DURBAN - THE Wild Coast Sun board and management committed to continue being the centre of attraction as it celebrated its 40th birthday on Saturday.
Themed “Life begins at 40”, the Hotel and Casino general manager Peter Tshidi said this was a rebirth of another 20 years of entertainment, this was in reference to the casino’s 20-year licence renewal which was issued by the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board.
“It is an honour for me to be among all the former general managers of this beautiful place. It is rare to find all these people under one roof. We thank all the staff, from those who wash the pots in the kitchen to those who serve lunch.
“The Wild Coast opened its doors in 1981 and became the centre of attraction. This place overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers the best the country has to offer. We are very proud to offer excellence at this benchmark resort,” said Tshidi.
He said that following upgrades made by the hotel, the Port Edward’s centre of attraction was awarded a four-star grading and intended to maintain it.
Wild Coast Sun board member Mandlenkosi Memela, said the hotel and casino trades with three partners who have kept this place going.
“The company’s licence was issued under the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board. I must confess this event was by far the most glamorous celebration the hotel has ever seen.
“The company brings together communities including Mbizana, therefore, the people around the community have a right to express their dissatisfaction whenever they are unhappy with certain things. Last year, they said they were unhappy with the shareholders of the company and we attended to it.”
Memela said the 40th celebration called for a reflection to ensure they do better in the next 40 years.
He further called on the company’s leadership to reassure him that, together with the board and all other stakeholders, they committed to ensuring that the business was transformed and established good relations with the gambling board and the community.
Mayor of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality Daniswa Mafumbatha said it was important not to forget the stakeholders who made the hotel a success.
“I have said to the general manager of the hotel that we need another event for the licence and celebrate the work done by the stakeholders. We have given this place a licence and the public participation was not easy but I am happy with the outcome.
“I encourage people to forget about the negative past regarding the issues with the gambling board,” Mafumbatha said.
She added that the traditional leaders’ absence at the celebration was a concern, which should not be taken lightly.
Mafumbatha also said the area location remained contested between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
“There are disagreements on where exactly the hotel falls between the two provinces and this must be sorted out because it actually falls under the EC.”
Further, the mayor said her municipality hosted various events at the hotel and would continue to support it so that it could continue to prosper.
Daily News