magazine GROUP CULTURE & VALUES NEW VALUES & INDUCTION PROGRAMME MANDELA DAY HOW TSOGO SUN EMPLOYEES CELEBRATED SUNCARES TAKING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CELEBRATING RESPONSIBILITY TSOGO’S TO HEART WOMEN Lungile Duma 3

INTRODUCTION_

Message from the CEO, FROM THE Marcel von Aulock EDITOR

Welcome to the spring edition of talkingTSOGO magazine. With warmer weather and longer days, we have so much to look forward to as we approach the end of another year. The last 5 few months have been exciting ones in the world of Tsogo Sun, with Sun1 being announced as our new budget brand and the ever-popular MasterChef SA having revealed our second talented TSOGOSPHERE_ South African amateur chef (page 6).

In this issue, we celebrate the wonderful women of Tsogo Sun. For your quarterly scoop We chat to Lungile Duma about her role as head of the group’s about our group tax department, which is solely comprised of women. Testament to our commitment to gender diversity, we have also just been certified as a Top Employer by the CRF institute (page 13). 17 Our new internal values system will be launched in October and we’ve got your update in ‘Engaging Tsogo’ on page 17. Our wonderful people are one of the main reasons why Tsogo Sun UPDATE ON_ is a great place to work and our new induction and orientation CULTURE &_ programme, connected to our new values, will ensure that VALUES_ new employees are equipped to excel from the start of their employment (page 18). 13 Resounding ‘yes’ for our new Tsogo Sun values When it comes to caring, our sense of community at Tsogo Sun is something very powerful. Read about how the SunCares Sports FEATURE:_ Academy is changing the face of rugby on page 12 and find out CELEBRATING_ all about our SunCares environmental strategy on page 19. Our collective compassion has never been more evident than on TSOGO’S WOMEN_ Mandela Day this past July when hundreds of you, our Tsogo Sun people, gave selflessly to those less fortunate in our communities. We speak to Lungile Duma, the Our developments continue to enhance our offerings around dynamic woman the country and updates have been provided on completions who heads up our 16 21 and progress throughout the magazine. On the entertainment tax department front, read about how ‘we’re going big’ for the MTN Festival at Montecasino and don’t miss your chance to see Suzanne Vega live EXCLUSIVE_ MANDELA DAY_ at the Teatro (page 7). STAFF OFFER_ The impact of our collective compassion has seldom been With only a few more months until the end of the year, what more evident than during better way to enjoy the new season than by spending time Gold Reef City Theme Park Mandela day this past July outdoors with family and friends at the Gold Reef City Theme Park, where you can take advantage of our exclusive employee offer (page 16). Editor Candy Tothill Until next time, let’s keep talking Tsogo! Copywriter Vanessa Naude

Cover CANDY TOTHILL Photographer 19 27 Elske Kritzinger Post Production Dieselbrook TAKING OUR_ INSIDE TSOGO_ Design & Layout ENVIRONMENTAL_ Dieselbrook RESPONSIBILITY_ Talk to us on [email protected] Your quarterly glimpse into or visit talkingtsogo.tsogosun.com TO HEART_ the Tsogo Sun social scene

1 2 introduction

With winter behind us, all the signs of spring and the associated rejuvenation can be felt and seen. The MARCEL landscaping and gardens of many of our properties is VON AULOCK something we take immense pride in, particularly at Montecasino, at this time of year.

Traditionally winter is our toughest Tsogo Sun pays over R2-billion per year in trading season and we are excitedly various direct taxes and at least another looking forward to the strong increase in R1-billion in indirect taxes. The efficient activity levels in both hotels and gaming, administration of the tax function is a non- culminating in the all-important leisure negotiable and we are very lucky to have period over the festive season. people of the calibre of Lungile and her team looking after it for us. The focus of this issue of talkingTSOGO is the key role that women play in our group. As I have spoken about previously, our Message It is not accidental that some of the most developments continue, and in particular important roles in various disciplines – Silverstar in Krugersdorp, Emnotweni in including development, marketing and, as Nelspruit, Blackrock in Newcastle and the from the highlighted in this issue, tax, are occupied Southern Sun Maputo in Mozambique are by women. all a hive of construction activity, with ______CEO We have a great business with wonderful assets, and exciting opportunities lie ahead. ______

We operate in a highly regulated industry planning for additional hotel developments in gaming and are often faced with in various regions and the expansion of unwarranted attacks from those with Gold Reef City, Montecasino and Suncoast an anti-gaming sentiment. Our ability Casino being actively pursued. to prove our dedicated compliance with the tax laws is vitally important for We have a great business with wonderful maintaining our standing in corporate assets, and exciting opportunities lie ahead. South Africa and our licence to trade.

3 4 TSOGOsphere

For your quarterly Norman Wallace (Operations Director - Gauteng North), Lindelwa Isabelle (Executive Marketing Manager - Hotels), Kamini Pather (MasterChef SA Season 2 Winner), scoop about our Deena Naidoo (MasterChef SA Season 1 Winner) and Priya Naidoo (General Manager: Group Communications) group, here’s what’s happening at CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW MASTERCHEF SA!

Tsogo Sun… The name of the second MasterChef SA commitment to supporting the South winner was officially announced on M-Net African hospitality industry,” says Noëleen on 11 September as South Africa waited Bruton, our Group Marketing Director. with baited breath to hear which amateur chef would win the coveted title and over Throughout the second season, we have R1-million worth of prizes. In celebration given the public the opportunity to engage of her win, Kamini Pather was hosted at an with MasterChef promotions on our exclusive dinner at our Southern Sun Hyde properties. Adding to our exposure, our very Park, joined by family, sponsors and media. own celebrity chef, Benny Masekwameng, once again made an appearance in the In an evolving partnership with M-Net to living rooms of South Africans around the bring MasterChef SA into the homes of country as one of the three MasterChef South Africans once again this year, we judges. SUN1 RISES AS TSOGO SUN’S BUDGET BRAND were a proud sponsor of MasterChef SA. In addition to being a fully-fledged tactical With two weekly episodes, MasterChef SA In keeping with our strategy of owning given a fresh, clean new look. This places partner this year, we also had the honour has been watched by more than 500 000 our assets, last year we acquired the Sun1 perfectly in the Tsogo Sun hierarchy of sponsoring one of the main prizes in viewers each and every week. The Tuesday remaining 52.6% of the shares in Hotel of hotel brands in the Budget category. Season 2. premier has consistently ranked first and Formula 1 (Pty) Ltd making it a wholly There are no frills or fuss and Sun1 is the second in viewer ratings each week, while owned subsidiary of our company. After lowest cost, graded hospitality offering, in Kamini will be jetting off to our tropical the Wednesday premier has not dropped a strategic re-look at the branding, the structure, service and energy consumption. paradise of Maia Luxury Resort and Spa below the top six performing programmes company name has now been changed to We are also investing around R135-million on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles. on M-Net. Sun1 Hotels (Pty) Ltd. We are now in the over the next three years to upgrade and The prize includes a five-night stay for two process of rebranding 21 of the 23 hotels refresh the properties, which offer a total in a villa with a panoramic ocean view, “Partnering with MasterChef is an to make them clearly distinguishable as of 1 530 rooms in popular locations around spending money and business class airfares. excellent fit for Tsogo Sun as it epitomises part of Tsogo Sun. Our sunburst has been the country. a constant striving for culinary excellence; incorporated into the logo and it’s been “The partnership with the MasterChef SA we’re extremely proud to have had the reality culinary show is a meeting of like- opportunity to join M-Net in this exciting minded brands and a natural alignment show and we wish Kamini a lifetime of for us. It is also testament to Tsogo Sun’s culinary adventures,” says Noëleen.

