1. Ten years of
magic at Windmill
Where is Windmill?
22 | SPRING 2015
WINDMILL

2. Travelers driving on the N1 route can’t miss the huge windmill. It’s been a
popular landmark in the Free State ever since Windmill opened its French
style doors to deliver super-charged entertainment in Bloemfontein.
Activities includes arcade games and
ten-pin bowling for kids, a choice of
restaurants, including Rosie`s Brasserie,
The Golden Nugget Spur, The Ocean
Basket, a Wimpy fast food outlet and
Matsuya. The vibrant cocktail lounge and
show bar, Diamond Lil’s, regularly hosts
popular bands, artists and comedians on
its stage.
Continued on page24…
the casino, but also for our loyal patrons,
many of whom have supported us from
the start,” says Leigh-Anne Moss, Regional
Marketing Manager.
From the outset, the team at Windmill
has known that its success depends on
its ability to constantly deliver first-class
service, excellent facilities and appealing
entertainment.
T
hroughout its birthday month in
November the casino will toast a
new decade.
“November is going to be magical. We
have a stunning array of entertainment
and loads of fantastic prizes lined up.
We’re pulling out all the stops to make
it a month to remember, not only for
SPRING 2015 | 23
WINDMILL
Our guests say:
“Lovely place... small but very comfortable.
Played ten-pin bowling and it was amazing.”
“Service and accommodation are excellent. The
staff at this hotel are the friendliest we have
encountered. The Front Desk Manager is doing
an excellent job. Our group of seniors had a
wonderful stay.”
“A nice little casino in Bloemfontein.”
“An oasis of modernity, chrome and glitz in the
flat Free State.”
“We did not gamble, but enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in a truly
charming bar – with horse saddles on bar stools!”

3. … continued from page 23
The 80-room Windmill Lodge, with its
secluded French-styled atmosphere, offers
travelers comfortable accommodation
and professional, friendly service. In the
casino gamblers may choose from 343 slot
machines and 21 casino tables, with the
crown jewel the 450m2
Privé lounge.
Recognizing that its ongoing durability
depends on building and maintaining a
sustainable community, and contributing
to the local economy, Windmill runs
various programmes aimed at uplifting
local communities and promoting a healthy
environment. The casino contributes a
considerable amount annually to charitable
causes that are close to its heart.
Looking ahead Leigh-Anne says: “Our
customers are the lifeblood of our
business and we are grateful to the loyal
guests who have supported us over
the past ten years. We will continue to
innovate and evolve to ensure that we
remain a preferred leisure destination in
Bloemfontein.
“We also appreciate the unwavering
commitment of our staff. Our team has
worked hard to establish a reputation of
excellence. It has been a tremendously
exciting decade for all of us and we look
forward to what the future has in store
for us.”
It has been
a tremendously
exciting decade for
all of us and we
look forward to
what the future has
in store for us.
– Leigh-Anne Moss, Regional
Marketing Manager
DRAMATIC … A fire juggler adds some drama
to a fun photo shoot done at the casino. Photo:
Joe Lategan.
ROMANTIC … Lanterns float over Windmill,
wrapping it in a festive mood. Photo by
Emma Booysen.
24 | SPRING 2015
WINDMILL

