Hunt for Zonwabise Casino Investors

June 27 - When hundreds of people bought shares into Zonwabise several years ago, none of them thought that the dividends of this grassroots company would eventually reach millions of rands.

Zonwabise, which means 'enjoy yourself', was formed as an empowerment partner to Emfuleni Resorts, operators of the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World in the Eastern Cape.

The group, together with its partners, was granted a ten year license to operate the casino complex in 1998.

However, four hundred investors who took a risk on one of the first gambling projects in the Eastern Cape area are not aware of the R2 million in dividends waiting to be collected from Zonwabise Resort Holdings.

Zonwabise management is now keen to contact the shareholders who are missing out on thousands of rands as part of their investment dividends.

The first dividends were announced in 2004 but, according to the company's chairman, Bongi Siwisa, "we couldn't locate all shareholders. We declared the second dividends in 2005, and again we struggled to locate the shareholders. The majority are in the Eastern Cape but we do have others in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

"We want the shareholders to come forward and get their money, otherwise it will just sit here," said Siwisa.

Situated on the Port Elizabeth beachfront, the Boardwalk presents pure gambling entertainment in Victorian English elegance and a classical theme. With over 200 slot machines and scores of gambling tables, the casino offers a broad range of gaming options to locals and visitors alike.

The complex also includes a convention center, four hotels, a man-made lake surrounded by restaurants, a cinema and children's entertainment facilities.

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