Winning Year for Tsogo Sun Suncoast!

2017 has been an award-winning year for us and it’s not over yet!” says Louise Howell, Marketing Manager at SUNCOAST.

The awards range from recognition for contributions in the community to topping popularity-polls by readers of one of Durban’s daily newspapers.

In Women’s Month (August) SUNCOAST scooped the Corporate Citizenship Award, sponsored by British American Tobacco, at the 14^th edition of the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

The Corporate Citizenship Award acknowledges the role of business in improving the communities in which they operate and the positive impact on quality of life, economic prosperity or regeneration through direct investment, pro bono work or employee-led initiatives.

The award recognized the ongoing contribution that SUNCOAST makes to the community of Chesterville via its partnership with Vukukhanye (an NPO operating in the area).

Vukukhanye was formed in 2001 and offers essential community services in the form of children’s foster homes, Educare centre, bursary projects, health and welfare services as well as support for community-based organisations and schools. SUNCOAST has been collaborating with the NPO since 2009 providing financial support and regular participation from SUNCOAST staff on various community projects.

“It was extremely gratifying receiving the Corporate Citizenship Award as it validates the culture that the TSOGO Group has instilled in all their properties,” says Howell. “Partnering with Vukukhanye and the CEO, Dr Anthony van der Meulen, allows us to practise the values of Teamwork, Service, Opportunity, Growth and Ownership and make a positive difference in other people’s lives.”

Another award won during the year is the PMR Awards, where SUNCOAST won a Golden Award (4.2 out of 5) in the category of Casino Executive Lifestyle. SUNCOAST also topped a popularity poll from Durban readers when it was recently voted the Best Casino in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in the 2017 Daily News Your Choice Awards for the 14^th year running.

“Being voted the Best Casino in KZN for 14 consecutive years is a record that SUNCOAST is extremely proud of,” adds Howell. “It also gives our staff the recognition they deserve. SUNCOAST firmly believes that keeping staff members motivated and happy are the keys to great customer service. The award confirms that our guests notice and appreciate our efforts!”

Individual employees have also been excelling in their departments.  Croupier, Cheszine Muller, was named first runner-up in the 2017 Tsogo Sun National Dealer of the Year Championships at Montecasino, Johannesburg in September.

Muller was one of 18 finalists and was joined in the top five by fellow SUNCOAST colleague, Mbuso Dube (who placed fourth). The table dealers were judged on various criteria in the preliminary rounds of the competition, including knowledge, dealing skills and customer service standards. Once through to the final round they were assessed on technical skills and other aspects of the dealing cycle in American Roulette and Blackjack. The winner was announced after the final five had to answer judges’ questions at the prizewinning dinner.

“Taking part in the Championships was so much fun and not difficult at all because the tasks involved what I do every day,” says 29-year-old Muller, who has been a croupier at SUNCOAST for the past three years.

Meanwhile, finalists Devina Dawkinun and Lebo Mohoko are anxiously awaiting the outcome of their respective competitions.

Dawkinun (founder of the Gemkids Catch-up Programme and manager of SUNCOAST’s Day Care Centre) is one of the top five in the 2017 Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a competition for entrepreneurs and alumni benefiting from the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneurs development programme.

The Day Care manager at SUNCOAST was selected as a finalist from 200 fellow-entrepreneurs and will be attending a National Showcase and Conference at the Southern Sun in Pretoria at the end of October, where the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced.

“I feel proud to be acknowledged by Tsogo Sun,” says Dawkinun. “All too often entrepreneurs go unrecognized. The nomination has meant the world to me and it would be that much more special if I was to win.”

The Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur for 2017 will receive R50 000 from Tsogo Sun, a bursary valued at R30 000 from Tsheto Leadership Academy and will be ambassador for Tsogo Sun Entrepreneurs for the next year.

Mohoko (barista at Café Vigour and KZN winner of the 2017 Tsogo Sun - Avanti Coffee National Barista Competition) is eagerly anticipating the national battle of the baristas in Gauteng in November. His expert coffee-making skills saw him win the regional round earlier this year.

“Coffee is my passion and, although I am nervous and excited about the Gauteng finals, I hope to make Café Vigour and SUNCOAST proud by bringing the National Barista Champion title home to Durban,” says the popular barista.

