Our history
Lost City Golf Course
Our history in brief
Sun International is a proudly South African leisure and hospitality group whose history is closely tied to the development of destination tourism, gaming and entertainment in the region.
Founded in the late 1960s and shaped by decades of innovation, the group has evolved from a pioneering resort developer into a diversified, listed gaming and hospitality business, creating memorable experiences while adapting to changing markets, regulation and guest expectations.
1967 – 1979
Origins: building destinations
Sun International’s roots date back to 1967, when the foundations of the group were established under the leadership of Solomon “Sol” Kerzner, a visionary hotelier who believed in creating destinations rather than standalone hotels.
This philosophy reached a defining moment in 1979 with the opening of Sun City, an ambitious integrated resort that redefined leisure, entertainment and hospitality in southern Africa. Sun City established a blueprint for combining hotels, gaming, entertainment and attractions into a single destination experience — a model that would shape the group’s future.
1980s – 1990s
Expansion and consolidation
Through the 1980s and 1990s, Sun International expanded its portfolio of casinos, hotels and resorts across South Africa and selected international markets, helping to pioneer regulated gaming in the region.
During this period, the group’s interests were held within Kersaf Investments Limited, which gradually streamlined its portfolio to focus on leisure, hospitality and gaming. This phase marked a shift from entrepreneurial development toward a more structured, scalable operating model.
2000 – 2004
Becoming Sun International Limited
A significant milestone occurred in 2004, when Kersaf Investments Limited formally adopted the name Sun International Limited, reflecting the consolidation of the group’s identity under a single, focused leisure and entertainment brand.
This transition coincided with a renewed emphasis on governance, operational discipline and long‑term value creation, as Sun International strengthened its position as a leading listed gaming and hospitality group.
2005 – 2016
Diversification and resilience
In the years that followed, Sun International continued to evolve its portfolio, investing in urban casinos, resorts, hotels, timeshare and limited payout machines, while exiting non‑core international assets where appropriate.
The launch of Sun Vacation Club in the mid‑1990s and later portfolio enhancements reflected a growing focus on repeat visitation and long‑term guest relationships, strengthening the resilience of the business across economic cycles.
2017 – present
An omnichannel leisure group
Since 2017, Sun International has entered a new phase of its history, expanding beyond physical destinations into online gaming and betting through platforms such as Sunbet, while continuing to invest in flagship properties and guest experience.
This period has been defined by:
- Greater integration across physical and digital channels
- A sustained commitment to responsible gaming
- Renewed investment in iconic destinations such as Sun City and urban entertainment hubs like Time Square
Today, Sun International operates in a highly regulated environment, balancing heritage with innovation and maintaining a clear focus on long‑term sustainability and stakeholder value.
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.Nelson Mandela
Sun International’s history spans a period of profound change in South Africa. Like many South African institutions, the group continues to evolve within a society shaped by Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of reconciliation, responsibility and service.
Continuity and change
Throughout its history, Sun International has adapted to changing social, economic and regulatory landscapes while remaining true to its core purpose: creating great memories for guests, people and stakeholders.
The group’s history is not defined by a single moment, but by an ability to evolve — from destination building, to portfolio management, to omnichannel engagement — while preserving the spirit that has shaped the Sun International brand for more than five decades.
