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Southern Sun Employees Unite for Mandela Day: Hundreds Volunteer in Community Projects

Once again South Africans honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, 18 July. Hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s hotels and resorts in South Africa. Heeding the call to collectively address social and economic security of Africans, Southern Sun volunteers acted in the spirit of the Mandela Day theme for 2024: Combat poverty and inequality, it is in our hands.

The hotel group’s commitment to making a positive impact in communities around the country truly embodies the uBuntu of Mandela Day. A total of 374 volunteers from 36 Southern Sun hotels supported 34 charities by spending their 67 minutes supporting those who are in need.

“Throughout the year, our hotel teams actively participate in community service, but Mandela Day is a special time for us to unite with the nation in driving positive change. Our support spans various causes, including health, welfare, and education, but given our position in the hospitality industry, we recognise the critical importance of alleviating hunger. This focus was the central theme of our Mandela Day activities, and we are proud to have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,” stated Candy Tothill, Southern Sun’s Corporate Affairs Executive.

Southern Sun’s Sandton Convention Centre once again provided the venue as part of their ongoing sponsorship for Rise Against Hunger’s food packing event in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 where more than 580,000 meals were packed. Among the numerous volunteers, 40 Southern Sun volunteers participated by preparing, weighing, and sealing 51 boxes, which contained over 13,260 nutritious meals. These meals are part of a larger effort to support Early Childhood Development Centres across the country, as part of the Rise Against Hunger SA organisation’s purpose of distributing meals.

In the greater Cape Town area, 215 dedicated staff members from 14 Southern Sun hotels came together to make a remarkable impact, supporting eight local charities. Their collective efforts saw a wide range of activities and donations aimed at uplifting the community. For instance, the Southern Sun Waterfront and Southern Sun The Cullinan hotels partnered with Ladles of Love, purchasing tickets and volunteering their time to feed the hungry through a network of NPOs, while also donating pre-loved linen to The Haven Night Shelter. Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa made significant contributions to Child Welfare Kleinmond, providing 100 litres of soup with bread, 25 litres of milk, and an array of hygiene products and educational supplies. Other hotels like StayEasy Century City, SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, and Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard also contributed to Ladles of Love and various other initiatives, ensuring widespread support across multiple causes.

Further demonstrating their commitment, Garden Court Mthatha’s staff supported Happy Homes Disabled Children Centre by donating pre-loved linen and crockery, planting vegetable seedlings, and providing a hearty lunch for 80 people. Similarly, Garden Court East London served lunch and donated fleece blankets to the Silver Crown Home for Aged and Handicapped, while Garden Court Kings Beach and Southern Sun The Marine provided meals, gift packs, and entertainment for the Protea Child Youth Care Centre. This collective effort from the hotels not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered a spirit of unity and compassion, embodying the true essence of Mandela Day and leaving a lasting positive impact on the Cape Town community.

In Gauteng and outlying regions, 96 volunteers from 16 Southern Sun hotels united to support 14 local charities through a variety of impactful activities. At Southern Sun and StayEasy Mbombela, staff donated seed packs worth R1800 to Cyril Clark High School to aid in crop planting. StayEasy Pretoria lent a helping hand to Arcadia Primary School and Pretoria Technical High School by making and distributing 67 lunch packs. Meanwhile, Garden Court Hatfield donated 60 fleece beanies and participated in a soup drive for the Give Them Hope Foundation, utilising bread collected through a plastic recycling campaign. Additionally, Garden Court & StayEasy Eastgate provided pre-loved linen, operating equipment, and gifts to the Home of Hope for Girls, further emphasising their commitment to community support.

Additional contributions saw Garden Court Milpark staff serving lunch and spending time with the elderly at Eventide Old Age Home, while Garden Court Polokwane donated soup, bread, and pre-loved linen to Tiangmatla Multi-Purpose Centre. Southern Sun Pretoria distributed hot meals and lunch packs to the displaced people living under the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and Garden Court OR Tambo donated dry goods to Khanyisa soup kitchen. Collaborative efforts between Garden Court Morningside and Southern Sun Katherine Street led to grocery donations for Mpabale Children’s Home in Alexandra. Garden Court Sandton City organised a soup kitchen and winter warmer drive for Ratang Bana, a community child support project in Alexandra, and Southern Sun Hyde Park sponsored accommodation for Ladles of Love staff hosting a Mandela Day event aimed at breaking a world record and raising substantial funds and items for underprivileged pre-school children. Additionally, Riverside Sun Hotel served a hearty lunch for 100 people at Vukuzenzele Old Age Home, and 54 On Bath and Southern Sun Rosebank partnered with Avanti Coffee to provide sandwiches, coffee, and donated pre-loved linen to Immaculata Shelter. These collective efforts exemplify the hotels’ dedication to making a significant positive impact in their communities.

