As couples arrive for a weekend of romance, the iconic Sun City Resort will be transformed into a living love letter, crafted petal by petal by Eden Flowers, a proudly black woman-owned business rooted in community upliftment and creative excellence.
From grand entrances to intimate dining tables, every corner of the resort will carry the signature of Eden Flowers — an explosion of colour, scent and artistry designed to set hearts aflutter.
A resort in full bloom
This Valentine’s season, Eden Flowers will dress the resort’s most beloved spaces in romance. Guests stepping into the Sun City Hotel, Cascades Hotel, Cabanas Hotel and the legendary The Palace of the Lost City will be greeted by breathtaking floral installations.
Hotel lobbies, restaurants and special event spaces will be reimagined as havens of romance — lush arrangements curated to complement the architecture, lighting and mood of each venue.
But the magic does not stop at the décor.
Guests wanting to surprise their significant other can purchase Eden Flowers’ signature arrangements throughout Valentine’s weekend. Options include classic rose bunches, boxed flowers paired with chocolates, elegant bouquets in vase displays and curated goodie packages. These are available through concierge desks at the resort or conveniently via Netflorist.
More than a moment — a year-round partnership
While Valentine’s Day is a high point, Eden Flowers’ presence at Sun City extends far beyond a single weekend.
The company provides weekly deliveries and daily refreshers to ensure hotel lobbies radiate freshness and care year-round. At The Palace of the Lost City, Eden Flowers manages the hotel’s flower shop and supplies bespoke arrangements for rooms, suites, restaurants and public areas — maintaining the distinctive elegance guests expect.
That commitment to excellence was formally recognised in 2025 when Eden Flowers was named Sun City’s Service Provider of the Year.
“The award reflects the business’s consistent quality, reliability, and contribution to the resort’s guest experience, as well as Sun City’s commitment to supporting high-performing local suppliers,” says Sun City General Manager Brett Hoppé.
Rooted in South Africa
Eden Flowers’ creations showcase a rich tapestry of South African indigenous and locally grown non-indigenous blooms. Proteas, lilies, strelitzias, brunias, celosias, hypericums, sunflowers, hannecoms, heliconias, gypsophila, lisianthus and roses are sourced directly from farms across the country.
By buying local, Eden Flowers ensures freshness and sustainability while supporting South African growers. Each arrangement is not just an aesthetic statement, but an economic one — a conscious investment in local agriculture and supply chains.
“Nothing says ‘I love you’ better than flowers,” says owner and managing director Mmaphuthi Makokwe. “Our mission is to help people celebrate life’s milestones with fresh, locally-sourced blooms that feel personal and unique.”
A business built on empowerment
Eden Flowers is proudly black woman-owned and led by Makokwe, who took over the company in 2023. Her career began in banking and mining before she embraced entrepreneurship, turning a creative side hustle in event décor and catering into more than a decade of hands-on floral expertise.
Today, Eden Flowers is a trusted hospitality partner and a B-BBEE Level 1 contributor with 135% procurement recognition — reinforcing Sun City’s commitment to supporting high-performing local businesses.
The company employs 11 people from surrounding communities, including Ledig, Phatsima, Mabele a Podi, Meriting and Sun Rise. Its team comprises managers, florists, trainees and support staff — all contributing to a growing ecosystem of local economic participation.
“As I am committed to uplifting and supporting the local community by creating job opportunities and employing dedicated individuals from our area, Eden Flowers exists as a community-driven business where creativity, empowerment, and elegant floral designs thrive together,” says Makokwe.
A vision in full bloom
Looking ahead, Makokwe envisions expanding Eden Flowers across the North West province, establishing a flower arrangement school for young creatives and ultimately developing an Eden Flowers farm.
The ambition is clear: create more employment opportunities while continuing to supply Sun City and the wider region with floral artistry rooted in community growth.
This Valentine’s Day, as couples wander through fragrant lobbies and candlelit restaurants, the message is unmistakable. At Sun City, love is not just celebrated — it is cultivated.