R200-MILLION UPDGRADE OF EMNOTWENI NEARS COMPLETION

Visitors to Emnotweni in Nelspruit will Flanking the new multi-purpose venue will soon find an entertainment experience be a new food outlet with a scenic open that is unmatched in the Lowveld. The first terrace overlooking the Nelspruit Botanical phase of the R200-million upgrade of the Gardens and the Emnotweni Sun hotel. complex is nearing completion, with the unveiling of its new look scheduled for Inside the complex, a larger smoking casino later this year. is taking shape and a smoking area in the stylish new Salon Privé will ensure that One of the most ambitious parts of the patrons enjoy the utmost comfort and upgrade was the demolition of the 720m² exclusivity. With the upgrade, the casino Emnotweni Arena to make way for three facility will include 425 slot machines levels of parking and a new multi-purpose and 18 tables. In the second phase of venue. Emnotweni will be the hub for construction, which will be completed in events, conferences, concerts, expos and April 2014, the existing floor space will be launches with this state-of-the-art venue. revamped.

5 6 MEDIA LIVE THE TSOGOsphere Kids Playground at the Chefs David van Staaden, Benny MASTERCHEF EXPERIENCE Montecasino Bird Gardens Masekwameng and Attie Schultz This year, as MasterChef SA returned for its second season, we gave fans and foodies countless opportunities to experience the flavours, textures, ingredients and flair that they witnessed on their TV screens each week through our exciting Mystery Box promotion.

In addition to our promotion held with participating restaurants at Silverstar, Mon- tecasino and Gold Reef City, from 10 July to 11 September every Monday to Friday, a mystery box was on display at the entranc- MAKING MAGIC AT MILPARK es to selected Tsogo Sun hotel restaurants, giving guests the chance to become a MasterChef judge for the evening and to put our talented chefs to the test. Each mystery box contained eight ingredients, some seasonal and some unusual – chal- lenging the creativity, skill and versatility of our chefs, who used the contents of the box to create a special main course dish for the a la carte menu each week, paired with a Nederburg wine. The promotion was launched in at SunCoast Towers – where media were given the opportunity to live the MasterChef experience.

The lively troop READ ALL ABOUT IT – of future artistes outside our Teatro at ON OUR BLOG! Montecasino The Tsogo Sun blog is an exciting new addition to our online presence. It’s an extension of our website, intended to give readers a glimpse into life behind the scenes at Tsogo Sun. Throughout our more than 90 hotels and 14 casinos, we’ve got experts on hospitality, food, tourism, entertainment, trends and gaming – so who better than us to talk about what’s hot and happening Taste of Joburg at Montecasino on these fronts? SUZANNE VEGA TO SUNCARES ARTS PROGRAMME BRINGS FESTIVITY TO “While each of our social media PERFORM ONE CONCERT THE WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS platforms has a different purpose, MONTECASINO GOES BIG WITH THE MTN FESTIVAL ONLY AT THE TEATRO they all share the common goals This winter holiday, our SunCares Arts The winter festivities consisted of two of encouraging and increasing Jozi’s biggest festival is back – returning “We have included a variety of unique, Popular folk-singer and songwriter, Academy holiday programme brought the three-day programmes in both Diepsloot engagement, building awareness for the third time to Montecasino during diverse and world-class entertainment Suzanne Vega, who is best known for her wonder of the arts to 395 children from and Mayfair, exposing these dynamic and and reputation and generating September and October. From food to that appeals to all visitors across all mega hit, “My name is Luka”, is coming Mayfair and Diepsloot by giving them determined children to practical lessons revenue. It is because of these movies to live music, theatre, gaming, demographics – giving everyone the to South Africa to perform one concert creative learning projects designed to help on hip hop dance, theatre and educational common goals that visitors to street entertainment, comedy and opportunity to create their own festival only at the Teatro at Montecasino. It’s build life skills, self-discovery and dynamic workshops. The programme was brought our Facebook page and our blog children’s activities, the MTN Festival at and go big,” says Montecasino General not surprising that she’s chosen our and symbiotic thinking. to life when the children were introduced can make a hotel booking,” says Montecasino is big! Manager, Glenn Joseph. exclusive theatre, which seats just over to, and trained by, renowned American hip Sheena Gates, our Social Media 1 800 people, because it will provide Shanda Paine our Group CSI Manager hop dancer Melly-Mel-Inspires, who has Manager. Giving our guests endless opportunities Events forming part of the MTN Festival her with the perfect setting to share her explains “the SunCares Arts Academy appeared in several Hollywood motion to “Play Big, Applaud Big, Laugh Big, Sing include Montecasino’s Revved Up music with fans – up close and personal. caters to all facets of the arts. Personal pictures including ‘Sex and The City‘, Read all about it at http://blog. Big, Eat Big, Rock Big, Shout Big and Party gaming promotion, performances by Taking place on Sunday, 3 November, development is also included in the ‘Honey‘and ‘Chicago’, as well as South tsogosun.com – and remember to Big”, we’re offering a huge variety of events Katherine Jenkins and Patrizio Buanne; kids Suzanne Vega brings her special style of curriculum, which we hope will go far in African hip hop dancer Kay-Roc & Q who is spread the word so that we can and entertainment options that offer entertainment at the Montecasino Bird melodious music that is bound to bring preparing the children for their futures no a ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ South Africa build an engaging and talkative something for every member of the family. Gardens; comedy from ; and back memories to those of us who enjoy matter what path they choose to take.” judge. online community. the Pick ‘n Pay Taste Of Joburg. the sounds of the ‘80’s. 7 8 SCC LEADS WITH AWARDS Ravi Nadasen, Director of TSOGOsphere Operations for the Gauteng East It’s always nice to win awards – but Region, accepting the hotel award when you win them year after year from Dylan Rogers (Editor of and consistently beat the best in your Business Traveller Africa magazine) industry, it’s more than nice; it’s a reflection of your leadership status. Sandton Convention Centre has proudly notched up two more coveted industry awards in its ever-expanding collection that started when we opened the doors of this world-class facility over 13 years ago. SCC was recently announced the winner of the Best Venue in the Large Conference Venue category in the Business Traveller Africa (BTA) Awards, as well as the Favourite Technical Venue category for the seventh time in recent years in the Technical Production Services Association (TPSA) Awards, as voted for by the technical suppliers to the industry.

