A familiar face returns to control the reins at the resort
As of 1 September, Henry Tshegetso Boekhouer has taken on the role of General Manager at The Wild Coast Sun, stepping in for Peter Tshidi, who has relocated to Sun International’s head office in Johannesburg.
Boekhouer first became known to the Wild Coast Sun community in 2018 when he joined as Gaming Manager. Although he left to pursue a role at Peermont, Boekhouer found himself drawn back to the resort. “It’s Sun City by the sea and my favorite holiday destination, so now every day feels like a holiday for me,” he says with a smile.
His career with Sun International began in 2000, demonstrating his long-standing loyalty to the gaming, hospitality, and entertainment group. While many industry professionals in South Africa start their careers at Sun City, Boekhouer’s path was unique, coming from a background in engineering.
“I worked for an electrical engineering company with a stable, well-paid job. But after an accident, I began questioning my career and the urban lifestyle I was living,” Boekhouer recalls. “My salary dropped when I joined Sun City, and suddenly, I was working around the clock, but I loved it. No two days were ever the same.”
Boekhouer’s move into hospitality brought with it new challenges, but it also came with valuable lessons. “In engineering, everything is black and white—right or wrong. In hospitality, it’s about nuance. I had to adopt a ‘can-do’ attitude and realize that the customer always comes first.”
From Sun City to the Carousel Casino, where he was promoted from Assistant Slots Manager to Operations Manager, Boekhouer’s career growth continued. At Flamingo Casino, he gained exposure to the hospitality side of the business, eventually bringing his expertise to Wild Coast Sun as Gaming Manager. He credits mentors like Riaan Stoltz (Group Gaming and Innovation), Harry Swart (now GM at The Maslow Sandton), and Graham Wood (Sun International’s COO) for his professional development.
During his tenure with Peermont, Boekhouer had the honor of managing Thaba Moshate and Rio Casino as General Manager, an experience he greatly values. “I’m grateful to the Peermont Group and their CEO, Nigel Atherton, for trusting me with such significant responsibilities,” he notes.
Now, as General Manager of Wild Coast Sun, Boekhouer has big plans for the resort. His vision includes fostering a strong connection with the local community and ensuring they feel a sense of pride and ownership in the business. He is also focused on leading a transformation plan that supports the development of local communities and businesses, while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
For Boekhouer, Wild Coast Sun is not just a job—it’s a homecoming. “When I first worked at the resort, I got to know everyone in the community. I’ve stayed in touch with them, so now it feels like coming home. My door is always open, and I’m ready to take things to the next level,” he says.
Boekhouer’s guiding principle? “To leave everything I touch better than I found it.”
Boekhouer holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Wits Technikon (now University of Johannesburg) and has completed multiple business programs at GIBS, Wits Business School, and the University of Stellenbosch.
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