4. motivated and inspired to contribute
to the business objectives through an
enabling environment.
It is my role to provide the necessary
support, guidance and resources to ensure
that the team at Windmill can showcase
their individual talents and deliver a superb
experience to our people and guests.
And when you go home?
I am married to Rui De Carvalho who
currently works at Tsogo Sun’s Caledon
casino as the Gaming Manager. He was
also part of the Sun International family
for many years. Rui has been instrumental
in my career growth by providing me with
the necessary support at home.
We have an amazing 13 year old son Raul,
who keeps me thinking constantly with
his numerous questions. He has taught
me listening skills and patience, as I have
to pay attention when he speaks of his
undying passion for soccer!
I love to cook, read and spend time with
my family. My desire to contribute to the
greater good lets me to get involved with
community projects – hopefully I touch
one person at a time. It allows me to
be grounded and to not take things for
granted. n
Where did you start?
I started as a Guest Relations Officer
at the MVG desk at Wild Coast Sun.
Over the years I have held various
positions, from Promotions Jockey,
Promotions Co-ordinator, Guest Relations
Supervisor, Assistant Marketing Manager,
Marketing Manager and General Manager.
What are the highlights of
your career?
Some of my highlights include
being part of the opening team
at Meropa and Carnival City. I
consider myself a brand leader
of this amazing organisation
and knowing that each
day presents different
challenges drives me. I
am proud to be a part
of the greater Sun
International family.
Describe your role
in Sun International
I lead a team of
individuals that is highly
Inspiring Yasheen showcases
her team’s talents
Yasheen Sookdeo, Regional General
Manager, has worked for
Sun International for 18 years.
Running the show…
Yasheen Sookdeo, Regional
General Manager, has the
reigns firmly in hand.
SPRING 2015 | 25
WINDMILL

5. I love Human Resources, adore the industry and hate routine work. My
passion is to make my environment a better place to work. HR is a difficult
job, but you never get bored. I do sometimes feel as if I am a babysitter or
the mother hen. What I like, is working with diverse individuals and various
personalities and contributing to the overall business goals. Realising what
needs to be done to improve the performance of the company and to
improve the bottom line is what keeps me going. I did not go into this job
because I like people. You need common sense, must be able to control
your emotions, and have a strong disposition to handle the tough parts of
the job, and must be able to handle various situations. – Ntsoaki Refiloe
Ngcongwane, Cluster HR Manager
I am passionate about surveillance and therefore feel like I never work a
day in my life. I am part of a team where individual accomplishments are
directed towards organisational objectives that fuel common people to
attain uncommon results. – Tanya van Zyl, Surveillance ManageR
It is nice to work at Windmill as we have a new young team that is full
of energy, who gel well and deliver at all times. We get support from
Yasheen and our leadership team. I am proud to say I work for Sun
International. – De Wet Steyn, Maintenance Manager
Why do I love working here? I am able
to make things happen! – Leigh-Anne
Moss, Regional Marketing Manager
I love working at Windmill
because of the dedication of
the management and staff.
– Rene Anderson, Security
Manager
26 | SPRING 2015
WINDMILL

6. I strongly believe that God has
given us a purpose in life, and
the courage to change the things
we can, accept the things we
cannot change and the wisdom
to know the difference. I live
my purpose; I have the freedom
to share this passion with other
brilliant individuals. It is a blessing
to see the empowerment and
change happening when our
dreams become fulfilled. – Johan
Oosthuizen, Financial Manager
Windmill is a special place to work because I get to be part of a rocking
team that I know will achieve a lot for this property. I really love what
I do and I feel honoured to do the job that I have dreamt of doing for
most of my gaming career, and because there is always an opportunity
to have fun at work. – Sisulu Madondo, Gaming ManagerI love what I do as we are in an ever changing, dynamic environment. New
technologies and products are constantly being introduced to ensure that
Sun International maintains a competitive edge. Working at Windmill is
special as we aim to create an engaging and fun environment for all staff.
With teamwork and collaboration we are able to overcome our challenges
and celebrate our victories. – Vijay Rajaram, IT Manager
My philosophy about the hospitality industry:
w It is an industry driven by passion; treat your guests with love and
care.
w If you’re the kind of person who likes getting up at the same
time, having the same breakfast, putting on a suit and tie,
and then catching the same train into the same office, day
after day after day, then hospitality probably isn’t for you.
w You gain a wide range of knowledge and leadership skills.
– Gerald Tlali, Front Office Manager
Why I love what I do? I am
making a difference in customer
service and exceeding guests’
expectations. This is an evolving
unit and it gives me the freedom
to bring out my entrepreneurial
skills. – Shailendra Singh, Food
Beverage Manager
SPRING 2015 | 27
WINDMILL