APPOINTMENT
Dynamic Elias Moduka at the helm as General Manager at Mmabatho Palms MMABATHO PALMS Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort has welcomed Elias Moduka as its new General Manager, responsible for overseeing the smoothrunning of the overall resort operations. The humble and always-focused Moduka began his career in the hospitality industry over 20 years ago, working at a prominent South African resort hotel chain. Here he gradually grew within the industry, having initially started working as a waiter, driven by his love and passion for the hospitality and gaming industries. Formerly the General Manager at Khoroni Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort, another Peermont resort, Moduka’s ambition and eagerness to tackle any challenge equipped him with the required hands-on experience in gaming, food and beverage, surveillance, hotel operations and VIP services, for the General Manager position at Mmabatho Palms. “I intend on applying the skills and knowledge I have gained over the years towards fulfilling Peermont’s vision to own and operate a leading portfolio of gaming and hospitality properties,” says Moduka. “By engaging with employees to inspire collaboration, we can ensure our visitors are happy; superior customer service is key. I would ideally like our customers to feel as though they are at their second home when they visit the resort. This is a step closer towards solidifying Mmabatho Palms’ position on the map and realising Peermont’s vision.” Moduka will continue to establish solid relationships with group stakeholders, staff, guests, unions, shareholders and community leaders within the organisation. He will also oversee sub-divisions within the property to ensure they are run in the most efficient way possible and that they meet the requirements of the larger Peermont Group. Moduka says he will also ensure the sustainability of the business through management of costs in a controlled and structured manner.
February / March 2020
Ruben Gooranah Takes the Reins at Time Square HOSPITALITY AND gaming industry stalwart, Ruben Gooranah has taken the reigns as Acting General Manager at Sun International’s latest development, Time Square in Menlyn Maine. Gooranah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having started his career in the industry over 30 years ago. Gooranah lives in Tshwane and is delighted to be stationed at one of Gauteng’s most exciting entertainment destinations in his hometown, within a community he knows and understands well. “I am inspired by the people and Time Square, undoubtedly the most captivating places in Gauteng. The opening of Time Square was exciting to me and for everyone in Tshwane. We finally have our own exhilarating entertainment venue where we can wine and dine in some of the most distinguished restaurants, experience the thrill of state of the art casino games, and enjoy fantastic shows by local and international artists. The corporate market and inward travelers have access to exceptional conference facilities and accommodation at The Maslow Time Square. “I somehow feel at home at Time Square, firstly with it being in Tshwane where I have lived for a long time, but more importantly, I have reconnected with many of my previous employees who transferred to here from Morula where I was once the General Manager and thereafter the Regional General Manager, looking after various other Sun International properties. Of course, I have also met with many of our regular guests whom I have known for years.” Gooranah started his career with Sun International while studying towards his BCom degree over 30 years ago. His journey with Sun International has taken him from Thohoyandou (Limpopo) to Bisho (Eastern Cape) and from the Free State to the Western Cape and back to Gauteng. Initially, he was focused on gaming as Slots Manager of Molopo Sun (Mmabatho) and then at GrandWest. He was then appointed as Gaming Manager at Morula and thereafter General Manager, a position he held for five years. In 2010, he moved to the Sun International Head Office to the role of Business Manager for Gaming. He held the position for three years and in 2013 was promoted to Regional General Manager of Casino’s (SA) where he was responsible for Meropa, Carousel, Windmill, Naledi, Flamingo, Wild Coast and the Royal Swazi. He held this position for over six years before taking his new role of Acting General Manager at Time Square. Looking back on his career, Gooranah says it has been filled with many memorable moments, making many friends, meeting celebrities and working with extraordinary people. On his appointment as Acting General Manager at Time Square, he says: “My vision is for Time Square to be a model for delivering memorable experiences to Sun International’s discerning guests. “It is nearly three years since opening of the first phase of Time Square. Brett Hoppé has done a tremendous job in building a solid foundation in every aspect of this spectacular complex which is now entrenched as one of the most exciting and encompassing entertainment hubs in Gauteng. My job is to take it to the next level.” Brett Hoppé, who oversaw the opening of Time Square as General Manager of the complex since 2017, has assumed the role of General Manager at Sun International’s iconic Sun City in the North West Province.
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