Edition 17
Jul-Sep 2012
Getting to Know…
Bakkies
Bakkies has been Flamingo’s thrilling mascot for 2 years and we paid him a visit to find out more about what makes him “chip”… Full Name: Bakgat Bakkies Nick Name: Cyps’ chip (Cyprian and myself are best of friends)
What do you enjoy most of your job? Meeting our loyal customers and all the hugs I get from the kids at Flambinos. Thrilling is what I do best (I’ve got a licence for that too…) What is your favourite… …Colour: Pink …Song: Light up their Lives …Car: A pink Mini Cooper …Drink: Pink Drinks …Vacation: Any Sun International property
IT Lingo by DELMAINE PETERSEN (IT ENGINEER)
Name Router Network Traffic WAN
Switch PABX
IT Definition A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks – creating an overlay internet work. Data that travels in a network. A “Wide Area Network” is a telecommunication network that covers a broad area (i.e. any network that links across metropolitan, regional or national boundaries. A “network switch” or “switching hub” is a computer networking device that connects network segments or network devices. A “private branch exchange” is any of a range of a multiline telephone systems typically used in business environments, encompassing systems ranging from small key systems to large scale private branch.
User Definition It is a long rectangular box that connects the casino to the rest of the world outside. A phone call that takes place between 2 or more computers or devices. A phone call between the long rectangular box and the rest of the world.
A rectangular device that acts like a switchboard operator that controls the phone calls between many computers or devices. A big box that enables all telephones on complex to talk to the rest of the world.
National Braai Day From small towns to big cities millions of South Africans are preparing to braai for their country on Braai Day which is held annually on 24 September (National Heritage Day). Braai Day is a celebration of our great country and its unique national pastime. It aims to unite all South Africans on 24 September by encouraging them to partake in a fun and tangible activity shared by all demographic groups, religious denominations and body types.
A Fun Fact about
Boerewors
On 16 June 2011, the Guinness world record for braaing the longest boerewors in the world was broken in South Africa. It measured 514.5 m in length and weighed about 420 kg. The boerewors was distributed freely to old-age homes as part of Youth Day which was celebrated on the day that it was prepared – www.wikipedia.org
Heritage Day
TIPS for a good braai/ chesa nyama The first thing is to plan ahead and have all the necessary utensils available: casserole, tongs, knife, apron, gloves, “braai” stand and grid, liquid refreshments, wet cloth (jammer lappie), Hi-Fi and a hat. Select the best quality cut meat to be “braaied” as meat is so expensive that it is worth the little extra in order to ensure a successful event. Clean the grid by burning it beforehand, brushing it off with a steel brush and finally cleaning it with half a onion, rubbing it on the grid itself. There are three advantages of using an onion: It sanitizes the grid, smells wonderful when rubbed and prevent the meat from sticking to the grid. This must be done while the grid is at its hottest. Use enough wood according to the quantity of meat to be “braaied”. Different wood types give different flavours to meat and I found “swarthaak & camel-thorn to be the best of choices. Have a little fire going on the side should you run out of coals. Try to use fresh herbs as far as possible for seasoning as this complements the flavour of your meat. Otherwise salt, pepper or braai mixes will work just as well. Keep the entire prepared food warm on the fire as cold food could spoil your event. It will always be better to eat as soon as the last dish has been prepared. And last but not least, have all your guests gather around the fire with enough liquid refreshments and background music in order to create a lovely atmosphere and a feeling of involvement on their side.
Boerewors Questions & Answers
SHOULD I PRICK MY BOEREWORS WHILST BRAAING?
Pricking holes in your boerewors is a matter of preference. Some people prefer not to prick a good boerewors as the juices equal flavour. Others want the extra fat to drip into the fire, making the boerie fit for any diet. If you feel the constant need to prick those big fat bubbles on the wors, also consider looking at alternative butchers or types of boerewors that contains less fat to start with. Whilst some bubbles are normal, expected, and good; excessive fat bubbles in boerewors is not positive sign in terms of quality.