Mati Nyazema, SCC’s Executive Director says that winning awards is important to Sandton Convention Centre. “It adds Kieno Kamies (CEO of richly to our business. When we work Business Solutions), Candy towards winning awards in relevant Tothill (Group Internal categories, it helps our teams to think Comms & Special Projects in a strategic and structured manner, Manager), Emmah Makatu analysing our business objectives and (Guesthouse of the Year striving for the highest quality service. As winner) and Judi Sandrock a team, we believe that going the extra (CEO of MEDO) mile is the minimum standard for our business and the sense of achievement we gain ensures that we work hard to maintain those standards.” PARTNERING TO SUPPORT SOUTH AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS TSOGO SUN WINS BEST

HOTEL GROUP AWARD We’re a company that believes in Our partner, Judi Sandrock, Joint CEO of CABANA BEACH partnerships and collaborations – after all, MEDO, says, “Tsogo Sun realises the value According to a prestigious award the power of collective effort goes much they can add to their industry, being a presented to Tsogo Sun at the recent REFURB COMPLETED further than individual action ever can. dominant player in the sector. The view Business Traveller Africa (BTA) Awards, IN RECORD TIME There are many examples of collaborations is that if small businesses can grow, the we are the Best Hotel Group for business within every area of our business, and overall sector grows and our country travellers. The BTA Awards were launched A staggering 37 000 bricks, 8 000 none more so than within our CSI and benefits in the long run. It’s a progressive in Sandton in 2012 in association with building blocks, and 2 100 bags of entrepreneurial development programmes. and abundance mentality view that drives Future Group’s Business Traveller Africa cement were the perfect ingredients for the Book a Guesthouse programme.” magazine and, although they are only the R86-million refurbishment of the The latest partnership comes in the form in their second year, the BTA Awards are Cabana Beach Resort in uMhlanga Rocks. of a collaboration with MEDO (the Micro In support of entrepreneurial development rapidly finding a niche in acknowledging The recipe used to create the country’s Enterprise Development Organisation), in South Africa, we are supplying venues the industry’s top performers. most extensive and highest value which is aimed at facilitating and accommodation to MEDO to help timeshare refurbishment also included entrepreneurial development in them deliver their enterprise development “It’s a proud moment when the industry 7 892m² of tiles and 560m³ of sand! South Africa. programmes. One of the innovative we’re striving to serve to the highest initiatives undertaken by MEDO, for which standards acknowledges our efforts as The Mediterranean styled resort, known As a strategic advisor and on-the-ground we recently provided Sandton Sun as the best in the business,” says our CEO for its relaxing ambience is set on three implementer of sustainable micro and a venue, is ‘The Big Pitch’. The July ‘Big Marcel von Aulock. “We believe that acres of sub-tropical parkland at the small enterprise development, MEDO Pitch’ event saw the winner of our Book awards are good for our business. Staying edge of the Indian Ocean. With the will be assisting us with our Book a a Guesthouse - Guesthouse of the Year, in an award-winning hotel is likely to upgrade completed in a record 84 days, Guesthouse programme. “We are delighted Emmah Makatu, who owns Zwinoni Lodge mean an experience that surpasses our guests can now enjoy the modern- to have partnered with MEDO, who we in the Western Cape, present her skills expectations – and that’s what Tsogo styled bedrooms, equipped with new believe will add even more value to the and services with a three minute pitch Sun is about.” Other nominees in the furniture and lighting, and beautifully programme’s beneficiaries through the to an audience of potential clients. The BTA Awards Best Hotel Group category renovated bathrooms. Leaving nothing delivery of specialised business skills by opportunity was afforded to Emmah by included City Lodge Hotels, Legacy to chance for the perfect finish, 477 the organisation’s professional team,” says virtue of the partnership between MEDO Hotels & Resorts, Protea Hotels and Sun smoke detectors were installed in the Candy Tothill, our Internal Comms and and Tsogo Sun, exposing this dynamic International. new ceilings and 961 new doors were Special Projects Manager. “We are also entrepreneur to new opportunities to fitted throughout the resort. With the looking forward to extending our support promote her business. Keeping it in the family, Sandton emphasis on energy saving, 6 544 light- to entrepreneurs in other industries in Convention Centre won the Best Venue in emitting diode (LED) lamps were South Africa through our wonderful new the Large Conference Venue category in fitted too. p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h M E D O,” s h e a d d s . the BTA Awards (read about it on page 9).

9 10 PARLIAMENTARIANS UNITE MAKING MAGIC AT TSOGOsphere AT SCC MILPARK

Sandton Convention Centre provided A transformation is taking place at the the platform in September for the Garden Court Milpark, which is situated coming together of 175 Commonwealth in the trendy suburb of Auckland Park. All Parliaments and Legislators for the bedrooms, corridors, lift lobbies and the 59th Commonwealth Parliamentary reception area are currently undergoing a Conference. The event saw hundreds major makeover and the team is looking of heads of state (including President forward to the official completion date Jacob Zuma), politicians and dignitaries in December. The upgrade also includes from around the world flocking through the addition of four new and modern the doors of our world-class convention conference facilities for up to 140 people. centre. As part of the refurb, the bedrooms are being revamped to be an expression of city loft living against the Joburg skyline, depicted by bold graphic elements, Keenan Arrison skyline print on the curtains and a check carpet design. Based on the new Rea Vaya public transport system, each floor has its own route number and unique accent colour. New room types are also being introduced, including 12 Superior rooms, 19 Deluxe rooms and four beautifully appointed Executive rooms. The first new rooms are now available and it’s just a few months until the rest are complete.

Gavin Annandale, JJ Breedt, Lucy Purdon, Stephan Greef, Ruhan Nel and children from Diepsloot Combined School

Back: Rashen Naidoo, Vuyiswa King, Ryan Smith, Mike Dowsley, Solomzi Mgingi, Slungile Msweli, Sharlene Soobramoney, Nicole East, Nathi Sibanyoni, Ashley Naidu. Front: Lungani Nkonyeni and Laven Uganarain

