Current Status

Where We Are Today:

On 23 January, 1996 the TMC voted to ratify the land application submitted by the Foundation and to provide the Foundation with a six month sole mandate on the property in order to develop further implementation proposals.

The Road Immediately Ahead:

The Foundation has again identified the priorities over this next six month period especially in terms of securing the 99 year lease on the property.

1. Number One Priority is to fulfill the instructions of the TMC and the Land Planning Office to secure the land.

2. Securing a casino license. A vigorous yet discreet lobbying campaign is well underway in partnership with Omar Shariff Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd.

3. Project financing. The Foundation now has eight separate and unique sources to finance the complete construction costs. Half of these sources are linked to the Foundation’s ability to secure the casino license. Of the other four, two are local sources and two are international. All these sources have issued letters of intent and are able to deliver, however each source’s funding is conditional on the Foundation having full control of the land and as such these sources are at this time confidential as per their request. The most likely scenario of funding will be a combination of local financing along with international funding and equity shareholding.

4. The PIP. The people of Soweto who have been involved with this project from it’s inception need to be kept informed as to the progress the Foundation is making. With a population of around 4 million people it is impossible for the Foundation to reach each individual for their input, however plans have been made with Young & Rubicam and Baird’s Communications to develop a Public Involvement Programme (PIP) so as to continue and further develop the participation and involvement of the community in their own project.

5. Critical Documents. The Foundation has retained a major international company to develop a full feasibility study and a business plan. These documents will be of obvious importance since the entire development will depend on how viable the project is and which may cause certain elements of the project to be re-examined, altered, and possibly dismissed. These documents are also required by the investors to fully ascertain their involvement in the project.

6. The Project Manager. While the companies comprising the Professional Team are firmly in place, one discipline has always been missing, that of the Project Manager. We are proud to announce that this position has now been filled by AMSA (AMDEV & Mbali Swana), who has brought a lot of expertise, discipline and credibility to the project.

7. Foundation funding. The Foundation was guided by certain professionals to stop and desist with it’s Nominated Source Programme since it was felt that too much is being given away and better results can be had by a tender process. However, this work which has now been outlined on our road to develop the Soweto Centre will continue to be supported by the corporate initiative. As such the Foundation will continue to seek the support and participation of key players in the construction supply field. With the full understanding that once a Nominated Source is locked in no other competitor will be allowed in.

The End Of The Journey:

At the end of the six month mandate period and once the Foundation receives the 99 year lease on the property, the Foundation will issue to all concerned parties a development report outlining design and construction schedules. Updates will be issued during the interim. Special meetings will be held with the Nominated Sources and the Foundation’s Professional Team as and when required.

Closing:

The greatest driving force behind the Foundation has without question been the support of the sponsors. The risk takers. The visionaries. The people who see a different and better life for all in this new country. To each and every one of you who has supported the vision of building the Soweto Centre, we give you our most heartfelt thanks. You supported us and our families when we needed it most. You gave us confidence that people like you are there to see this project through to it’s completion. You have become the backbone of the Soweto Centre. Both the small business and the large conglomerate, you are the sole reason for this project having a life. For that and on behalf of the 4 million people of Soweto, we sincerely thank you.