31 May 2007

By Tiro Mahlakoleng and Clifford Mogotsi

BILLIONS of rand are being invested in the West Rand, expected to lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs. This is the word of James Forbes, the developer of the Silverstar Casino, currently under construction.

The casino will complement the Amakhosi Stadium, to be built on the grounds of the demolished Bob van Reenen Stadium. At the launch last year of the stadium, it was said that the development would create 10 000 indirect jobs and sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities.

About 800 jobs were expected from the casino, Forbes said at a function held to introduce the City to the project's management and to view its plans. It was attended by Mogale City Mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane and West Rand District Mayor Faith Matshikiza.

"We anticipate that the construction will be completed by December this year and over 800 jobs will be created," Forbes said. "We started this project 10 years ago and it remains our ambition to have the casino opened to the West Rand public before the end of this year or in this first quarter of 2008."

And construction is evidently on an exceptionally fast track.

Seerane said the casino would complement the Amakhosi Stadium. "I can't wait to see for the first time [in Mogale City] the official opening of an exciting place like this with positive spin-offs for our local people. It is an important development in our city and it will harmoniously complement the Amakhosi Stadium."

It was not only expected to boost tourism on the West Rand, but also to enhance economic growth in terms of job creation.

Although Matshikiza was disenchanted that local labour was not used, she approved of Silverstar's plans to employ local people and welcomed the news of 800 new jobs.

Looking at the artist's impression, Mogale's first casino will have three gaming venues – the main casino, a smokers' casino and a VIP casino. There will also be banqueting and conference facilities, five restaurants, a fast-food court, bars, entertainment facilities and a children's games arcade.

The development will have a four- or five- star hotel with a health spa and a lake – all over-looking extensive water features.

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