Sibaya Casino general manager Virath Gobrie was recently honoured as General Manager of the Year at the Sun International Group Awards, held at Time Square, Pretoria.

Gobrie, who joined Sibaya 20 years ago when the casino was just two months old, was recognised for revitalising the casino and its operations.

“Before my name was called out, I had no expectation of winning,” he said.

“This award is not for me – it’s for us. It’s our people who make this business.”

As part of his prize, Gobrie will embark on an educational trip to Las Vegas to learn from the international hospitality and gaming industry.

Having started as an accountant at Sibaya, Gobrie rose through the Sun International ranks, eventually serving as Commercial Manager for Hospitality before returning to KZN in 2022 to lead Sibaya. His role spans all departments – from gaming and hospitality to security, HR and marketing – as well as strategy, financial oversight, crisis management and customer growth.

When he returned, he faced challenges such as declining customer satisfaction and low staff morale. He took on the challenge and now leads a team of 1 350 employees.

“I will always count the growth and development of staff that I have witnessed over the past two years as a highlight,” he said.

He also spearheaded a R10-million gender-based violence initiative, which includes 28 park home centres for victims across KZN.

Under his leadership, Sibaya also won the group’s Sustainability Award, with major projects like a R54-million solar plant boosting the precinct’s transformation and investment appeal.

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