In KwaZulu-Natal, 63 committed staff members from six hotels and three resorts came together to support 12 local charities, demonstrating a strong sense of community and solidarity. Employees from the Beverly Hills Hotel painted children’s bathrooms at Northview Primary, while Garden Court uMhlanga donated lunch packs to 100 school kids at St Michaels Primary School in Avoca. Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani made significant contributions, not only engaging with the children but donating grocery items and pre-loved linen worth R146,179.12 to St Philomena’s. They also donated pre-loved linen valued at R79,327.67 to Fundiswa. Garden Court Marine Parade provided financial support to Nhlakanipho EDC Center, and The Edward hosted a fun-filled day for Eyethu Creche & Day Care with lunch, a jumping castle, face painting, toys, and party packs. Garden Court South Beach contributed by painting classrooms, performing maintenance, cleaning windows, and donating snacks and arts and crafts items to Toddlers Inn.

Widening the impact, Drakensberg Sun Resort donated groceries, a kettle and pots, and performed maintenance work at Umfolozi Creche, along with donating pre-loved linen to Kwazamakuhle School for Disabled Children. Cabana Beach Resort and uMhlanga Sands Resort jointly participated in a food parcel packaging event organised by Rise Against Hunger SA in Durban, and Cabana Beach Resort supported The Sahara Shelter, a safe haven for abused women and children facing domestic violence. Additionally, uMhlanga Sands Resort organised an exciting race activation and foam party for 25 children through Reach for a Dream. These efforts collectively showcase the hotels’ dedication to uplifting their communities and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they support.

“Participating in days like Mandela Day is incredibly humbling as we witness the entire country coming together through volunteer programs. At Southern Sun, our people exemplify caring spirits by identifying needs and engaging in initiatives that uplift others. This commitment is most powerfully demonstrated during Mandela Day each year, where our collective efforts truly make a difference in the lives of those our efforts uplift,” concluded Tothill.

Riverside Sun – Fresh, Fabulous and 40 – for Great Escapes from the City

Tsogo Sun’s award-winning Riverside Sun, set on the scenic Vaal River banks amid rolling lawns and lush gardens, is celebrating 40 years of operation, fresher and brighter than ever, and delivering great ‘get away from it all’ experiences to leisure travellers with their families and the corporate conference market alike, all less than an hour out of Johannesburg.

The hotel won Best 3-star Hotel in Gauteng at the 2017 Lilizela Tourism Awards, and a TripAdvisor 2017 Certificate of Excellence for consistently positive reviews over the last year.

“The best thing about Riverside Sun is the total escape it offers guests – on a truly tranquil and beautiful property with staff who strive to deliver fuller than full service to all our guests, all the time,” says Mark Ross, GM of Riverside Sun. “Since our major refurbishment about two years, we frequently have guests who see the changes for the first time and are absolutely blown away by the new look and facilities.” He adds that recently the Springboks with new coach Rassie Erasmus held a training camp at Riverside – and that the unanimous response from the team was ‘wow!’

The hotel has 169 rooms, which include standard and deluxe rooms, suites, and a paraplegic room; 12 conference and meeting venues catering for up to 500 people and featuring high tech equipment, or special venues such as the log cabins overlooking the river for more intimate events; the popular Wine Cellar for private events such as warm and intimate functions and celebrations for up to 40 people, or for whiskey, brandy vodka, craft beer or wine tastings; the Riverview Restaurant, serving buffet breakfasts and dinners and ala carte lunches and light meals; a fitness centre; and the large and sparkling swimming pool, a favourite spot for winding down, sipping delicious cocktails, snacking, and soaking up the serenity.

“From Monday to Thursday it is all systems go in our conference centre, with corporate team-building, meetings and conferences, and then come the weekend, the hotel transforms as leisure guests – mainly from Johannesburg and Pretoria – pour in to escape the city for some tranquil downtime and for some fun,” says Ross.

The hotel has begun investing in more kids entertainment options – to add to their fun and to guarantee more relaxation for their parents. Over Easter and December holidays, a local adventure company provides a full entertainment programme for kids aged 5-12, and a teen entertainment programme for 13 to 18 year olds that includes archery, raft building, mini Olympics, paintball, and more. On weekends and long weekends, bouncy castles, water slides, the swimming pool, outdoor chess, movies, and other options keep children active and happy. All at no extra charge to hotel guests.