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Safety Tips from Chriswell Siwela (Security Shift Manager)
YOUR SAFETY IS MY CONCERN My fellow friends and fellow staff - adhere to these ‘Security Safety Tips’, they might come in handy. Now remember when going out with friends to parties or clubs (places of fun) - there are other people who party till late, and other people are not comfortable staying till late due to responsibilities. Now you find yourself having to leave your friends behind and without transport. Before you take any action think about one thing ‘YOUR SAFETY’
WHEN GOING OUT WITH FRIENDS It is very important to discuss with friends the W+W + H method: - Where, When and How o Where: place where you are going and pick up points o When: Time as to when are you departing o How: The means of transport to and from the destination point Remember to ask your friend to accompany you if you are to leave the group or let them know where you are going and if it happens that you are to leave your friends behind, let them know how and who you are going with - Do not hitch hike, do not ask a lift from a stranger, do not drink and drive or be in a vehicle that is being driven by a drunken person (even if they are your best friends), avoid fights at all cost - the stronger person is the one that humble himself in time of anger.
In the next issue we will discuss safety tips for your home, work place and travelling. Keep safe till next time!
Are you
Stressed? No one can escape the stress of modern-day living, but you can do a lot to control it and to lessen its impact. These top tips will help you cope when under pressure: • Discuss your problems with your partner or close friend to see the situation more objectively. If counselling is available at your work or church, take advantage of this, too. • Make sure you do something you really enjoy at least once a day. • Laugh; it’s a fabulous healer, encourages social bonding, increases the supply of oxygen to the lungs, stimulates the production of endorphins and can produce a feeling of euphoria. Occasionally it also leads to tears,
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At times we feel that it takes all we’ve got to merely stay alive, let alone thrive. One Sun Wellness can help you cope when the going gets tough. Our doors are always open, so why not come and talk to us?
which is another positive release. Look after your body. Kick any addictions you may have such as smoking, drugs, caffeine or alcohol; these can heighten the effects on tension and anxiety. Maintain a healthy diet that includes cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, beetroot, celery and carrots. Get real. Accept your personality and learn to manage your strengths and weaknesses. Stop chastising yourself for past mistakes; learn from them, then let them go. Think positively. Do things not merely to stay popular but because you genuinely enjoy them. Eat a handful of pumpkin seeds per
day; they’re rich in zinc, iron and calcium. • Stabilise your central nervous system with herbs such as basil, lavender, chamomile and raw oats. Ginseng root relaxes you when stressed and boosts your immune system. • Give yourself physical and emotional support. Treat yourself to a favourite food or pamper yourself in an aromatherapy bath. Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EWP) is available 24 hours if you want to discuss your stress relief. Call us on 0861872862 or email us at help@lifeassist.co.za .
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Change Network Message by Christa Knowling (Change Specialist Consultant: Transformation & Change)
Dear all
The other two men nodded in agreement.
ventured a suggestion.
I hope today’s story will encourage you to challenge wrong belief systems and assumptions. How often do we sweep a question under the carpet with the words “that is the way we do it here”, or we don’t question something simply because we think the organisation is too big to change?
“It was the same in my day,” sympathised the present manager’s predecessor, “It always seemed strange to me that trucks returning early on Mondays and Tuesdays couldn’t be used for little local runs, because the local deliveries had to be left until Friday..”
“I think I remember now,” he said, “It was the horses..... During the Second World War fuel rationing was introduced. So we mothballed the trucks and went back to using the horses. On Mondays the horses were well-rested after the weekend hence the long deliveries. By Friday the horses so tired they could only handle the short local drops...”
In change management, it is sometimes necessary to challenge (in the nicest way possible!) the status quo and get answers to the questions that people out there have. Unanswered questions make it difficult for people to buy-into the change and can cause disillusionment.
