Carousel Casino, once the economic heartbeat of Moretele Municipality in the North West, and the largest casino in the southern hemisphere, is set to undergo a comprehensive multi-million Rand transformation under new ownership.

Guided by the visionary concept ‘Worlds Within a World’, the iconic venue will create an unprecedented integrated ecosystem that will directly employ 900 people within three years while revitalising the broader regional economy.

“Carousel’s transformation represents the largest private sector investment in Moretele Municipality in decades,” says André Pretorius, MD of Carousel. “Across 500 hectares, with 300 hectares of prime bush, we’re not simply rebuilding a venue—we’re creating a sustainable economic ecosystem that can host everything from intimate business meetings to festivals of over 20 000 people. Our commitment to create 600 construction jobs and 300 permanent positions within 3 years demonstrates our confidence in both the project and the community’s potential.”

Its 300ha of prime bush provides the natural foundation for diverse eco-tourism initiatives including an elevated walking safari on a 6-metre-high nature trail, a conservation-focused theme park, revenue-generating eco-tourism programmes, and sustainable residential development.

Carousel has already completed significant infrastructure development with the renovated hotel and apartment facilities operational; units sold within its eco estate community – operating as long-term rentals, and its multi-day visitor accommodation.

“Our ‘Worlds Within a World’ concept ensures that Carousel serves multiple economic sectors simultaneously. Business conferences generate revenue during weekdays, multi-day festivals attract tens of thousands of visitors, motorsport events create weekend premium experiences, conservation tourism provides year-round appeal, and our eco estate residential community creates a stable base. This diversification across 500 hectares protects against economic volatility while maximising employment opportunities and preserving 300 hectares of prime bushveld for future generations,” notes Pretorius.

With construction already underway, and event bookings secured, Carousel is moving rapidly towards full implementation. Phase 1 (2025) will see the MICE facilities operational with the initial creation of construction jobs, Phase 2 2026/2027) includes the motorsport raceway, retail, and housing development with permanent staffing at full capacity while Phase 3 will focus on conservation tourism, theme park development, and residential expansion.