Emperors Palace Revamps School Facilities In Reiger Park For Mandela Day
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
In celebration of Mandela Day, Peermont’s flagship resort, Emperors Palace, once again demonstrated its commitment to community upliftment by supporting the Oosrand Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation (Oosrand S.O.S.) in Reiger Park. As part of this year’s initiative, the resort’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) team and volunteer employees donated time and furniture for the school’s Kulture Café coffee shop and refurbished two change rooms at the school’s sports field — a project investment valued at over R150 000.
The project, carried out on Mandela Day, 18 July, was aimed at not only honouring the legacy of former President but also empowering youth through education and skills development. The school, which specialises in Hospitality and Tourism, benefits from practical training, and spaces like the Kulture Café will be beneficial for hands-on experience in training baristas, chefs, and waiters.
The Emperors Palace team assisted with setting up new tables, chairs, and a shade netting structure at the café before the official unveiling, and the learners got to show off their skills by serving coffee and snacks and showcasing the impact of the investment in real time.
‘This project is about more than only infrastructure — it’s about building dignity, hope, and sustainable futures for these learners,” says Peermont HR Operations Manager Tebogo Matlhakola. ‘Emperors Palace is dedicated to building a foundation for the next generation, and this initiative will assist these learners with having access to real-world hospitality training, which will open doors beyond the classroom.’
Also present for the event were Peermont CEO Nigel Atherton, Peermont Human Resources and CSI Executive Fihliwe Molefe, Emperors Palace CFO and Trustee Thembekile Makhoba, IT Executive Gona Rajoo, Marketing Executive Rorisang Setlogelo, Training and Development Manager and Trustee Malebo Mpepele, and the school’s principal, Peter Arendse.
Through this initiative, Emperors Palace continues to show that making a difference begins with action — and that by dedicating time and resources, the Palace of Dreams can help build a brighter, more sustainable future for South Africa’s youth.
Reviews
First, look down when you walk in: the interior walkways are paved with authentic Smart Stone Huguenot Cobbles, engineered specifically to replicate the tactile feeling of walking on real, ancient Roman highways. It is an incredible piece of immersive design that has stood the test of time since its inception.
Second, as someone sensitive to travel fatigue, the engineering here is spectacular. Despite being right next to major runways, the structural acoustics completely eliminate aviation noise. Furthermore, if you explore the convention wing, the rooms are named chronologically after Roman Emperors (Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius), featuring a highly advanced smart-lighting system that subtly shifts tone to help international travelers fight jet lag.
The multi-tiered security checks at the gates provide immense peace of mind, making it a safe, self-contained empire. From the manicured garden paths to the world-class service, it is a flawless, deeply thought-out destination. Don't just stop by for a quick game—take a moment to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship of the Palace of Dreams!
Hidden Details Most Guests Don't Know The Secret History of the Floors:
When the resort opened in September 2000, it was named Caesars Gauteng. The internal casino paths use custom Huguenot Cobble and Shepstone Pavers designed by SmartStone to precisely mimic the durability and texture of ancient Roman stone highways.
The "Imperial Court" Conference Subtext:
The major conference rooms in the South Wing are purposefully named after successive Roman emperors—Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius, Florian, and Romanus. They feature a hidden central smart-lighting grid that automatically shifts color warmth to match the biological clock of travelers suffering from jet lag.
The Multilayered Security Ring: Casual visitors often miss how tightly the security net is woven. Because of its position right next to O.R. Tambo International Airport, the property utilizes an advanced, continuous perimeter sweep and bag-screening protocol that keeps it significantly safer than standard commercial venues.
The Sound-Insulated Aviation Oasis: Despite being directly in the flight path of Africa's busiest airport, the structural glass and architectural roofing are uniquely engineered to absorb low-frequency jet engine vibrations, meaning you can sit in the gardens or sleep in the hotels in absolute peace
Where to find us
EMPERORS PALACE, THE PALACE OF DREAMS IS OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS A YEAR