Montecasino impacts local neighbourhood as part of CSI project

"Some years ago, Diepsloot was identified as an area where we want to be involved in social development as it is on our doorstep and many of our staff either come from there or have their roots there. Since then the precinct has established sound projects that are focused on sustainability and life-changing opportunities," explains GM, Glenn Joseph, who adds his dream is that it eventually becomes a suburb.

Glenn Joseph

"We're in discussions with several companies that are operating social upliftment programmes in Diepsloot to understand what is being done and to work with the community in providing assistance where it is most needed.

Much of activity has been with children in the Diepsloot schools, in various programmes. The newest one, that Joseph is particularly excited about, is the introduction of chess into the schools. "Chess is excellent for brain development, it encourages strategic thinking and it can be played just about anywhere. It's a wonderful sport for youngsters to get involved in. We're in the early stages of introducing it into the schools and have started by training the teachers in chess and how to teach chess."

Rugby moves into township

It has also put much effort and funding into the Tsogo Sun's SunCares Rugby Programme. "At the beginning of August, we held our second rugby festival under the auspices of the Tsogo Sun SunCares Sports Academy rugby programme together with partners that include Golden Lions Rugby Union, Gauteng Department of Education and the Department of Sports and Recreation.

The festival was held at Bophelong Sports Complex in Diepsloot and attracted 612 young boys from seven Diepsloot primary schools. Before the SunCares programme, no rugby had been played in any of the Diepsloot schools - now the children are developing a passion for it and are keen to put in the hard work and practice necessary to advance in the game.

"All of these noteworthy contributions in so many vital areas of development in our community are undertaken through a sense of moral obligation, while we continue to offer a world of entertainment that incorporates a huge variety of options catering for business and leisure markets," he concludes.

CSI contributions - 2012