On the Riverside Sun river bank, bean bags are dotted around for fishing enthusiasts and those keeping the fisher folk company, and across the river, the highly rated Heron Banks Golf Course offers excellent golfing action.

On the river, various craft are available for different leisure activities – the rowing raft, mainly for children’s supervised use and entertainment, a speedboat with skipper for river rides and tube towing, and the Funtracker 12-seater craft for river cruises, complete with own or hotel catered refreshments.

“Riverside is a not-so-hidden gem,” notes Ross. “We’re away from the hustle and bustle of life and yet close enough to be easily accessible – and we have it all. We have a staff of about 180, including contractors, who all take great pride in the delight that guests express about the stylish property and lovely setting, the variety of facilities, the comfort, the excellent food & beverage offering, and about being able to completely unwind – after a demanding day at a conference or corporate event, or a hectic week in the city.”

While the hotel does allow day visitors under certain circumstances in off-peak periods, the hotel’s top priority for all its services and facilities are hotel residents.

For more information about Riverside Sun, visit www.tsogosun.com/riverside-sun.

Tsogo Sun has a portfolio of over 100 hotels and 13 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more details, visit https://www.tsogosun.com, follow on Twitter @TsogoSun or like on Facebook /TsogoSun.

Riverside Sun remains a firm favourite with business and leisure guests

Riverside Sun, Tsogo Sun’s iconic landmark hotel in Vanderbijlpark, is a naturally beautiful venue spread out along the banks of the majestic Vaal River, with immaculate gardens and perfectly landscaped lawns sloping down to the water’s edge. Conveniently located just 45 minutes from Johannesburg, the hustle and bustle of the nearby city feel distant and guests are able to fully experience the tranquil country atmosphere. A year ago the Riverside Sun opened its doors for business after the completion of extensive renovations, and have not looked back since!

“We are definitely delivering on our promise to guests, and loving every moment! The last year has shown that the hotel’s versatile offering combined with convenience, professional service, comfort and beauty are the correct strategy to satisfy, and even enchant our guests,” says Yashvir Jithoo, General Manager at the Riverside Sun. “The business has grown from strength to strength and the positive response from guests have been overwhelming. Our flexible venue and event offering complemented by professional and resourceful staff and service are very popular”.

With something for everyone, the Riverside Sun has many facets and perform each to perfection, as proved by the recently awarded three-star grading received from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa - the official globally recognised quality assurance ranking agency. “We are committed to the sustainability of the Tourism Industry in South Africa and are honoured that our commitment to delivering the highest quality in every sphere of our business has been recognised by the Council” says Mr Jithoo.

Well-known as the ideal family holiday destination, the hotel understands what younger guests need to enjoy their stay, and what parents need to relax. Kids are overjoyed at the various outdoor activities and structured kiddy programmes on offer, and usually develop a healthy appetite for the excellent buffet dining options, including homemade pizza.

The romantic at heart need not look for a more serene getaway. At the Riverside Sun it is easy to reconnect with your loved ones while strolling hand in hand through the beautifully manicured gardens, or enjoying the view of the river from a quaint garden bench under the luscious willow trees. Furthermore, the viewing deck is the perfect setting for romantic afternoon cocktails before enjoying a candle-lit dinner.

Looking forward to some fun in the sun with friends? Besides the various outdoor activities in the water and on the luscious lawns, guests can now enjoy a more personal experience on the river. The Riverside Sun’s Liquid Lounge boat glides through the majestic Vaal River, whilst friends enjoy good conversation over cocktails, or even dinner.

The spectacular Wine Cellar at Riverside Sun will make you question all your preconceived ideas of the perfect venue for an exclusive dinner -  be it for a birthday event, a client dinner or a wine tasting. Modelled on Gordon Ramsey’s wine bar in London, the Riverside Sun Wine Cellar seats 40 people comfortably and will make you feel as if you were magically transported to the Cape Winelands. Underpinned by delicious cuisine and excellent wines, the Wine Cellar personifies ‘Exclusive’.

The obvious solution to special events such as weddings, anniversary dinners and birthday celebrations, the Riverside Sun has many options to make your event memorable. Dining on the lawns under the stars, dancing with that special someone on the banks of the river or lounging on cushions in a Bedouin tent whilst enjoying a variety of delicious eats… the opportunities are endless.

