Limpopo Business 2017-18 edition

INTERVIEW
Park Inn by Radisson
Polokwane
Mr Mofasi Lekota, owner of Polokwane’s latest
new hotel, outlines his vision.
Mofasi Lekota
BIOGRAPHY
Mofasi Lekota gained his first
degree from the University of
Limpopo which was followed
by an MBA from Rutgers University
(USA) and he is currently
studying for a doctorate
in Business Management. He
has Board Leadership Development
qualifications from American
and South African schools
of business. He has been on
the boards of JSE-listed companies
like Adcorp Holdings
and is currently the executive
chairman of Amazin Hotels
and the non-executive Chairman
of the Limpopo Economic
Development Agency.
Why have you invested in Polokwane?
I am originally from Polokwane so I have ties with the province and
the city. I spend quite a lot of time here, and I’m also involved in the
Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) as non-executive
Chairman. I’ve been in other parts of the country and spent some
time overseas. I have invested in a variety of businesses including
cement manufacturing.
My interest in hospitality started a few years ago with a B&B in
Midrand, followed by a lodge in Makhado and a 70-room hotel in
Mbombela. The investment decision was influenced to some extent by
the fact that I come from here, I understand the community and there
is an embedded wish to invest back in the community I come from.
What is the target market?
Globally the Park Inn brand targets both business and leisure travellers
who attach importance to quality of service and value for money. A
clean, comfortable hotel that provides best-in-class service.
As a relatively new entrant in the hospitality market mainstream, it
was important to match the project to a clear gap. I wanted to address
an existing need and Polokwane came to mind.
Why Radisson?
I looked at almost all the major international hotel operators in my
thorough research. The first thing I liked about Radisson was the principle
that they don’t own, but operate hotels, so there is no potential for
conflict of interest. The second thing was their vision for Africa. They
are one of the fastest growing brands on the African continent. I liked
the energy and the support that their management give, especially
the technical support during the development phase. The choice
was very deliberate.
How important will the events/conferences side of the
business be?
It is important to us. We have large enough facilities, to cater for select
groups and the latest conferencing technology. We offer some of the
best in the province.
91 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2017/18