ON TOP OF KZN’S BUSINESS SCENE

SLOTS FACTOR LINKS CASINOS FOR THE FIRST TIME The event that is described as the Oscars of the KZN business world, the RUGBY FEVER TAKES HOLD IN DIEPSLOOT Our first-ever groupwide slots tournament the day competed in the national finals at First National Bank Kwa-Zulu Natal Top – Slots Factor – has just taken place over Montecasino on Saturday 21 September – Business Portfolio Awards, saw Suncoast Our SunCares and Montecasino teams rugby, along with many important life three months between July and September. where one incredibly fortunate individual winning the coveted Top Tourism Business pulled out all the stops in August to skills that will give them an edge for their The stakes have been high in our inaugural walked away with R1-million in cash! category award for the third time. bring the second annual SunCares Sports futures. countrywide slots tournament with Academy rugby festival to life, hosting R1-million in cash guaranteed to the “100 slots players from all over the country Presented in recognition of the celebrities and sporting stars aplenty, “The South African Rugby Union ultimate winner plus an additional participated in the Slots Factor final –the contribution made by top companies along with representatives of the Golden applauds companies such as Tsogo Sun R1.3-million shared among the top 10 largest number of finalists in any slots and organisations in both business and Chiliboy Ralepelle Lions Rugby Union, Gauteng Department that are collaborating with government national scorers. tournament ever hosted at any of our industry to the economy of KwaZulu- scrums with one of Education and the Department of departments and other organisations properties. This is the first time we’ve Natal, criteria for selection include factors of the Tsogo Sun Sports and Recreation, our partners in this to make a real difference in developing Qualifying rounds were held at all of our offered our patrons across the country the such as brand, reputation, stakeholder SunCares teams inspiring initiative. rugby at grass roots level. It is good for the casinos over an eight week period from opportunity to compete in a groupwide relations, goodwill, environmental at the SunCares country, it is good for rugby and more than 14 July to 5 September, resulting in a slots tournament – and the first time sustainability, social responsibility and rugby festival More than 600 youngsters from seven that, it is good for the children, who are semi-final round, which saw the top scorers our size and national footprint has been quality of governance. Congratulations Diepsloot primary schools are participating kept active and can enjoy all the benefits participating in a hotly contested tourna- leveraged for the benefit of our patrons,” to our team at Suncoast for their efforts in the programme, which teaches the of participating in a team sport,” said SARU ment on Saturday 14 September. Out of all comments Jacques Booysen, our Managing to assist the KZN province to realise its children the techniques and discipline of deputy president Mark Alexander on the these players, the top 12 credit scorers on Director of gaming. full tourism potential. occasion of our second rugby festival. 11 12 feature

As a nation, we An exceptional example of the success of our women’s empowerment policies can spent the month of be found in our tax department, which August celebrating consists solely of women, under the LUNGILE leadership of Lungile Duma, who is the DUMA women. Within our face of talkingTSOGO in this issue and a role model for women in our organisation organisation, we are and throughout South Africa. extremely proud of Lungi is a chartered accountant by the fact that over 50% profession and, from early on in her of our employees are career, she had an avid interest in tax. Originally from Durban, Lungi is a city girl women and, in this issue at heart and moved to in of talkingTSOGO, we 2002 after studying at the University of KZN and doing her articles at Deloitte in celebrate the unique uMhlanga and working for Standard Bank qualities they bring to before moving to Tsogo Sun. Here, her days are anything but average and they our workplace. vary depending on where we are in our company’s financial year.

Being responsible for the tax related matters of all the companies within our group keeps Lungi’s department of four women very busy, primarily dealing with VAT returns, handling queries from SARS relating to VAT and payroll, and generally ensuring that we are compliant with the myriad of SARS requirements and regulations governing business in South Africa. The tax department also deals with queries from the units on tax implications and does extensive advisory work. This is a department where accuracy and attention to detail are imperatives, as there are many reports that need to be produced to ensure that the right information and advice is provided to all stakeholders.

The four women who make up the tax department bring different but highly complementary skills to their close- knit working environment. Three of the dynamic team are chartered accountants by profession, having completed their celebrating articles at different times but all sharing the common denominator of having worked for Deloitte at some point in Tsogo’s their careers. Lungi heads up the tax department, with Fezeka Dada looking after gaming and Nthabeleng Morabe taking care of hotels. The fourth member women of the team is Johanna Mogale, who ably looks after the mountain of admin accumulated by the department and, having worked at SARS, expertly handles the liaison with the Revenue Services on a daily basis. 13 14 feature exclusive employee offers

Lungi believes that, although all four women in the business world, and not as society, the more we advance the world.” members of the team are women, they men in a man’s world. The result is that we Vusi says that the example being set by each have unique qualities that they bring are achieving results not only in gender our tax department, where women are to bear in the workplace. She describes equality and access to long term careers, achieving excellent results in their role as Nthabeleng as a go-getter who knows but also in areas such as the empowerment essential support services for the group, what she wants, interacts extremely well of black female-owned suppliers; results is an important one in demonstrating the with the different departments and is able that are achieved not by chance but rather value of women’s empowerment. to manage interaction at all levels within by design.” the organisation, right up to the most senior. “Her strength is her assertiveness and the structured way she works.” Fezeka For us, the development, acceleration, upward is very detail orientated and, when given a task, covers it from all angles, sourcing mobility and provision of opportunities for women is information externally when needed and central to this strategy of empowerment and to ensuring that nothing is missed. “She is fairly quiet, and gets the job done, no our DNA. matter how complex or challenging.” Johanna, on the other hand, is very much a people’s person, making her ideal for the The criticism often meted out with Sharing his advice to women who are role of liaison with SARS. “Having worked regards to the empowerment of women climbing the ranks within our group, for the Revenue Services, she has a good is their representation at senior levels Vusi says, “Don’t allow being a strong understanding of their structure, operation, within organisations. At Tsogo Sun, woman in a male-dominated environment system and language, which stands us in we have a strong focus on developing to make you lose the essence of what got good stead.” female managers within the group, which you there in the first place. The rules of is reflected in the fact that 32.2% of engagement may be male-directed, but the Commenting on what unique qualities our executive and senior management qualities that you bring are complementary women bring to the workplace, Lungi says, comprises of women. At general and are valued by your company – after all, “As women, we are intuitive and tend to be management level, 42.9% are female. The they are the qualities that helped you to better communicators as a result. Generally, figure of 32.2% of women in executive get where you are.” we pick up on nuances and handle our and senior management positions is communication with individuals based on substantially higher than the national our understanding of the person.” average of 28% reported in the 2012 Grant TOP EMPLOYERS Thornton International Business Report As an organisation, Tsogo Sun was (IBR), which surveys trends in privately held SOUTH AFRICA founded on the principles of broad- businesses in 40 economies in the world. Our empowerment policies, and based black economic empowerment. According to this report, the global average particularly those relating to women, Commenting on Tsogo Sun’s focus on of women holding executive and senior are one of the many aspects of our women’s empowerment in particular, management positions is 21%. HR strategies that are consistently Vusi Dlamini, our Group HR Director, says, recognised in the annual CRF Best “these principles remain an intrinsic part Commenting on the reasons why it’s Employer Awards. We have once of who we are and today we are proud to important to make sure that women again been awarded Top Employers be a Level 2 BBBEE contributor. For us, the in particular are advanced, Vusi says, South Africa 2014 certification. development, acceleration, upward mobility “Firstly, as a country we have historically The CRF Institute’s comprehensive and provision of opportunities for women marginalised women from all ethnic independent research revealed that is central to this strategy of empowerment backgrounds in South Africa, because, we provide exceptional employee and to our DNA. A total of 50.46% of by-and-large society throughout the conditions, nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the our group’s employees are female, taking world is very patriarchal, and the focus organisation and that we have us over the tipping point in empowering has always been on the advancement of demonstrated ourselves as a leader in women in the gaming, entertainment and men in what has traditionally been a man’s the Human Resources environment, hospitality industry. This marks a milestone world. Secondly, the more we advance striving to continuously optimise our in our efforts to promote gender equality women the more we create a diverse employment practices and develop, and transformation among our workforce.” group of employees, and the more we always. enrich the debates within the organisation, “We see the issue of upliftment and bringing in different perspectives on how Although this year we were not advancement of women as a journey. We to drive the organisation forward, which is awarded top 10 status, this is as can’t, by any stretch of the imagination, a business imperative. We need to enrich a result of greater internal focus suggest that we’ve arrived yet. There are this process by getting a cross-pollination on developing an integrated value still a lot of strides we need to take to get of ideas. Without the valuable insights system and establishing our Tsogo to the level where we can put our hand on and perspectives of everyone, we limit our Sun Academy. Both these areas – values and the development of our hearts and say we’ve done well. Having organisation.” people – are core components of the said that, the achievements we’ve made criteria for the CRF Best Employer thus far are commendable,” he says. “Finally, there’s a saying that if you Award and we are confident that, empower a woman you’ve empowered with these aspects in place by later “Since our inception, we’ve treated the family. We are all where we are today this year, we will once again be in the women as individuals and created equal due to the existence of women. The more top positions within our industries. opportunities for them to compete as we advance women, the more we advance 15 16 engaging TSOGO

