Afrirent acquires Protea Hotel by Marriott Mahikeng

Afrirent Holdings has acquired the 99-room Protea Hotel by Marriott in Mahikeng, effective 1 September 2025.

The hotel will now fall under Indalo Hotels & Leisure, Afrirent’s hospitality subsidiary, giving the group full ownership of the property rather than just management rights. Afrirent said this reflects its long-term commitment to the hospitality sector.

Since entering the industry with a lease to manage Cape Town’s Fountains Hotel in 2021, Afrirent has grown its portfolio to include Skukuza Golf Club, Ba-Phalaborwa Resort and Golf Club, and Mane by the Sea Restaurant in Knysna.

Group operations director at Indalo Hotels & Leisure, Kevin Burley, said the acquisition was a major milestone.

“Acquiring Protea Hotel by Marriott Mahikeng is a significant step in our vision to establish a distinctly South African hospitality brand. The region’s growing demand for upscale accommodations, coupled with the hotel’s operational strength, makes it an ideal addition to our portfolio. We’re excited about the opportunity to enhance the guest experience in Mahikeng and contribute to the area’s economic growth.”

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Afrirent said the deal positions the hotel to benefit from rising domestic and international tourism, especially in Mahikeng, which is both an economic and administrative hub in the North West Province.

Afrirent Holdings chair, Senzo Tsabedze, said the acquisition forms part of the company’s broader diversification strategy.

“This acquisition underscores Afrirent’s commitment to business diversification and capitalising on high-growth opportunities. We’re excited about the positive impact that Protea Hotel by Marriott Mahikeng will have – not just on our business, but also on the local economy. We’re dedicated to creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering long-term development in the communities in which we operate.”

Afrirent is a 100% black-owned and managed, Level 1 B-BBEE [broad-based black economic empowerment] company. The group stated that the acquisition supports its mission to expand black ownership while empowering local communities through its supply chain.

The Mahikeng acquisition follows Afrirent’s purchase of High Street Auctions in October 2024.

Read: Afrirent acquires 51% stake in High Street Auctions

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