Business and corporate guests are spoilt for choice at the Riverside Sun. Only a short drive from Johannesburg, the hotel provides business clients with the opportunity to host customer or team events in a country setting where they can focus and concentrate on the issues at hand. “With 11 conference venues and many team building activities on offer, the benefits of hosting a corporate event at Riverside Sun are endless. The combination of our unique offering – close to Johannesburg but experiencing the tranquil country atmosphere; our flexible business and leisure offering; and dedicated and professional service - guarantees all our guests a successful, enjoyable event,” says Yashvir.

So, if versatility combined with convenience, professional service, comfort and beauty are the desired elements   for your preferred venue – then you can relax, the Riverside Sun will deliver on your individual needs and will ensure you and your guests have a memorable experience.

Looking for a hotel or venue for a ladies lunch, a birthday celebration, a family holiday or a business event. We have the perfect hotel for you. Enter the Riverside Sun hotel, a naturally beautiful venue spread out along the banks of the majestic Vaal River, with immaculate gardens and perfectly landscaped lawns sloping down to the water’s edge. Conveniently located only 45 minutes from Johannesburg, the hustle and bustle of the nearby city feel distant and guests are able to fully experience the tranquility and country atmosphere. .

After a four month hiatus, the 169 room Riverside Sun hotel reopened early in September with even more thrilling and unique choices to enthrall guests. Let’s break down some of the ‘roles’ that the Riverside Sun plays to perfection:

• Well-known as the ideal family holiday destination, the Riverside Sun hotel understands what younger guests need to enjoy their stay, and what parents need to relax. The kids will be overjoyed at the various outdoor activities, and build up a healthy appetite for the excellent buffet dining options, including home-made pizza courtesy of the new pizza oven in the restaurant. Comfortable newly renovated rooms with views of the river and spacious bathrooms guarantees sweet dreams.
• Looking for a tranquil getaway to spend some much needed quality time with your loved one? From the moment you drive through the porte-cochère, you are surrounded by calm and tranquility combined with professionalism and an atmosphere of utter serenity. Riverside Sun has the perfect surroundings to effortlessly connect with the one you love, strolling hand in hand through the beautifully manicured gardens, or enjoying the view of the river from a quant garden bench under the luscious Willow trees. The viewing deck is the perfect venue for romantic afternoon cocktails before enjoying a candle-lit dinner.
• The new Wine Cellar at Riverside Sun will make you question all your preconceived ideas of the perfect venue for an exclusive dinner, be it for a birthday event, a client dinner or a wine tasting. Modelled on the Gordon Ramsey’s wine bar in London, the Riverside Sun Wine Cellar seats 40 people comfortably and will make you feel as if you have been transported to the Cape Winelands. Underpinned by delicious cuisine and excellent wines, the Wine Cellar is the ‘Exclusive’ in any exclusive event.
• Looking forward to some fun in the sun with friends? Besides the various outdoor activities on the river and the soft green lawns, guests can now enjoy a more personal experience on the river. The Riverside Sun’s Liquid Lounge boat glides through the majestic Vaal River, whilst you enjoy good conversation with friends over cocktails, or even dinner.
• The obvious solution to special events such as weddings, anniversary dinners and birthday celebrations, the Riverside Sun has many options to make your event memorable. Dining on the lawns under the stars, dancing with that special someone on the banks of the river or lounging on cushions in a Bedouin tent whilst enjoying a variety of delicious eats, the opportunities are endless.
• Business and corporate guests are spoilt for choice at the Riverside Sun. With only a short drive from Johannesburg, the Riverside Sun provides businesses with the opportunity to host clients or team events in a country setting where they can focus and concentrate on the issues at hand, although ‘just around the corner’ from their offices. With 11 conference venues and numerous team building activities on offer, the benefits of a business event at the Riverside Sun includes convenience at a fraction of the price, mouthwatering cuisine, various dinner venue options and comfortable spacious accommodation.

So, if versatility combined with convenience, professional service, comfort and beauty is the correct ingredients for your preferred venue – then you can relax, the Riverside Sun will win the Oscar, will deliver on your individual needs and will ensure you have a memorable experience.

About Tsogo Sun

Tsogo Sun is the leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company in South Africa, providing a variety of hospitality and exciting entertainment and leisure experiences. Combining an established heritage with a professional and energised approach, the group proudly encompasses 14 casinos and over 90 hotels in South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi.

The company’s hospitality interests offer a wide distribution of hotels in Africa, providing world-class accommodation across all markets, including elegant, individually branded luxury hotels and well-known trusted market leaders in the premier through budget segments, including Southern Sun Hotels, Garden Court, SunSquare, StayEasy and SUN1 hotels.