update culture & onvalues

RESOUNDING ‘YES’ TO employees for their further input in face-to- induction course, which is based on the MAKING IT EASY FOR NEW testing the course with various groups “It all works together to ensure that we face sessions and in online responses, asking Tsogo Sun values, will also be launched of employees throughout the company. retain new employees and help them grow NEW VALUES! them to vote for each letter,” says Karen. at the management conference and then EMPLOYEES TO THRIVE AT The results have been very positive and and develop within their roles as quickly subsequently rolled out throughout the TSOGO SUN encouraging.” as possible, upholding the values of Tsogo Surveys show that a massive 96 percent A total of 342 people attended the face- group (see the article in this issue). Sun,” says Joyce. of you have given the Tsogo Sun values to-face sessions across the country. The The process of transforming into one Tsogo She adds that one of the biggest challenges steering team an enthusiastic go ahead on process was designed to ensure that The Tsogo Sun values reward and Sun means making sure that everyone was to adapt a single induction and The new induction and orientation will be the soon-to-be-revealed internal values, hotels, gaming and corporate were all well recognition programme will be launched understands and embraces our culture and orientation course to suit hotels, gaming launched at the management conference in which are close to being finalised. represented. It was the same for the online in January. This will ensure that every values – which includes all new employees and corporate structures, while maintaining October. By 1 November, the first course survey, through which 1 542 responses employee has an opportunity to understand who join our group. This has necessitated consistency of tools across the business will be ready to roll! Karen Borain, Training and Development were received from across the group, which the new values as well as the specific Tsogo the development of a carefully structured and ensuring that a great experience is Manager with the Tsogo Sun Academy and included our offshore properties. Sun behaviours that stem from the values. induction and orientation course, which created for all our people. Ultimately, Project Leader of the Tsogo Sun values “Of the total of 1 884 people who we Thereafter, recognition will be given based is currently being finalised by the team in simplicity won the day. “We realised that steering team, explains, “the process of THE INDUCTION AND engaged, 96 percent liked the concept. It on the new values. charge of this aspect of our integration. past induction courses had often been consultation and development of our new has been exceptionally heart-warming to complicated and heavy, which made the ORIENTATION COMPRISES Tsogo Sun values has continued steadily have reached such a clear and positive In the meantime, the team is still hard at Joyce Osborne, Training Manager with business units reluctant to use them. THREE MAIN SECTIONS: since our first engagement sessions in outcome,” says Karen. work tying up all the final details. “The the Tsogo Sun Academy and head of the Therefore we have focused on simplicity February – and now we’re heading for process of identifying the values that Tsogo Induction Focus Group, says induction and cleanness of process that will make it the homestretch when the fully approved The next step for the steering team is Sun people choose to live by has been and orientation is critical to business easy and appealing to use – and valuable values will be revealed to the whole to prepare for the launch of the values enormously rewarding and exciting for us – from a skills, performance and retention in terms of engaging employees fully and organisation. It’s been extremely exciting across the group. The first launch will be at but I’ve no doubt that even more exciting perspective. “We need people to settle retaining them,” notes Joyce. 1.The group experience: incorporating seeing the positive responses from all over in quickly and engage with our business, exposure to the Tsogo Sun brand. the group.” ______while at the same time gaining the skills to The new values will be the golden thread perform in their roles.” running throughout the course, pulling 2.The business unit experience: Taking all the input from staff into account Surveys show that a massive 96 percent of you have together everything that we think, feel and exposing new employees to the and working according to best practices, the According to Joyce, the process of touch within the business. business unit and facilitating the steering committee came up with the idea given the Tsogo Sun values steering team an enthusiastic developing the new induction for the group formation of working relationships to use the name TSOGO as an acronym for go ahead. has been highly consultative. “Our focus Another crucial aspect to this induction with colleagues. our new values. ______group of eight people represents a cross- is the ‘buddy system’. Employees can section of employees from hotels, gaming volunteer to guide, support, advise and 3.The individual experience: giving new “Looking at all the input from those first the management conference in October, will be seeing Tsogo Sun people throughout and corporate. Together we worked through help new staff members to build valuable employees an understanding of their engagement sessions, we could clearly which will be followed by launches at the group put these values into practice,” the existing induction and orientation relationships within the group. role and performance expectations, identify the values that are important to us every property. This process will take place concludes Karen. courses run by gaming and hotels – and while also building competence and at Tsogo Sun and we were able to select five from mid-October through to the end of selected the best of those. We then added confidence through skills. relevant values. We then went back to our December. At the same time, the new new material and we have now been

17 18 The Tsogo Sun environmental strategy ensures Resort won the overall 2012 Imvelo Award that environmental management practices for responsible tourism. This year, we had 15 SunCares are integrated as part of our operations, with finalists across the various categories within initiatives that reduce the impact that we the Lilizela-Imvelo Awards, and at the 2013 have on the environment and that encourage awards ceremony held recently, we won our employees and guests to embrace greener awards in five categories. behaviour. When it comes to our energy consumption, The group’s environmental objectives are our relationship with Eskom dates back to wide-ranging and include complying with May 2006 and spans four Demand Side relevant environmental laws and regulations; Management (DSM) projects that have seen us managing environmental risks, targets and installing and implementing heat pumps, hot taking our environmental objectives; minimising pollution, emissions water demand control and efficient lighting and effluents from operations; adopting a throughout all our South African hotels. ‘zero waste’ policy; reducing consumption of responsibility to heart natural resources with the responsible use of From a baseline that was established using energy, gas and water; managing biodiversity, the April 2009 to March 2010 period, we collaborating with suppliers and business have successfully achieved a saving of 12.8% TSOGO SUN partners to actively reduce environmental or 19GWh. One of the most successful ENVIRONMENTAL impact; improving on environmental interventions implemented during this STRATEGY performance standards; and providing support period has been the introduction of an for the sustainable development of our energy dashboard throughout all our hotels, communities. which effectively measures and monitors energy demand and consumption, water To ensure the objectives of our environmental consumption and LPG gas consumption, has programme are met, we have been in analysis tools and also has a warning system, partnership with Heritage for the past with a proactive alarm that sends SMSs to three years, developing property specific maintenance managers and general managers environmental management systems aimed of the properties. at energy, water, waste management and responsible procurement. The Heritage Energy usage at our hotels consists mainly programme will be incorporated during of the consumption of electricity. Liquid the year into the in-house Organisational Petroleum Gas (LPG) is used for cooking, for Resilience Management Standard audit limited space heating and for water heating at process and will be aligned to the ISO 14001 three properties and diesel is used primarily for standard. backup generators.