“We are eagerly awaiting the judges’ decisions in these two competitions and hope that Devina and Lebo will come out tops,” says Howell. “The accomplishments of the year have made all the hard work worthwhile and motivated everyone to aim for more success in 2018. The public’s support also plays a large part in SUNCOAST’s success for which we are very grateful.”

#TBD2017

Back in the day when Twitter was still fun and not filled with fake news, fake agenda's and well, fake people, a few good Tweeps decided to do something a lot more with the social platform and not just use it as a place for following celebs and keeping up to date with the trends. They made the social network, work for them by networking with others for a common cause, to donate blankets to the needy over the winter season and all it took was a single tweet in 2010, since then Twitter Blanket Drive has grown in leaps and bounds with more partnerships and more donations over the years. This year see's it running for the 7th year and partners up with #DignityDrive, which is an initiative launched local TV personality Siv Ngesi. 

Last year, in celebration of his 31st birthday, Siv opted out of a birthday bash and instead challenged South Africans to donate much needed sanitary products for girls who cannot afford them. "If men bled once a month, there would be free pads available, like condoms! I will not rest until this is a reality" says Ngesi. So in conjunction with collecting new or used blankets for the less fortunate, this year the Twitter Blanket Drive will also welcome donations of pads, tampons, and reusable moon cups. Like the years before, the kind folk at Protea Fire & Ice in Pretoria, Melrose Arch and Cape Town have opened their doors as collection points. For folks in Durban, the local drop of venue is St Clements, at 191 Musgrave Road, Durban. 

Collections started on Monday the 3rd of April and ends on the 25th of May 2017. Supporters and donors can come to the final day to help count the donations received, depending on the venue, there will be performances by local artists who all have volunteered their time and performances on the night. While many of us do get caught up with a lot of the bad that happens on the social platform, this is one of the good things that we have going, so lets help spread the word and hopefully make a small change to someones life by giving something back. 

For more information or to become involved in this years drive, please visit www.twitterblanketdrive.com 

Official hashtags and accounts to note.  @tbdsouthafrica & @tdbafrica, when donating, please use the hashtag #TBD2017 & #DignityDrive.

Tsogo Sun: Suncoast Sunsquare Hotel

When I want to go for a holiday, the last place I'd think to go is in my own city. I mean going for a holiday means stepping away from your everyday life and we generally take that as go somewhere out of town but is it really necessary? 

A few weeks back I was given the opportunity to spend a few nights at the Suncoast Sunsquare Hotel, it forms part of Suncoast Entertainment World & Casino. It's a unique hotel seeing that it sits adjacent to the Suncoast Towers Hotel and shares the same amenities with its 5 star neighbor. That alone is a major plus for the guests, I mean staying at a 4 star hotel but everything else is 5 star rated and you don't have to cough an extra cent at all for it. 

Lets start of with the location, it's practically the best spot on the Durban Promenade, with it being smack, bang in the middle of it. You have Durban's world renowned beachfront at your door step with the warm, soothing waters of the Indian Ocean greeting you every morning and evening, it doesn't get any better than that. Keen for a run? The hotel's deck steps out onto the promenade which extends from the Point till the Blue Lagoon with further expansion for it planned. The stadium precinct is just behind the hotel, with Kings Park Stadium for the rugby fans,  Kings Park Swimming Pool and the iconic Moses Mabhida just next door. 

Moving on to the hotel, as stated before it shares a lot with the Towers hotel, including the reception and triple volume atrium in which a magnificent chandelier hangs. Apon arrival there were smiling faces waiting to help me with my luggage and make my check in, quick and efficient. After a welcome drink being handed my room card,  I was escorted to the room on the second floor, a breath taking sea view welcomed me to my room. Stylish and modern, equipped with everything one with need, including a damn comfortable double bed for a good nights rest. 

The room design is very ergonomical and makes use of the space very well and has everything you need in the right places. Adequate cupboards and draws, as well as a safe to keep your valuables, easy accessible plug points to charge your devices, a good hair dryer! (yes this matters to me, my do doesn't just form itself). The bathroom is integrated into the room with the shower and toilet blocked off by means of glass cubicles, this  leaves space for the basin to double as a dressing/ vanity room with its huge mirror. There is also a solid desk for one to do work on if the reason for visit is business related, the hotel provides all guests with free Wi-Fi which is a major plus for many, whether it be for work of personal use. 

