautiful poolside deck. Formal speeches were held under the star-lit Limpopo sky, preceded by a fantastical fireworks display. Guests were treated to a delicious, buffet dinner as multi-award winning artist; Kunye Ayo weaved between the guests during dinner for an unforgettable evening of Jazz fusion.  

“I am excited and honoured to be at the forefront of establishing Limpopo’s greatest resort”, said Clifford Ngakane, General Manager of Thaba Moshate Hotel Casino and Convention Resort. “The team and I are confident that the resort will bring about excitement for the people of the province. The prospects of doing business with local SMME’s, creation of sustainable employment and the corporate social investment projects makes this a rewarding venture as it forms part of Peermont’s core strategy to engage local communities, empower small businesses and  grow employees through skills development and skills transfers”, added Ngakane. 

Thaba Moshate is located in Burgersfort, off the R555, only 30 minutes from Ohrigstad and 150kms from Polokwane.

Peermont proudly supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Problem Gambling Counselling Toll-Free Helpline 0800 006 008. Players must be 18 years or older. Winners know when to stop. 

For further information and for enquiries on conferences or events at Thaba Moshate visit www.thabamoshate.co.za or www.peermont.com. Like Thaba Moshate on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ThabaMoshate.