The past two years of lockdown, due to Covid-19, has resulted in many businesses closing down and many people losing their jobs.
According to some economists, the stark reality is that as a country, South Africa could see even more businesses closing, during the short to medium term period, as many business owners have used up all their savings or spare money to keep their businesses afloat during the lockdown period, with the hope that their business would soon return back to ‘normal’ after Covid.
However, due to uncertainty as to when Covid-19 will actually end and talks by scientists of a possible 5th wave hitting the country around June, added to the high crime rate in the country, rising inflation and political uncertainty, many businesses are facing gloom and doom. Hardest hit, is the entertainment and hotel industry, especially those operating in the inland parts of the country.
Locally, the Leriba Hotel in Clubview, Centurion, the St George Hotel in Irene and now the famous Velmore Hotel in Erasmia, which has been popular amongst locals, many of whom still have fond memories of the venue, have now closed their doors to the public. The Leriba Hotel is presently being used for student accommodation, whilst the owners of the St George Hotel are exploring various other usage options for the hotel complex. The owners of the Velmore Hotel are believed to be looking at selling the property, as the operator of the hotel, the Orion Group are believed to be in financial distress.
A number of local residents told the Laudium Sun that they were surprised to find the Velmore Hotel closed when trying to make bookings recently. Resident Imraan Suliman said that he heard that the hotel operator was being liquidated due to financial problems.
However, when the Laudium Sun tried entering the hotel complex, the gates were closed and the security guards stated that the premises was closed to the public. A sign outside the gate stated that the complex “property will be closed for major renovation.” The Laudium Sun spoke to Tracy Prinsloo who represents the owner of the complex, Emil Keyser who said, “All I can say to you is that the place is closed due to renovations”. Tracy refused to comment on whether the hotel operator was under liquidation or not and if the property was up for sale.