I don't know about most people but my life revolves around food and this place does not disappoint! The extensive breakfast buffet every morning is astonishing and leave you at guesses on what to try. I know I wanted to try everything on offer but needed a bigger plate, I had to settle to getting up a few times though. In the evening the breakfast restaurant doubles up as Suncoasts signature Jeera restaurant, one of the few Indian restaurants in Durban that offer a world class buffet of curries. From lamb, chicken or seafood, it has everything to suit the most technical taste buds. Speaking to the head chef Sandren Govender, he says he prides himself on only using the freshest ingredients for his dishes, every item is made on and prepared in the kitchen included the wide variety of condiments, some of which include, sauces, pickles and atchars. Asking him which is his favourite curry from the menu, with out a doubt the Millionaires Curry he replied. It's a luxurious curry using the finest seafood all brought together in a creamy spicy gravy, just hearing about it makes ones mouth water. Tip, if you're going for the curry buffet, be sure to leave space for dessert or you might get carried away like I did!

While on the topic of food, the room service menu is quite extensive and serves a variety of meals all through the day. After binge eating, you going to want to work those extra calories off, if the hotel gym isn't enough, as said before you have kilometers of promenade to run on, not forgetting the beach to swim in. If that's not enough, theres morning exercise and yoga classes offered on the Suncoast beach. Bicycles can be hired from the near by bike and bean shop or from the Moses Mabhida Stadium. 

After the hectic work out, why don't treat yourself to a Spa treatment on the 9th floor of the Towers. Getting a massage with the endless views of the beachfront is an experience you will not regret! Offering a variety of treatments and massages, the Spa caters for it all. There's a host of rooms available including couples rooms so you and your partner can enjoy it together. 

Overall my stay at Suncoast Hotel was an eye opener and an unforgettable one, the staff had a huge part to play in that with them being at my beck and call at any time of day, making sure my every need was taken cared of. Coming back to my opening about holidaying in your own town, at first it didn't seem like much because you seek for something different but after experiencing what we have was on offer, very little can compare to this. Knowing the town was an advantage so I wasn't at a loss on what to do or how to pass my time but the major plus is you don't have to pay a lot for the travel! So often we pay an arm and a leg for plane tickets or the petrol and toll to get to our destination, this on the other hand was down the road! If I need a quick break, I will definitely pop down back to the Sunsquare hotel, maybe even live it up a little and book a room at the Towers, after all it is about spoiling yourself!

A big thank you to Werner and Nicole and the rest of the team from Suncoast Durban for this and Sheena from Tsogo Sun for making this possible.

Twitter: @SUNCOASTDurban / @TsogoSun

Facebook: Suncoast Durban / Tsogo Sun

Tsogo Sun: Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel

Upon my recent visit to Johannesburg for Ultra SA, I was invited to stay at Tsogo Sun's Gold Reef City Theme Park hotel, even though it would be my first time back at Gold Reef City in nearly a decade I always had fond memories of the place from my childhood. First thing that surprised me is how it has grown! Well there's a funny story to that, I actually went to the wrong hotel when I arrived, you see there are two parts to Gold Reef City, the Theme Park and the Casino, both of which have their own hotel. In my defence it was quite late, never the less, the friendly staff at Casino Hotel pointed me in the right direction which wasn't a major issue seeing that the Theme Park is just across the road. 

Once I got my bearings straight and eventually made it to the right hotel, I found it odd that I had to walk from the parking lot through part of the park in order to get to the hotel but it was dark and I just wanted to get checked in. Once everything was in order, I was handed my room key and seeing that my room was located on the first floor I asked the reception where the lifts were, bemused he looked back and said "your room isn't here".... well then where the hell is it? Just then the porter arrived to take my luggage and escorted me to his golf cart, once outside it all made sense to me. 

The hotel is located in part of the theme park called the village, the theme as Tsogo Sun put it, "an authentic turn of the century mining town" which I thought was pretty cool. The hotel has 75 luxurious rooms, all of which are spread out in this mini town and located in the many apartment styled blocks with some containing conference facilities at ground level. It's a total break away from the norm of hotels that we've become so accustomed to. Obviously the people who would stay here are mainly tourists so they would take time to appreciate the great detail they went into ensuring their guests have an authentic experience. 

