Palace of Dreams Makes Asi’s Dream Come True
On Friday, 17 May, it was 15-year-old Asi Matshalilanga of Northcliff’s turn to live out his dream of owning Xbox Series X controllers. Asi is a brave young boy who was recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. He is currently in Grade 10 and, before his diagnosis, loved playing cricket, soccer, and rugby. In addition to his love of sports, his favorite subject is Consumer Studies. Asi loves cooking, and it is what he enjoys doing the most when he is at home. When he grows up, he would like to be a chef, as he enjoys cooking.
To make his dream an unforgettable experience, Reach for a Dream, in conjunction with Emperors Palace, invited Asi to don an apron and spend time in the Rosetta’s Bistro kitchen. With the help of the Palace of Dreams’ Sous Chef Jerry Chauke and Commi Chefs Makoma Letsie and Khanyi Hadebe, Asi quickly started making pizzas, trifle, and even chicken stir fry, which he enjoyed with his family and the chefs.
When quizzed on what he enjoyed the most about his visit to the Palace of Dreams, the young dreamer said making the pizzas, especially the first one, which had his favourite toppings: plenty of cheese, chicken, and mushrooms. He believes that pineapple and banana don’t belong on a pizza, so he wasn’t a big fan of the vegetarian pizza he made second, which had pineapple on it. He also enjoyed making and eating the trifle. The proof of what he learned was definitely in the pudding!
The day ended with the reveal of Asi’s dream: Xbox Series X controllers. Asi couldn’t believe his dream came true. Not only did he spend the day immersed in his passion for cooking, but Emperors Palace and Reach for a Dream made his dream come true, giving him hope that tomorrow is worth fighting for.
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
64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, South Africa
EMPERORS PALACE, THE PALACE OF DREAMS IS OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS A YEAR