The brewery story It has been suggested that this is a true story: A very old traditional brewery decided to install a new canning line, so as to enable its beer products to be marketed through the supermarket sector. This represented a major change for the little company, and local dignitaries and past employees were invited to witness the first running of the new canning line, which was followed by an buffet and drinks. After the new line had been switched on successfully, and the formalities completed, the guests relaxed in small groups to chat and enjoy the buffet. In a quiet corner stood three men discussing trucks and transport and distribution, since one was the present distribution manager, and the other two were past holders of the post, having retired many years ago. The three men represented three generations of company distribution management, spanning over sixty years. The present distribution manager confessed that his job was becoming more stressful because company policy required long deliveries be made on Monday and Tuesday, short deliveries on Fridays, and all other deliveries mid-week. “It’s so difficult to schedule things efficiently - heaven knows what we’ll do with these new cans and the tight demands of the supermarkets...”
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The third man nodded, and was thinking hard, struggling to recall the policy’s roots many years ago when he’d have been a junior in the despatch department. After a pause, the third man smiled and then
Soon after the opening of the new canning line the company changed its delivery policy.
The lighter side of Casino Life…
Tipping the Dealer
A blackjack dealer and a player with a thirteen count in his hand were arguing about whether or not it was appropriate to tip the dealer. The player said, “When I get bad cards, it’s not the dealer’s fault. Accordingly, when I get good cards, the dealer obviously had nothing to do with it so, why should I tip him?” The dealer said, “When you eat out do you tip the waiter?” “Yes.” “Well then, he serves you food, I’m serving you cards so you should tip me.” “Okay, but, the waiter gives me what I ask for. I’ll take an eight.
Corner
What do you expect me to do at Flamingo Casino?
“Light up their Lives” How must I do this? By being… C = Connect L = Listen E = Engage A = Act R = Re-connect Is your behaviour CLEAR? Did you light up someone’s life today?
The lighter side of Casino Life… Q: What did the dealer say to the deck of cards? A: “I can’t deal with you anymore”
TEA TIME WITH…
(PAYROLL OFFICER)
Constant Laubscher Born and raised in? Sishen, I do not think it exists anymore. It was a small mining community. Tell us more about your job as a Payroll Officer: A payroll officer should be very accurate and must be able to work under high loads of pressure. It’s a position where you should not be resistant to change and you must be passionate about people. Tell us something interesting about you that we do not know: I love cooking and baking. I’m quite a good cook. I love entertaining and I took art classes when I was younger. What do you enjoy about your work? I love interactions with people and working with people. I love having loads of fun and with some of my other responsibilities I create fun for the staff and myself. What do you love about Flamingo Casino? I love the people I work with. I always learn new thing about peoples cultures and what they like and dislike. We are a great team and since we are a small unit, we know everybody and form relationships with each other. How do you tackle difficult days? When I go home in the afternoon I will run a bath and poor me a big glass of wine to relax, but at work I would say a few nasty words. After a few years of working with the HR Team they know when it’s a BAD day. What would you do if you could go back in time? I would never go back in time. I believe that the bad things that happen to us in live will only make us stronger and there is always something to learn from these bad things.
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Seen & Heard Garth Taylor & Cezanne van der Lith
Our Strolling Table – we are the first unit to have one!