The room I had came fully equipped with everything one needs, a TV with most of the DSTV channels, air-conditioning which was a must as temperatures were quite high that weekend, an electronic safe to keep my valuables, bathroom with a tub/ shower combo and the basic tea/ coffee stand. Since it was Valentines weekend, the beds were decorated with rose petals and a chocolate was placed on the pillow, sweet but I unfortunately I was on my own but at least I got a free chocolate from it. 

It was late and I was tired but time was short and I wanted to see the Casino part of the City, being situated on the other end of the park, it would be a far walk but a quick call to reception to arrange an in house taxi and I was transported free of charge to the Casino entrance. The casino has a number of eateries, including a food court with local favourites. The kiddies entertainment area was abuzz and the casino was pumping, after enjoying a few spins on the roulette table, it was time to call it quits and retire back to my room. 

Now with the hotel theme being a small town, breakfast wasn't served on the ground floor but rather at one of the restaurants, Bunny's. There I was blown away with the variety at the breakfast buffet. From fruits, cereals, cheese platters to your hot foods of eggs done which ever way you wanted and a range of meats for your fancy. The bread table was equally impressive but what caught my eye was the smoothie station, pick your ingredients and in a jiff it is blended into your drink. Another shocker was the waffle station, who doesn't like waffles?! topped with whipped cream and syrup, it went down a treat with many of the guests, including myself. 

A quick stroll around town to digest breakfast and I found that Bunny's was not the only place guests could visit in the hotel complex, there were many other small vendors from a chocolatier to wors rolls stand, 4D theatre and many others situated in the theme park itself. Each guest staying at the Theme Park Hotel get free entrance to the rides and other parts of the park. For the daring there's the high speed topsy turvy roller-coasters like the Anaconda but if you're a big baby like me then maybe something mellow like the Jozi Express would suit you better. The place isn't just about rides, gambling and food as there are many educational things one can do as well. There are tours that show you how gold is mined and produced and the newly built Apartheid Museum is a must for all South Africans.

It's a pity that my stay was a short one as I never did get to explore the park fully but I would recommend it to any family wanting a break from the stressful reality of life. It's just a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg but once in there you feel totally secluded from the outside world. Its an ideal place to spend a weekend and enjoy the entertainment facilities that are on offer which will no doubt result in hours of fun with the family. The friendly staff are always willing to assist, whether you require help to your room or to be transported around the facility. I definitely will be paying Gold Reef City more visits in the future, maybe by then I'd stop being a little girl and try my hand at the more faster rides!

Tsogo Sun Waterfront Cape Town

It's holiday season and everyone is looking to escape the normal hustle and bustle of their daily lives to go away and chill for a few days.While on the break you want to be relaxed, have piece of mind and make sure everything is taken care of. There's many factors that one has to take in insuring their holiday is a good one and the major one is the accommodation. Ultimately it is going to be your home away from home, you want it to be a place you're comfortable at but at the same time be spoiled with some luxuries you don't have at home.

Waterfront Hotel Cape Town

Upon my recent visit to Cape Town I was hosted by Tsogo Sun at their newly renovated Waterfront hotel. 

The hotel has always been an icon to the city as it is one of the first buildings you see as you exit the N1 into town. It's conveniently located with the waterfront a stones throw away, the CBD just to the back of you and the CTICC practically neighbours it. The hotel is rated 4*,  boasts 14 stories and 546 rooms ranging from normal bedrooms to suites which have immaculate views of the harbour, city and mountain depending on which wing your room is situated in. It also houses a gymnasium, spa, pool, conference facilities, restaurants and a bar. There is two basement levels so if you bringing a car along, there is plenty space for safe, secure parking.

My suite

My flight was a late one and add to that, a minor delay with the meant I wasn't able to meet general manager Jeff Rosenberg on my arrival but even though I pitched up at an odd hour the staff were extremely helpful to ensure my check in was quick and easy. At the time I wasn't sure which room had been allocated to me but being on the 11th floor I was sure to have some good views. As I made my way to the bedroom, the porter told me how I would be surprised at the room I was getting, seeing that it was one of the newly renovated ones and boy he wasn't wrong. 

