There’s a new casino boss in town
Umfolozi Casino Resort General Manager Hennie Steenkamp is a driven and passionate businessman.
GRACING Zululand with his passionate, polished and dynamic persona, 52-year-old, Hennie Steenkamp has been appointed as the new Umfolozi Casino Resort General Manager.
Affiliated to Peermont Hotels, Casino and Resort Group for 17 years, Steenkamp started his career at the then Ceasers, later renamed Emperors Palace in Johannesburg as the Human Resources Manager.
He was later appointed as the General Manager of Frontier Inn in Bethlehem for just over two years and subsequently transferred to Graceland in Secunda, Mpumalanga where he has spent the past six years.
Commencing duties at Umfolozi Casino Resort this week, Steenkamp’s responsibilities include ensuring effective strategic and operational management.
‘I am responsible in leading and inspiring staff to achieve business objectives,’ he said.
In a demanding field, Hennie says challenges come with the territory.
‘I work in an environment where our doors never close. It’s a 24/7, 365-day occupation. It is very tough on management and staff and in harsh economic conditions we compete for disposable rand in both aspects of retail and entertainment.’ says Steenkamp.
Challenges
Despite the challenges, he is relentless in the pursuit of business success.
‘While at Graceland, our team was rated the top performing unit for three consecutive years. I am a man who believes in incentives, so I took the team to New York, Hong Kong, Las Vegas and Macau,
‘I am always reminded of Warren Buffet who said, ‘Show me a successful business and I will show you someone who had to make tough decisions.’.
Excited to start his new journey in Zululand, Steenkamp says the opportunity is like a new canvas to explore his creative business skills.
‘I come from a brown, dusty and industrial area. You can’t help but fall in love with uMhlathuze and its coastal greenery, climate and industry. There is a great balance between the environmental and industrial aspect of the City.’
Roots
Born and raised in Johannesburg, the eldest child of three and a businessman for a father, Steenkamp unquestionably followed suit when he enrolled at the then Rand Afrikaans University and completed his B.Com Commerce Masters degree.
Married with two daughters currently enrolled at the University of the North West, Steenkamp enjoys photography and is an avid biker in his free time.
‘I’m a speed freak. I love motorcycles – especially super bikes. I currently own a Yamaha R6 and for a few years in my day I’ve done a lot of racing up north.’ he says.
Some of his favourite treats are his wife’s homemade chicken pie and a shopping spree.
