SOL: My friend and adversary, Sol Kerzner

by Peter Venison

Sol Kerzner, the controversial and charismatic business tycoon, dominated the Southern African tourism landscape for decades. He left an indelible mark on the world, developing dream destinations like Sun City and The Palace of the Lost City in South Africa, and the Atlantis developments in the Bahamas and Dubai.
In this riveting memoir, Peter Venison – Sol’s longtime associate, confidant and eventual adversary – offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the life of Kerzner, whose legacy has long been shrouded in mystery, with no comprehensive biography until now.
Venison brilliantly fills in the gaps with vivid personal anecdotes and exclusive details, like the little-known relationship between Kerzner and Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s political transition in the early 1990s.
This tour de force unveils the true a mesmerising perfectionist, a relentless workaholic, and a chain-smoking, whisky-drinking genius who transcended borders to become a key player in the international hospitality industry and South Africa’s one and only Sun King.

“From Sun City to the Atlantis in Dubai, SOL provides a window into the genius of Kerzner, replete with expletive-laden quotes. A great read.” – Nicki Gules, News24

Genres: Business

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2025

Reviews

[Evan H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is in some ways exactly way ya biography should be - honest, raw and balanced. Venison had a long but very difficult relationship with Sol and yet is extremely generous in ensuring his business genius, and softer side, come through on the telling alongside a frank retelling of some of his faults. Indeed venison understands and explains that like any great person, their faults are often what make them who they are.

I think book should have been a bit more detail on the deals, chronology and dates and especially more financial history of the properties and companies but I suppose venison chose to tell a more personal story.

Sol’s story is brilliant and inspiring. very few, if any, businessmen from this era in South Africa made their mark globally, perhaps SAB or DeBeets the exceptions, and certainly none were global trailblazers. An excellent addition to the story of the builders of corporate South Africa and so in that vein despite its weaknesses above, still deserves 5*.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really keen to read this book because growing up in South Africa there was just no ways you wouldn't have known who Sol Kerzner was. Everyone knew the man who built Sun City and mostly everyone I know had a holiday there at some time or other. From my perspective, after reading this book, Sol sounded like quite an abusive man but because he was such a "brilliant businessman", he seems to be forgiven for his bullying ways and constant philandering. Would be interesting to hear one of the female's in his lives' perspective on Sol the man too.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puik

[Ahmed Dada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading about the king that gave us the best childhood memories