The Bar

For me being on holiday means I want to spoil myself with luxuries I don't normally indulge in and at the same time have the comforts of home so I don't feel out of place. The suite I stayed encapsulated this perfectly, in the entrance hall was the bar, it had an assortment of the finest spirits as well as a fully stocked bar fridge and of course there was also some nibbles to go along with it. Now obviously these all came with a price tag, one which normally could cause cardiac arrest but to my surprise most of it was actually reasonably priced! The room continued to surprise as one would normally help themselves to a cup of coffee once settled in the room but in my case I had a Nespresso coffee, yes my room had a Nespresso machine, complete with a selection of capsules...and its free! If you're old school or would rather prefer tea there was also a kettle available with your tea and coffee selection. 

The massive TV

Moving on to the lounge, now my mum says I'm fussy but I think when you're used to something you will find it hard to adjust. What am I talking about? The TV! Every place we go to on holiday has the tiniest TV's imaginable and coming for my place with has a big ass plasma TV, you can relate to my frustration! Fair enough, you're on holiday, why would you want to watch TV? Well firstly, sport duh, secondly you want to keep track of things in the news, not to mention the weather, the room I was in had a 55" LED TV. The grin on my face was probably visible from Mars. The selection of DSTV channels was perfect and the hotel had a dedicated channel telling you about the hotel, the brand and what to do in the mother city. 

Working with free WiFi while watching TV

There was a study table for me to work on, which faced the TV and I was also given 500mb of WiFi to use at my disposal which is always very handy given the price we pay for data in this country. Being in the digital era many of our devices we carry need to be frequently recharged and the room was full of plugs, at every convenient position there'd be a socket outlet for you to charge your cellphone/ camera/ laptop which some might find an overkill but I think its brilliant as one always has to hunt for a free plug point at other hotels or resorts.

Contemplating getting up

The bed was massive, king size which was fit for...well a king! Nothing beats a good bed to get a good nights rest and I don't know if Tsogo Sun have a certain criteria when it comes to beds but this one was perfect! It made getting up from it in the mornings extremely hard! The room was fully air-conditioned with separate controllers for the bedroom and lounge. The bathroom was equipped with a shower and a bath tub, the shower had the option of a hand held shower or the head from the roof which gave a rain effect, it was also was packed with the necessities for ones stay. 

Dinning Hall

Now as much as the room has a major role to play in a hotel, the service has to live up to expectation to. That's what really won me over at the Waterfront Hotel, at all times there were security on patrol so there was no reason to be unsafe in your surroundings. The people at the front desk are forever smiling and ready to help you with what ever you need. There also comes that human element which some places lack, for example every morning at breakfast Avela, one of the waitresses knew I'd  have my morning cappuccino, the chefs manning the stove knew what filling I wanted in my omelette and even offered me to try various combinations that I might like. 

Gourment chicken burger at 3am

The range of food offered in the breakfast buffet blew me away from fresh fruits, to cereals and yoghurt's, the hot food stand was sure to leave your mouth watering and just when you think you had enough, the pastry table had you coming back for more! They even have an oven which bakes croissants in front of you! You cannot say no to that! Sticking on the topic of food, the hotel offerers a wide variety of in  room meals, some of which are available 24 hours, which comes handy if you're like me partying till the early hours of the morning. Getting a gourmet burger with chips delivered to your door in under 20 minutes at 3am, that is service!

View from my room

I only met with the hotel GM Jeff on the day I checked out which was probably a good thing since no one knew who I was and there wasn't biased treatment offered to me. As fate would have it I bumped into a friend who also checked into the hotel for the week as he was down in Cape Town for a conference, he normally stays at another establishment but due to his family tagging along he booked in here. He to was blown away by the hotel and even said that he might consider the Waterfront hotel in his future trips to the mother city. Overall my stay at the Tsogo Sun Waterfront Hotel was amazing, it was unparalleled to anything I have experienced in South Africa. The main thing is getting that combination of both comfort and  luxury but must have the service to match, for me this place had it all. I definitely will be paying Jeff and his team a visit again on my next trip to the Mother City.

Just want to say a big thank you to Jeff and the staff at the Waterfront hotel for making my stay an enjoyable one!