In addition to the work that we do to limit Electricity consumption at our South African- our impact on the environment, we also owned properties decreased during the year by work within local communities to encourage 3%, mainly due to the installation of energy- a responsible attitude towards the use of efficient lighting at properties, consumption electricity and water, managing waste, as well measurement, and behavioural change as to educate people about tree planting, initiatives at the units.

A company with 14 casinos and over 90 In addition to the work that we do to limit our impact on hotels has the potential the environment, we also work within local communities to have an impact on to encourage a responsible attitude towards the use of electricity and water, managing waste, as well as to educate the environment, but people about tree planting, food security, and conservation we’re a company with of our natural heritage. a firm philosophy of taking responsibility food security, and conservation of our natural Having completed most of the technical for our environmental heritage. Tsogo Sun is an active partner to Miss changes which promote energy consumption management so that we Earth SA and we are proud to support them in at our properties, we’ll be focusing on their likeminded environmental campaigns. behavioural changes in the future. This is can reduce our impact where you, our employees can make small The fact that we are consistently recognised but significant contributions to saving energy. as much as possible. in the tourism industry’s Lilizela-Imvelo Savings can only be sustainable when there Awards is further evidence of our emphasis on is an understanding and a commitment from environmental management. Last year, four all of us – the people who make use of these of the six finalists for the 2012 Imvelo Awards resources daily. were Tsogo Sun properties and Riverside Sun

19 20 Mandela Day

PALAZZO AT MONTECASINO

Clothing, shoes and toys were delivered to the Akani School in Diepsloot by a team of willing employees.

When it comes to caring, our sense of community at Tsogo Sun is something very powerful. The impact of our collective compassion has seldom been more evident than during Mandela day this past July when we spread the Madiba magic, the Tsogo Sun way. Far and wide across the group, you joined hands and hearts with the rest of South Africa in a day of devoted service aimed at creating a better world. We salute you and thank you - our wonderful people - for your contribution to improving the lives of those who need it most!

21 22 Mandela Day Southern Sun Maputo Suncoast Blackrock Casino Sandton Convention Centre While the entire team The team from Suncoast To celebrate this special day, For the second year running at Southern Sun Maputo visited the Jes Foord Blackrock Casino visited the we partnered with Stop paid homage to Nelson Community Care Centre in Siphuthando Care Centre in Hunger Now to alleviate the Mandela Day by wearing a Chesterville, Durban, as part Glencoe, delivering vegeta- hunger of learners in remote special t-shirt and spreading of their 67 minutes ahead of bles, seeds, seedlings, fruit rural areas. The Sandton the message about the Mandela Day, getting their trees and gardening tools, Convention Centre donated importance of charitable hands dirty as they gave the and starting a vegetable gar- its vast Exhibition Hall 2 to work, a group of employees two homes a face lift. den to sustain the children. Stop Hunger Now for the day, went to local orphanage Employees also participated as corporates, employees and Madre Teresa to help feed the in a 67-minute aerobics clients (4 576 people in total) children and spend time with challenge, each paying R67 all lent a hand in packaging 6 them, helping wherever with proceeds being donated 700 meals in 67 minutes. they could. to local NGO, Khulisa. The day ended with a 67-second Blackrock Casino & Garden Southern Sun Maputo Suncoast Sandton Convention Centre prayer by Bishop Steven Zulu. Court Blackrock Newcastle

Sandton Sun The Caledon Casino, SunSquare, Montecasino Garden Court South Beach Southern Sun Newlands Hotel & Spa Sandton Sun employees This year SunSquare chose Garden Court South Beach A team from Southern Sun celebrated Madiba’s birthday The Caledon Casino, Hotel & to help The Family Africa and the tenants of Westwood Newlands treated over 250 with the children at the Touch Spa’s dedicated team assisted Organisation in Diepsloot, Mall celebrated Madiba’s young children to hot dogs, of Care Children’s home in with gardening, cleaning taking groceries and blankets Birthday at St Philomena’s cold-drinks and sweets at Turffontein. The team served rooms and preparing food at and spreading a little Children’s Home. the Bonginkosi Educare in party packs and spent time the Heidehof Old Age Home. sunshine. The team helped Khayelitsha. playing, singing and dancing The day ended on a high with washing and painting, with the children, as well as note when they presented handed out blankets and donating linen to the home. the residents with a cake for amenities and spent time Madiba’s birthday and two with the community. vouchers to raffle at their golf day to generate much- needed funds. Sandton Sun Sabi River Sun Resort Southern Sun Newlands

Southern Sun The Cullinan Southern Sun Cape Sun Sabi River Sun Emnotweni Casino

The team at Southern Sun The Central Methodist Sabi River Sun Resort’s Members of Emnotweni The Cullinan spent two days Mission on Greenmarket employees made a Casino’s HR team spent their in celebration of Mandela Square was treated to difference in the lives of the 67 minutes with the the Day. The first was spent at delicious soup, prepared and Sizabantwana orphanage children and foster mothers the Christine Revell Children’s served by employees from the home, whose children at Kamagugu SOS Children’ Home preparing food for the Southern Sun Cape Sun. 280 visited the Resort for a Village. They delivered children. The second activity people were served in just fun-filled day. The kids plants, fresh fruit and other allowed employees to bring two hours. were kept entertained with food products to the centre. their children to work; as an face painting, dancing opportunity for learning, and prizes. Kitchen staff, bonding and sharing waiters, entertainers and some fun. management all got involved, preparing hearty meals for the children and caregivers. Southern Sun The Cullinan Southern Sun Cape Sun Sabi River Sun Resort Emnotweni Casino

Southern Sun Waterfront Stay Easy Century City Garden Court Kimberley Garden Court Kings Beach Garden Court Sandton City

On Mandela Day, employees Stay Easy Century City The Garden Court Kimberley Garden Court Kings Beach Garden Court Sandton City and guests joined hands donated linen and towels to team spent a fun-filled created a wall of wishes employees spent their first 67 in the lobby to sing the Ikwezi Development Projects, afternoon at the Helen for Madiba, on which minutes joining in at Sandton national anthem for 67 an organisation that provides Bishop Home, sharing a employees and guests alike Convention Centre to pack seconds. Thereafter, a team day care support to orphaned healthy cooked meal as well wrote heartfelt messages to food for Stop Hunger Now. from the hotel travelled to children with AIDS. as goodie bags and sweet Mandela. The beautiful wall This was just the start, as the Paarl for the second phase treats with the children, while was displayed in the hotel maintenance team, along of a joint initiative with one of the team dressed up reception area. The hotel with other departments, later the Department of Human as a clown to entertain the choir also delivered baked spent 67 minutes making Settlement to hand over a children. Donations of linen goodies to an old age home sandwiches for a children’s house that had been built and towels were gratefully and spent time visiting with home in Alexandra, spending by the Department and accepted by the home. the residents. time with the children and furnished with items from the handing out toys, clothes, hotel’s refurbishment. linen and other items that Southern Sun Waterfront Stay Easy Century City Garden Court Kings Beach had been collected.

