Businessman, Senzo Tsabedze of Indalo Hotels and Leisure and Afrirent Holdings, bought the hotel last November for R14 million at a public auction. Last week, Tsabedze expressed his frustration towards the Herald with the previous owner who has issued him with a court interdict preventing him from utilising the hotel. “When we bought the hotel, we had budgeted R200 million to renovate the whole facility, including the hotel school.

Our aim was to create 200 jobs. We had planned to complete renovations within eight months,” he said. “But because the previous owner is refusing to let go of the hotel amicably, all our plans are on hold. The interior is dilapidated and we want to renovate all of it and buy new furniture,” Tzabedze said. He said he has already spent R1.5 million in legal fees in the last six months and the matter still has not been settled.

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Tsabedze said he acquired the hotel because of its location right next to the Kruger National Park gate and want to restore it to its former glory. He has had meetings with the stakeholders including the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, PMC, and Limpopo Economic Development and Tourism (LEDET) in a quest to find a solution, but to no avail. “The hotel receives its water from the municipality and electricity from PMC.

Although I am the new owner, I have no access to the income and expenses of the hotel, it still is in the hands of the previous owner,” he said. Tsabedze further questioned the motive behind the previous owner holding on to the hotel, as he believes for the past 10 years, they have failed dismally to maintain it. Tsabedze concluded by stating that he will fight tooth and nail because he believes the local community deserves a better Hans Merensky Hotel, Spa, and Golf Course.

At the time of going to press the Herald was not able to successfully get hold of the municipality, PMC, and LEDET. The Herald was also unable to reach the former owner for comment but comments will be published when received. The Herald will give an update on the story as it progresses.