The exciting urban and resort casino portfolio includes the most popular entertainment destinations, strategically located throughout South Africa. In the Gauteng province, Tsogo Sun owns the group’s flagship property, Montecasino in Fourways, which features, amongst other attractions, the award-winning Teatro; Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park in Southern Johannesburg; and Silverstar Casino to the West in Krugersdorp. Additional properties are owned and operated in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, including the jewel on Durban’s Golden Mile, Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment.

Tsogo Sun Citizenship is the group’s corporate citizenship strategy which encompasses three areas of focus. This includes Corporate Social Investment, whereby the group promotes the development of learners through three academies which offer holistic, full-year programmes centred around sport, art and education; Entrepreneur Development which focuses on skills-based entrepreneurial development through its Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse and Supplier Development programmes; and Environmental Education, committed to initiatives that reduce the impact the business has on the environment.

Tsogo Sun (“TSH”) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  The key shareholders of Tsogo Sun are Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (“HCI”), a JSE listed investment holding company.

Tsogo Sun Gaming supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Winners know when to stop.  Only persons over the age of 18 are permitted to gamble. National Problem Gambling counselling toll-free helpline: 0800 006 008.

For more information go to tsogosun.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun or like us on Facebook /TsogoSun

Riverside Sun gives new meaning to business and team building events

Just 40 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg, you will find the answer to all your conference, team-building or business event needs. The Riverside Sun, which recently enjoyed an extensive renovation, provides the perfect location for business conferences and corporate functions with a range of venues and a variety of packages designed to meet your specific requirements.

Situated on the banks of the Vaal River, the hotel provides all the offerings of a typical city conference center, at a fraction of the cost but with the added bonus of a country setting to really get the grey matter working!

Eleven versatile conference venues, catering for between 10 and 500 guests, and seven different dinner experiences ensure that guests have an assortment of choices to make their individual event memorable. The hotel offers five newly renovated conference venues, complete with state of the art furnishings and equipment. These rooms can be used individually or may be combined as a gala venue, catering for 500 guests. Adjacent to the conferencing rooms are three syndicate rooms which seat 10 people each and is perfect for strategy breakaway sessions or smaller meetings.

For more intimate, private events guests have a choice between the Kingfisher room and two secluded log cabins. The Kingfisher room with its natural lighting and private courtyard, where meals may be served, is ideal for executive meetings. The log cabins are situated in the lush gardens of the property but separate from the hotel and overlooks the majestic Vaal River. To recharge between business sessions, guests can enjoy lunch outdoors, whilst reveling in the magnificent view of the beautiful gardens that seamlessly blend into the river.

A new offering from Tsogo Sun, the Riverside Sun now includes a Wine Cellar that seats 40 people comfortably. Modelled on the Gordon Ramsey’s wine bar in London, the Riverside Sun Wine Cellar can be used for special dinners or a variety of tastings from wine to whiskey, brandy and beer, and offers the added benefit of a big screen television with the necessary equipment to contact sommeliers or business partners from around the world to provide their opinion or comments at events.

“The benefits of hosting a corporate event at Riverside Sun are endless. The combination of being close to Johannesburg, but still providing the tranquil country atmosphere, complemented by our flexible offering and dedicated and professional service guarantees all our guests a successful, enjoyable event,” says Yashvir Jithoo, General Manager at the Riverside Sun. 

Additionally, for a more relaxed event the hotel will pitch a Bedouin tent and furnish it with beanbags on the luscious green lawns of the property. Guests can then enjoy a view of the river and soak in the warmth and natural beauty of our South African summers.

The Riverside Sun offers a plethora of special dinner options, with elegant menu options, in various locations. Guests can enjoy dinner whilst cruising on the river, or delight in a casual braai on the island – a piece of land that juts out into the river – once the boat has docked. Perfect for year-end functions, the hotel offers an unforgettable dinner under the stars, a themed dinner in a Bedouin tent or a traditional gala dinner in the conference centre.  A current favourite is the ‘Food around the World’ theme where guests delight in sampling delicacies from various countries and cultures, available from strategically placed food stalls in the magnificent gardens of the Riverside Sun.

Furthermore, the hotel’s 169 newly renovated rooms with views of the river guarantees a restful evening, which will leave business guests ready to embrace the challenges of the following day. Wi-Fi connectivity and business services within the rooms and the hotel makes it easy to conduct business matters whilst away from the office.

The Riverside Sun, one of Tsogo Sun’s over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations, is ideally placed away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for conferences and team building activities and promises business and leisure guests comfort, culinary delights and efficient service.