23 24

Silverstar Casino InterContinental Southern Sun Montecasino Garden Court Sandton Mandela Day Johannesburg O.R Tambo Employees from Airport A trolley load of grocery The team from Garden Silverstar Casino participated items and towels, along with Court Sandton spent their in a cleaning campaign at Our employees from the items donated by various 67 minutes at Saint Martin’s schools on the West Rand, InterContinental Johannsburg departments within Southern pre-school and Saint Theresa courtesy of an invitation from O.R. Tambo Airport visited Sun Montecasino, was crèche for underprivileged the Department of Education. Zandi’s Angels children’s delivered to the Lighthouse children. Paint and cleaning materials home in Boksburg, treating Baby Shelter by 12 were sponsored by Silverstar the children to a hearty bowl employees. They were joined and employees donated their of soup and bread when they by a clown who performed time to paint and clean at arrived home from school. some magic tricks for the the Mhlakeng Primary and AB I-Care kits consisting of children, while the kids’ lunch Phokompe Secondary schools shampoo, soap, comb, body was prepared by the hotel in the Randfontein area. balm, dental kit and a sweet chefs. InterContinental treat were also donated. Silverstar Southern Sun Montecasino Garden Court Sandton Johannesburg OR Tambo

Southern Sun Katherine Garden Route Casino Garden Court Milpark Suncoast Hotel & Towers Street Employees at Garden Our Garden Court Milpark To fulfil Madiba’s vision, the Our Southern Sun Katherine Route Casino visited the team enjoyed every second team at our Suncoast hotel Street employees spent 67 Bathandeni Baby Centre in of their 67 minutes doing a seized the opportunity to minutes with the Restoration Kwanonqaba. They gave much-needed clean-up of treat the night shift staff at Welfare and Development educational toys, balls and the park on Empire Road. Durban Central Police Station Home for Children in hoola-hoops to the children. They also donated linen, to cupcakes and juice. The Germiston, handing out They also treated them to carpets and furniture to the Suncoast team extended their toys, clothing, linen, towels hotdogs and juice, and spent Cornocopia charity. gratitude for the incredible and supplies and giving time playing with them. work being done by these the children some much- remarkable individuals. The needed love and attention. infectious atmosphere of Employees generously Mandela Day spilled over into contributed to the purchasing the hotel, with guests being of toys for the children, which treated to cupcakes. were handed out on the day. Garden Route Casino Southern Sun Montecasino

Southern Sun Elangeni & Southern Sun Garden Court Nelson Southern Sun Hyde Park Maharani Mandela Boulevard Southern Sun Pretoria Abraham Kriel Children’s Southern Sun Elangeni partnered with Pretoria Garden Court Nelson home in Melville got a & Maharani spent their News, 702 Talk Radio and Mandela Boulevard was the special visit from our team Mandela minutes serving a Bruce Whitfield from the proud host of a complimen- at Southern Sun Hyde Park, hearty dinner to residents Money Show and Lead tary venue for the Trauma when they delivered meals for of The Nest shelter and SA, to provide 660 party Centre for Survivors of Vio- the caregivers and children, spending time getting to packs for all learners from lence and Torture, supplying donated linen and helped know them. The team left The Thohoyandou Primary refreshments to 100 learners. with maintenance chores at Nest humbled and grateful School. Suppliers joined in The team also provided the home. for their privileges in life, by donating goodies, while manpower and resources for and have pledged to make employees packed the boxes the Alpha School for Autistic Mandela Day a monthly that were delivered to the children based in Woodstock, event. school. The hotel’s volunteers as well as soup and bread Southern Sun Elangeni & also provided some items for TB patients at the Chapel Garden Route Casino Southern Sun Maputo Maharani from the school’s wishlist. Street Clinic in Woodstock.

Garden Court East Beacon Island Resort Garden Court Mthatha Garden Court De Waal Hemingway Casino and Southern Sun Hemingways Garden Court East London Beacon Island Resort A visit to the Lillies Children’s Soup was served to had a fun day out with celebrated Mandela day with Home saw Garden Court underprivileged people Hemingways employees in children from Child Welfare children, hosting a party for Mthatha employees cleaning outside the hotel on Mandela our casino and hotel joined East London, enjoying a Masizame Children’s Shelter and painting the children’s Day for 67 minutes this year forced this year to donate movie and an outing to the and Sterreweg Centre for bedrooms, while donating by Garden Court De Waal. curtains and paint the Cove East London aquarium, where physically disabled children. clothes, linen and blankets. Rock School on Mandela Day. they had lunch and watched The children all received a a seal show. Meanwhile, the jersey, t-shirt and goodie maintenance team got down bags filled with sweets and to the hard work of fixing up cold-drinks. A jumping castle, Child Welfare’s offices. tables for colouring in, music and balloons kept the kids entertained, in between a delicious meal served by Garden Court East London Beacon Island Resort the team. Southern Sun Newlands

25 26 Models Sune Botes, Ashlea Wright, insideTSOGO Lwandile Ngwenya and Julia Peterson

Jack Devnarain, Gabriel Diutlwilena and Nola Ponsonby

Nola Ponsonby and Benny Masekwameng

CHEF BENNY PANCAKE CHALLENGE HEATED UP AT Your quarterly glimpse GOLD REEF CITY into the Tsogo Sun Preparing pancakes for the family on a quiet Sunday morning is nothing social scene. compared to taking part in a pancake cook-off, competing against strangers in a limited time, and having your creation judged by MasterChef SA’s Benny Masekwameng.

In June this year, guests and media took part in a Pancake Challenge, preparing a HEATING THINGS UP variety of delectable pancake creations PRE DURBAN JULY using stoves sponsored by AEG. Judging by Chef Benny and Gold Reef City’s The Durban July is all about glitz, head chef, Gabriel Diutlwilena, saw glamour, celebs and great experiences – Nola Ponsonby winning the title, while all of which we’re famous for, so this year, Rattle and Mum blogger Tanya Kovarsky the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani beat the other media attendees. Jack got SA’s most glamorous horseracing Devnarain, better known to fans as event off to a glitzy start with a pre Rajesh Kumar from Isidingo, egged on Durban July cocktail party that was just the contestants, adding to the mounting about as star-studded as the event itself. pressure.

27 28 THE STARS CAME OUT insideTSOGO Fun and games with funny man Stuart AT SUNCOAST Taylor (centre). Pictured with him are Kelly Graham and Nicole East of Suncoast. The CANSA Night of 100 Stars fundraising gala dinner was a night to remember at Suncoast, with dazzling outfits and spectacular performances by top South African artists. Guests were treated to performances from Craig Urbani, The Glitter Girls and Ard Matthews from Just Jinger to name just a few. All funds raised from the gala dinner will go towards CANSA’s Durban office for research.