“Madiba’s” visit to Flamingo
Winter Knights Walk Party Pit – The Olympics
Party Pit – The Olympics
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BIRTHDAYS July Molefi Moeletsi (Tables), Theophilus Twerefoo (Cashiering), Naledi Moshweu (Tables), Richard Makhele (Surveillance), Lerato Louw (Tables), Chris Moodley (Slots) Maritza Basson (Surveillance), Bonolo Masoeu (Cashiering), Shanaaz Kayser (Slots), Michelle Pretorius (Cashiering), Itumeleng Masekwa (Slots Technical), Clinton Potgieter (HLM), Natania Dixon (HLM Banqueting), Dineo Kelly (HLM), Prudence Vanqa (HLM), Lindiwe Njephe (HLM), Patricia Motshabi (HLM), Mohau Jacob Esau (HLM), August Madeleine Ehlers (Admin), Victoria Segwagwa (Tables), Shirley Mopo (Tables), Tshiamo Mokgalagadi (Surveillance), Nicolette Mnanzana (Slots), Mary-ann Davids (Tables), Jaco van Wyk (Health & Safety), Nomaxabiso Ndzengana (Tables), Christiaan Beyers (Admin), Peter Guthrie (General Manager), Kelebogile Seoposengwe (Tables), Celeste Tsolo (Surveillance), Pinky Keswa (Cashiering), Thabang Molebatsi (Cashiering), Theveshnie Naidoo (Surveillance), Lahlu Mabula (Marketing), Francina Matthews (Slots), Beverly Ifunga (Tables), Luceth Hlungwane (Admin), Lorraine Mosikatsi (Slots), Agnes Molefi (Marketing), Carlie Venter (Financial Manager), Boitumelo Constance Gloria Qwema (Tables), Bridget Ntlatseng (Marketing), Edward Matiwane (Surveillance), Gerhard Brits (Slots Technical), Phindiwe Manyefana (Fidelity), Hannah Cidraas (Fidelity) & Lebogang Tshipinyane (Fidelity), Mercy Boitsi (HLM), Boitumelo Mojaki (HLM), Cosmas Moyo (HLM), Kgotlaetsile Mmolaeng (HLM), Jerry Gooiman (HLM), Sivuyile Manqoyi (HLM), Zikhone Vukubi (HLM). September Evelyne Steenkamp (Tables), Boikanyo Lekhobo (Tables), Gerda Fouche (Slots), Chantel George (Slots), Palesa Mahamba (Slots), Anderson Shweni (Maintenance), Stephen Ferreira (IT), Pontsho Mocwana (Tables), Onalenna Patricia Babusi (Tables), Eunice Diphahe (Prestige), Mokhethi Lechuba (HLM), Abdul-Malik Modise (HLM), Lorato Mongwato (HLM), Jacqueline Nyilongwe (HLM), Martha Lekwene (HLM), Rene Rebecca Abrahams (HLM), Kagisho Sekamegeng (HLM), Constance Thamage (HLM), Idah Moletsane (HLM), Tlotlo Gaebee (HLM), Phildelia Meyers (HLM), Gaopalelwe Molale (HLM).
WHAT’S H O T IN SLOTS The first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey of San Francisco, California, U.S., who devised a much simpler automatic mechanism. He devised a machine with three spinning reels containing a total of five symbols – horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell, which also gave the machine its name. In 1907, manufacturer Herbert Mills from Chicago produced a slot machine called the Operator Bell. In 1963, Bally developed the first fully electromechanical slot machine called Money Honey. The electromechanical approach of the 1960s allowed Money Honey to be the first slot machine with a bottomless hopper and automatic payout of up to 500 coins without the help of an attendant. The first true video slot machine was developed in 1976. This slot machine used a modified 19” Sony Trinitron color receiver for the display and logic boards for all slot machine functions. The prototype was mounted in a full size show-ready slot machine cabinet. The first American video slot machine to offer a “second screen” bonus round was Reel ‘Em In developed by WMS Industries Inc. in 1996. In this type of machine, the display changes to provide a different game where an additional payout may be won or accumulated. – www.wikipedia.org
July
Total Jackpots Paid out: 2598 Total value of jackpots paid out: R9,469,206
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SISA ANNOUNCEMENT The date for the SISA Tournament has been announced. Games will be played on Wednesday 17 October @ Sun City. With 12 units competing, Flamingo has to up their game. Flamingo has confirmed participation in netball, pool and soccer. On 29 August Flamingo will also take part in a mini tournament in Bloemfontein – competing against Naledi Sun, Windmill Casino & Meropa Casino. Further announcements regarding the trip will be announced. So watch your nearest notice boards for more details. Sport related enquiries can be addressed to any one of the following sports co-ordinators: • Dinah Erasmus - Marketing • Hannah Cidraas – Fidelity • David Setilo - Prestige • Richard Mabota • Ursula Matthee - Slots
The Netball & Soccer co-ordinators organized a fun day in August to promote Flamingo Casino’s sport activities.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Sam Ruiters, Jaco van Wyk & Hendrika Mokgele each received Silver Pins for assisting Mr Wagenaar when he got a stroke at MVG. Hendrika assisted him the whole time during the period that Jaco and Sam tried to resuscitate him and they stayed with the guest performing their first aid skills until ER24 arrived and took over the situation.
