Bomi Bukali, Silverstar Casino’s new Communications Manager, has embraced her career in the casino industry with energy and passion, which she says: “is an essential part of thriving in this exciting industry”.
Bukali joined Tsogo Sun in August 2016 as PR & Communications Co-ordinator at the group’s head office and was appointed to her new position at Silverstar in November 2018. She says: “Settling in at Silverstar has been made easier because I am surrounded by a fabulous team of strong and supportive people. I love the culture of the property, the diversity, and the warmth of the team here.”
This vivacious Communications Manager shared some information about herself in a recent interview….
What is your background before you joined Tsogo Sun?
I grew up in Vosloorus and matriculated in Boksburg before trying my hand at a Financial Accounting qualification at Vaal University of Technology, but I soon realised it wasn’t the career path for me. Over the next few years, I worked at several companies, including Studio Zoo Production, NuMetro, and Webber Wentzel, while studying different courses such as Service Excellence and People Management at Kwelanga, Project Management and Communications at GIBS Institute, and Social Media at Stellenbosch University. Over this time, I found my niche in communications and I gained an understanding of how corporate South Africa works, which was essential to my career growth.
What have been your life-defining experiences?
Experiences that significantly impacted my life and helped to shape me included losing my Dad who I was very close to, being married and divorced at a young age, and raising a beautiful (now 17-year-old) daughter as a single parent.
What strengths do you bring to Silverstar?
I gained communications experience in the customer service and legal industries, which gave me excellent opportunities to develop my skills in both internal and external communications, in brand management, project management, and customer engagement, all of which have been pivotal in contributing to the strengths I bring to Silverstar.
Here I have the chance to explore my creativity and contribute to reinventing the brand in the communications environment. I love being able to make a difference in the markets where we operate, developing and implementing strong strategic communications and marketing plans.
Who has been influential in your life?
There are a number of people because they each impacted my career at different stages of my life. They include Rev Christopher Harrison, former Minister at Bryanston Methodist Church; Ignaz Fusgen, former Head of Marketing at Webber Wentzel law firm; Noëleen Bruton, former Director of Marketing Tsogo Sun Group; and Priya Naidoo, GM – Group Communications, Sales & Marketing for Tsogo Sun Hotels.
What is your vision for Silverstar?
Essentially it is to entrench Silverstar as the favourite destination for entertainment, gaming and dining in the West Rand and the surrounds of Joburg through ensuring that we build and maintain relationships with our media, the public, and various stakeholders, while also targeting new markets. Digital marketing has opened up new and exciting ways for us to communicate in the PR space, and it is one of my favourite tools.
What is a life lesson you value? It was early on in my career that I learned that ‘it’s not altitude, but attitude that really counts in life’.
Some fun facts about yourself?
What can you not live without? Lip balm and my cell phone.
Your pet hate? Dishonesty.
Favourite book and movie? My all-time favourite book is The Bluest Eyes by Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winner, Toni Morrison, and my very best movie is Life is Beautiful, about the power of a fertile imagination, and love.
How do you unwind? I am a homebody, I love being in my own space, reading, swimming and listening to jazz. My interests also include community service – especially working with children, netball and hiking.
If you couldn’t work in this industry what would you do? I would either be a lawyer or I would work with children, running a crèche or aftercare activities.
What’s your favourite activity at Silverstar? I enjoy the amazing concerts and comedy shows that Silverstar hosts, among other offerings at this property that is always buzzing with activities for the whole family.
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