The Most Striking Couple – Designer Nkosi Mhlungu from Crazy Urban (middle) and models Mikesh & Meera Valjee Sdu (left) and James (right) from Irene’s Models

Mike & Gail Dowsley

Avant Garde winner – model Nas, showing off the dramatic design

SOUTHERN SUN ELANGENI & MAHARANI HOSTS 94.7 BROADCAST

The Breakfast Express team from 94.7 Highveld Stereo jetted in to Durban in September, courtesy of an on-air promotion involving a live outside broadcast from our Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel complex on the Durban beachfront. The objective of the promotion was to position Durban as a world-class holiday and corporate destination. Gold Circle Chairman, Robert Mauvis, Maureen Kivits, General Manager, Golden Horse and jockey Piere Strydom at the Golden Horse Sprint ROLLING IN THE AISLES WITH STUART TAYLOR FASHION, RACING AND GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AT THE GOLDEN HORSE SPRINT Suncoast guests were treated to Stuart Taylor’s special brand of humour when The 2013 Golden Horse Sprint Race Day own casino in the area. The Fashion Design he performed live for his book launch was a kaleidoscope of colour, vibrant Competition, which runs in tandem to the show, Learner Husband, at our Durban fashion, exhilarating racing and superb Sprint Race events each year, attracted beachfront entertainment destination entertainment. Thousands of fashion a record number of entries in all five recently. and horseracing enthusiasts flocked to categories with the theme of “Divas” Scottsville Racecourse for the annual event, inspiring many a ‘jaw-dropping’ outfit, which has become one of the most highly- according to the casino’s Marketing Highveld Stereo’s Breakfast Xpress anticipated events on ’s Manager, Prabashni Reddy. broadcast live from Southern Sun Elangeni social calendar – sponsored by our very & Maharani pooldeck 29 30 Former Miss SA, Melinda Bam and Former Mr SA, Adriaan Bergh walk away with the YOU SPECTACULAR insideTSOGO PARADISE HOLIDAY FOR Favourite Couple Award EXTRAVAGANZA

WACKHEAD SIMPSON The crème de la crème of South Africa’s celebrities attended the prestigious For Darren Simpson of 94.7 Highveld annual YOU Spectacular awards Stereo, getting up at 4am to be on air ceremony at The Lyric at Gold Reef City, at 6 every morning takes its toll… so in July. The show celebrates local talent what better place to relax and unwind and pays tribute to favourite personalities than at our beautiful Paradise Sun in including sports icons, comedians, actors, the Seychelles? presenters and music stars. Guests were entertained by live performances from some of the country’s biggest music stars including Lira, ChianoSky, Mi Casa and Darren Jack Parow. Presenters included The Real (Whackhead) Goboza’s Pearl Thusi, Idols host ProVerb, Simpson from Carte Blanche’s Devi Sankaree Govender 94.7 Highveld and Top Billing’s Jeannie D and Bonang Stereo and his Matheba. wife, Sam

TOP GEAR REVS UP THE ACTION

Bokkie with Jacques Terre’Blanche We were in the centre of the Top Gear Festival action at the Tsogo Sun Chalet BOKTOWN in Durban at this revved-up annual motor sport event. ABSA Boktown at Montecasino – home to the official True Springbok Supporters Andrew Irumba (Relationship Marketing Village – treated four readers of a Pretoria Manager, Suncoast), Tamerin Jardine newspaper to the ultimate fan experience (Miss Earth 2012) and Keegan Daniel as they joined guests in the VIP area for (Sharks Rugby Player) the Springbok’s clash with Samoa.

SA COMEDY STALWART BARRY HILTON LIVE AT THE CALEDON

Comedy heavyweight Barry Hilton recently brought his hilarious new show ‘Barry Hilton B.E.E.’ to The Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa, attracting guests from , Hermanus and Kleinmond to see his live performance. Paul Campbell, GM, Showcasing some of his current work, Caledon Casino with the show also featured his audience Barry Hilton and favourites spanning his phenomenal Bernice Campbell 30 years on stage as a successful, professional comedian. 31 32 insideTSOGO

SPUD 2 TAKES ROOT AT SUNCOAST

Suncoast was more than a little honoured to host the premier of Spud 2, with all the stars of the movie in attendance.

Lungani Nkonyeni (Events Producer, Suncoast) & John Van De Ruit (Author of Spud)

Meya Pather, Chef Benny Masekwameng & Jade Sullaphen, Priya Naidoo and Benny Mishka Pather Masekwameng at Punchinellos at Coming soon from talkingTSOGO Southern Sun Montecasino

Katryn Barwise (3rd runner up), Erin Roche (1st runner up), Ashanti Mbanga (Miss Earth SA 2013) & Thobile Mchunu (2nd runner up) Here’s what you can look forward to from ASHANTI MBANGA talkingTSOGO:

Dolphins Cricketer Daryn Smit & Anitha Hayden Quinn with Chef Arnold Stuurman MasterChef fans dine with Benny CROWNED MISS EARTH • talkingTSOGO magazine in December Hardeo (Speed test challenge winner) at our palatial Palazzo Masekwameng and Deena Naidoo SOUTH AFRICA 2013 • talkingTSOGO bulletin in November • talkingTSOGO newsflash when we have breaking news COOKING WITH BENNY As the official home of the Miss Earth • talkingTSOGO intranet at talkingtsogo.tsogosun.com MASTERCHEF COOKING IT UP WITH South Africa, we were proud to host AT SUNCOAST FINALIST SUNDAY TIMES the crowning of Eastern Cape beauty Send us your news or give us feedback and suggestions at VISITS MONTECASINO Ashanti Mbanga (24) as the Miss Earth [email protected] The Durban public were treated to Sunday Times gave their foodie readers South Africa 2013 at a star-studded Gala an opportunity to interact with their Hayden Quinn, one of the popular semi- the opportunity to get close and personal Dinner at our Montecasino Ballroom in Let’s keep talking TSOGO! favourite MasterChef SA judge, through finalists in the Australia MasterChef, was with Benny Masekwameng at a series of August. Ashanti is completing her Degree media promotions and on-property cook- in Joburg recently for the Good Food & dinners in August, with the chance to win in Transport Economics, which she hopes offs under the concept of ‘At Suncoast Wine Show, living it up at The Palazzo at fabulous prizes in a ‘What’s in the Pot?’ to use as she pursues a political career in With Benny Masekwameng’. Montecasino. test. the transport sector. 33 34 THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

At Tsogo Sun, we know that our growing success is thanks to our employees.

We are committed to our people and to empowerment, a philosophy that continues to bring endless opportunities.

As a brand that treats empowerment as a matter of principle, we are proud to: • Invest in the largest skills-based development programme for black women entrepreneurs in the tourism industry through Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse • Procure goods and services from black economically empowered businesses to the value of R3.1 billion • Be a Certifi ed Top Employer in South Africa for 2013-2014 • Have won the award for the Most Empowered Tourism Business in the Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism for 2011 and 2012

Our power lies in our people. tsogosun.com