Heila van As received a Silver Pin for assisting a Tables staff member who lost consciousness and fell in the passage BOH. She acted in a prompt and professional manner and even managed to revive the employee before the ambulance arrived on site.
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Both Martha Tlotleng and Gloria Mabija went the extra mile by opting to train new staff members, introduce a spreadsheet to control the payment of lost and damaged card which resulted in Cash Desk using less Receipt books on a monthly basis which in turn resulted in cost savings. They are both dedicated employees and true brand ambassadors.
You can Win This issue we are giving away a Gift Voucher to the value of R200 How do you win? It’s easy! Score a minimum of 15 points from answering the following and you could walk away with this Bakgat Prize. Name: _______________________________________ Department__________________________________________ Company ID: __________________________________ Cellphone #__________________________________________ • Flamingo Casino staff uses quite a few abbreviations on a daily basis but very few people know what they really mean. Give the full meaning of each of the following: (4 points) MVG________________________________________________ CMS __________________________________________ CRM _______________________________________________ SVC __________________________________________ • It takes many different aspects or drivers to manage the day to day running of the casino. How many different departments are there in total (including service providers)? ____________ (1 point) • The Road Lodge has a total of 90 rooms. Provide the room’s break down as follows:
__________ Paraplegic Rooms
__________ Twin Rooms
__________ Double Rooms (3 points)
• Who is the GM of the Road Lodge? ___________________________________________ (1 point) • During what month does Flamingo Casino celebrate its birthday? _________________ (1 point) • What is the lowest denomination machine we currently have on the floor? _______________ and what is the highest denomination machine you can get? __________ (2 points) • How many different types of Tables do we have on the gaming floor? ______________
Name Them ___________________________________________________________ (4 Points)
• What does HLM stand for? ___________________________________________ (1 Point) • Who is their GM? ____________________________________ (1 Point) • What Bakgat prize did Flamingo give away in our Birthday month in 2012? ________________________ (1 point) • How many ATM’s is on the Flamingo Complex? _____________
Name Them _____________________________________________________________________ (4 points)
• There are ___________ Slot machines & ___________ Tables (including Barnato & Bar 129) (2 points) Competition Rules Individuals may only enter once. / Competition is open to all Flamingo staff including concessionaires. / Additional entry forms will be available on request from Charene Azevedo (Marketing). / Competition closes Sunday, 30 September 2012. / Draw date TBA. / Entry forms to be submitted in the competition box IN THE MARKETING OFFICE. / A minimum of 15 points must be obtained to qualify for the prize draw. / Judges decision is final. / Winners will be notified telephonically. / Answers will be published in the next edition.
GOOD LUCK
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Clear-View Hotel & Casino
Each month you will see posters up at Flamingo inviting you to view that month’s episode of Clear-View Hotel & Casino soapie. Episode 1 – June’s Lesson Sun International: Serving is what we do and only we can deliver Thrilling Service. Serve Guests using our Service Principles and CLEAR interaction process. Episode 2 – July’s Lesson Sun International: When you serve our Guests, make sure you Delight them. We all have 1 reason for being here, our Guests. So make sure that you “Light up their Lives!”
Mission & Vision Statement Mission statement We at the Flamingo Casino are Passionate about always providing our customers with a Fun filled, Exciting and memorable gaming entertainment experience. As a Well Trained Team, we are proud to work at the Flamingo Casino. Passion, Fun, Courage, Ethics, Innovation, Respect and Team work are the corner stones of everything we do. We will uphold our Commitment to the Community and reveal the real Gem of the Northern Cape.
Vision statement
Values
To be the real Gem of the Northern Cape.
• Passion • Fun • Courage • Ethics • Innovation • Respect • Teamwork
Newsletter Compiled by Charene Azevedo - Marketing