The recently opened SleepOver accommodation at Punda Maria is built on land owned by local businessman Mr Sammy Mhinga and his wife, Dr Rhanduza Mhinga, who, together with members of the local community, run the operation.
SleepOver Punda Maria offers visitors affordable accommodation in a prime location 7km from the Punda Maria gate in the northern part of Kruger National Park.
The property comprises 30 stand-alone en-suite bedrooms and a cafe, bar, and restaurant - all situated within securely fenced indigenous gardens.
Dr Mhinga told guests at the launch that she is committed to reducing poverty and unemployment, specifically for the youth in the area. SleepOver Punda Maria has employed 17 young people from the local community.
They purchased the land in 2004, intending to create affordable accommodation for visitors and employment opportunities for the local community.
“Employment is exponential as it changes the life and wellbeing of the community”. said Dr Mhinga.
Also in attendance at the launch were members of the Mhinga Royal family - who have inhabited the area since the 1600s, the CEO of Limpopo Tourism, Moses Ngobeni, who emphasised his support of local government working with the private sector to invest in the province, and the Mayor, Cllr Maluleke S.G.
Ngobeni said; “To benefit local communities, tourism must be community-based as stated in the 1996 Tourism White Paper”.
He said, “The three SleepOver properties in Limpopo province are worth over R100 million, with jobs being created on all of these projects. These projects are the realisation of the white paper”.
All eleven SleepOver properties situated throughout South Africa are environmentally light, leaving an almost zero carbon footprint and preserving indigenous vegetation.
The properties use rainwater to water their gardens, and where possible, off-grid utilities such as solar power and gas geysers are used.
At the launch of the Punda Maria property, SleepOver CEO, Patrick Scott said; “We preserve all the indigenous fauna and flora wherever we establish our properties”.
Scott added that their vision is to become a leading affordable accommodation brand in South Africa, upholding their core values of providing safe, affordable accommodation to all guests.
The SleepOver philosophy is to integrate into the community and provide opportunities and training for the locals.
SleepOver Punda Maria comprises 30 single units, including family units for 2 adults and 2 children under 12, twin rooms, and queen rooms.
IOL Travel