SOL KERZNER: THE BILLIONAIRE BEHIND SUN CITY AND THE POLITICAL SCANDAL THAT SHOOK SOUTH AFRICA!
Long before the Gupta family became associated with state capture, another powerful businessman found himself at the centre of a political controversy involving millions of rands, gambling licences and influential politicians.
His name was Sol Kerzner.
He was the man who built Sun City into one of Africa’s most famous entertainment destinations, attracting international stars such as Frank Sinatra, Queen and Elton John.
But behind the luxury hotels, casinos and celebrity performances was a story that few South Africans know.
A controversial R2 million payment connected to Transkei Prime Minister George Matanzima.
⚖️ A bribery investigation that followed Kerzner for years.
️ A political scandal that resurfaced during Nelson Mandela’s presidency.
Bantu Holomisa challenged the ANC leadership over allegations connected to the controversy. He was dismissed from Mandela’s government and later expelled from the ANC.
And here is where the story becomes even more interesting.
Nelson Mandela confirmed that Kerzner had contributed money to the ANC before the historic 1994 elections.
But did that contribution influence the handling of Kerzner’s criminal case?
The allegation was never proven. Kerzner denied bribery, maintained that he had been pressured into making the disputed payment, and the prosecution was eventually dropped in 1997.
Despite the controversy, Kerzner went on to build an international hospitality empire, including Atlantis in the Bahamas and the One&Only luxury resort brand.
In our Peak World documentary, we uncover the extraordinary rise of Sol Kerzner, the creation of Sun City, the apartheid homeland casino industry, the Transkei corruption controversy and the political confrontation that changed Bantu Holomisa’s career.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should Sol Kerzner be remembered as a visionary businessman who transformed South African tourism, or should the political controversies surrounding his wealth remain central to his legacy?
-Peak World