Congratulations to Ndumiso Mjacu, a Tsebo FS Shift Supervisor at one of our flagship contracts, Montecasino. Ndumiso’s recent award testifies to his ambition to keep ‘changing the game’ in FM!
In June this year, Ndumiso entered Tsogo Sun’s ‘Game Changers’ competition, in which Tsogo staff and associates get to enter their cost-saving, revenue-generating or guest experience ideas. Ndumiso (29) was one of 35 entrants shortlisted to pitch ideas to a Tsogo Sun judging panel. Montecasino Employee Services Manager and competition co-ordinator Estelle Damster tells us more:
“Game Changers 2015 was an exciting journey. Most of the ideas entered were aimed at cost saving and guest experience. A total of 155 ideas were submitted, which were narrowed down to 35. Those 35 contestants then had five minutes to personally sell their idea to our judges, a panel of Montecasino HOD’s.
We announced eight finalists in August and paired them up with mentoring sponsors. They were each awarded R5 000 each, for getting to the final round – a presentation to a much larger crowd, including top Tsogo executives. In October, we held rehearsals of the eight finalists’ presentations and gave them some tips, guidance and lots of encouragement. At the finale, I felt like a proud mom to them. Well done Ndumiso, you truly deserved your win!”
We asked Ndumiso about his journey to first place:
“Perhaps the amount of preparation I put into my five minute pitch helped. I had chosen to put my idea down on paper and give each of the panel members a copy of the presentation. Later, while taking questions from them, I felt they had a clear picture of how my idea could feasibly be implemented in reality. I was also lucky to have Deidré Jameson (Property Manager: Montecasino Gaming) as my sponsor. I learned a lot from her and it was thanks to Deidre’s and Estelle’s encouragement that I felt confident at the finale.”
Ndumiso’s prize-winning idea was to implement an automated shut-down of air-conditioning units within Monte’s retail complex between 12am and 10am, when the stores are closed. This could lead to savings of 140 000kwh per month. Another benefit is a longer lifespan for the air-con units, which contributes to Tsogo Group’s overall energy-efficiency strategy.
“When my name was called out as the winner, I couldn’t believe it!” he says. “My family, who were present, went crazy. A big thank you to Tsogo Group for this opportunity; to Deidré, Estelle and also Gavin Wilson (Tsebo FS Maintenance Manager), who has given me valuable support during my time with Tsebo FS.”
Ndumiso joined the Tsebo FS team at Montecasino in March 2013 and is currently completing a 2-year FM certificate (NQF 5).
“It’s such a privilege to have Ndumiso embracing the Montecasino culture and vision, which is primarily to maximise revenue whilst reducing costs. His positive attitude and charisma make him a valued member of the Montecasino family whose energy rubs off on fellow colleagues.” – Deidré Jameson, Ndumiso’s sponsor and our key client liaison
“Congratulations Ndumiso on this great achievement! You make us proud and we look forward to seeing your career with Tsebo FS grow!” – Aubrey McElnea, Tsebo FS CO
