13th birthday for Sun Meropa

POLOKWANE – Everybody was a winner at the 13th birthday celebration of Sun Meropa last Friday, with fire dancers, Makubenjalo Art Entertainments and even a special birthday wish from well known South African band Mafikizolo.

The evening kicked off with fire dancer Johan Slabber and Skye Zatschowitsch entertained the crowd with a spectacular display of bravery and concentration as they played with fire, danced and even blew a few flames to the delight of the onlookers.

The night was kept African with the Makubenjalo Art Entertainments dancers performing some of their most popular songs like the sad and poignant Mmaweledi.

This song paid tribute to the innocent children who lost their lives, as a result of the gruesome murders that took place between 2004 and 2008 in Modimolle. The Modimolle-based group, spearheaded by director and mentor Tebogo Ntswendana, specialises in music, dance and poetry and had the crowd dancing to the beat.

Mafikizolo is a South African singing duo consisting of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza. They are three-time winners of the South African Music Award for Group or Duo of the Year, Best Pop Album and Best Collaboration. The music pair, fresh off their successful tour of the UK, treated fans to a quick visit to Meropa Sun casino and sang a birthday song with the fans before leaving again.

Promotions manager, Raksha Gunpath, helped the mood with a special dance competition where local people could win tickets to the Mafikizolo show at the casino the next day.

The celebration was ended off with the cutting of the cake, a special toast to the casino’s birthday, some lucky draws and a dinner for the public and guests who attended the celebration.

Sun Meropa general manager, Themba Marasha, said he was blessed to be a part of the celebration and welcomed the next 13 years ahead. He thanked the Meropa team for their dedication and perseverance, which he said made Sun Meropa the wonderful place it was.

VIDEO: Sun Meropa birthday celebrations