Themba Marasha
Results-Driven Executive Leader | Strategic Operations & Compliance Expert | Entrepreneurial Franchise Owner
Kempton Park, ZA.About
Dynamic and highly experienced executive with over 19 years in strategic management, operations, and regulatory compliance, complemented by recent entrepreneurial success. Adept at driving business growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes within the gambling, finance, and automotive sectors. Seeking to leverage proven leadership, strategic thinking, and a people-centric approach to energize and lead high-performing teams towards achieving ambitious organizational objectives.
Work
Battery HQ
|Owner and Franchisee
Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
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Summary
Led all facets of franchise operations for an automotive battery outlet and aircon regassing business, driving profitability and market presence.
Highlights
Initiated and managed daily operational activities for the automotive battery outlet and aircon regassing franchise, ensuring efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Developed and implemented local marketing strategies to expand customer base and increase sales volume within a competitive market.
Managed comprehensive inventory, supply chain, and vendor relationships to optimize costs and maintain consistent product availability.
Oversaw financial performance, including budgeting, P&L management, and operational cost control to ensure business profitability.
Sun International
|General Manager: Flamingo Casino, Kimberley
Kimberley, South Africa
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Summary
Directed comprehensive casino operations and strategic initiatives for Flamingo Casino, driving performance and achieving group objectives.
Highlights
Managed full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for casino operations, consistently achieving strategic deliverables and contributing to group revenue targets.
Developed and executed comprehensive casino strategies, enhancing guest experience and optimizing operational efficiency.
Led cross-functional teams in daily operations, ensuring strict compliance with gaming regulations and maintaining high service standards.
Oversaw resource allocation and performance management, fostering a high-performance culture within a dynamic hospitality environment.
Sun International
|General Manager: Meropa Casino, Polokwane
Polokwane, South Africa
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Summary
Orchestrated casino operations and strategic development for Meropa Casino, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and driving market share.
Highlights
Managed end-to-end casino operations, successfully meeting strategic objectives and contributing to the group's financial performance.
Formulated and implemented effective casino strategies, optimizing operational workflows and enhancing competitive positioning.
Directed operational teams, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and delivering exceptional customer service.
Spearheaded initiatives to improve operational metrics and drive guest engagement, fostering sustained growth.
National Gambling Board
|Chief Compliance Officer
South Africa
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Summary
Led national compliance strategy and oversight for the gambling industry, ensuring regulatory adherence and influencing legislative frameworks.
Highlights
Developed and implemented comprehensive compliance strategies that ensured the National Gambling Board met its mandate across the country.
Monitored and enforced compliance within the national gambling industry, significantly reducing regulatory risks and ensuring fair play.
Advised the Board, government departments, and parliament on critical gambling legislative frameworks and compliance policy, shaping national regulations.
Cultivated and managed international relationships with African countries and global gambling jurisdictions through the Gambling Regulators Africa Forum secretariat.
Directed research and policy development for emerging forms of gambling, preparing the industry for future regulatory challenges.
Managed the strategic oversight of gaming systems and IT infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure operational environments.
National Gambling Board
|Chief Operations Officer
South Africa
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Summary
Directed core operational functions and strategic initiatives for the National Gambling Board, ensuring the fulfillment of its regulatory mandate.
Highlights
Spearheaded the development and execution of operational strategies that ensured the National Gambling Board effectively met its mandate.
Oversaw the monitoring and enforcement of compliance across the national gambling industry, upholding regulatory standards.
Provided expert counsel to the Board, government, and parliament on legislative frameworks and compliance policies, influencing national governance.
Managed key international relationships and partnerships with African and global gambling jurisdictions, enhancing cross-border regulatory cooperation.
Led research and policy formulation for new gambling forms, proactively adapting regulatory frameworks to industry evolution.
National Gambling Board
|Chief Inspector
South Africa
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Summary
Directed and enforced gambling inspectorate operations across the national gambling industry, ensuring regulatory adherence and integrity.
Highlights
Managed, monitored, and enforced gambling inspectorate activities, ensuring strict compliance with national gambling legislation.
Led and mentored teams of inspectors, providing guidance and oversight to maintain high standards of regulatory enforcement.
Developed and implemented inspection protocols that improved the efficiency and effectiveness of compliance checks.
Identified and addressed non-compliance issues, contributing to the integrity and public trust in the gambling sector.
Mpumalanga Econ Regulator
|Senior Investigator
Mpumalanga, South Africa
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Summary
Conducted high-level investigations and advised on licensing for the gambling industry, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
Highlights
Led complex investigations into licensing applications and existing operations, ensuring full compliance with gambling legislation.
Managed the entire investigative process, from evidence collection to report generation, supporting informed decision-making.
Formulated recommendations for the issuance or denial of licenses, directly impacting regulatory integrity and industry standards.
Collaborated with legal and regulatory teams to uphold the integrity and transparency of the licensing framework.
Mpumalanga Dev Corporation
|Manufacturing Advisor
Mpumalanga, South Africa
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Summary
Provided critical financial and strategic advisory services to small manufacturers, fostering growth and economic development in Mpumalanga.
Highlights
Extended business loans to small manufacturers, facilitating capital access and supporting their growth initiatives.
Delivered expert business and management advice, improving operational efficiency and strategic planning for clients.
Conducted financial assessments and market analyses to guide manufacturers in sustainable business practices.
Contributed to regional economic development by empowering local manufacturing businesses through tailored support.
African Bank
|Loans Officer
Nelspruit, South Africa
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Summary
Managed a portfolio of individual loan accounts, providing financial services and ensuring client satisfaction at African Bank.
Highlights
Originated and processed individual loans, meeting client financial needs and adhering to lending policies.
Managed a diverse portfolio of client loan accounts, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely repayments.
Provided personalized financial advice to clients, fostering strong relationships and promoting financial literacy.
Assessed creditworthiness and mitigated risks associated with loan applications, contributing to portfolio health.
Volunteer
South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
|Member: Audit and Risk Committee
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Summary
Contributed expertise to the Audit and Risk Committee, supporting financial governance and risk mitigation.
Highlights
Provided expert input on audit processes, financial statements, and risk assessments to ensure organizational integrity.
Collaborated with committee members to evaluate and strengthen internal control systems and compliance frameworks.
Assisted in identifying and assessing potential risks, developing strategies to safeguard the foundation's assets and reputation.
Flamingo Community Trust
|Trustee
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Summary
Served as a Trustee for the Flamingo Community Trust, contributing to community development initiatives.
Highlights
Oversaw the governance and strategic direction of the community trust, ensuring alignment with its charitable mandate.
Participated in decision-making processes regarding funding allocations and community project support.
Ensured responsible stewardship of trust assets and compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
|Board Member
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Summary
Contributed to strategic governance and oversight for responsible gambling initiatives as a Board Member.
Highlights
Provided strategic guidance and oversight to the foundation's initiatives for promoting responsible gambling practices.
Participated in board meetings to review organizational performance, financial health, and strategic direction.
Supported the foundation's mission to minimize the harm of problem gambling through effective governance.
South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
|Chairperson: Audit and Risk Committee
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Summary
Chaired the Audit and Risk Committee, overseeing financial integrity and risk management for the foundation.
Highlights
Led the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring robust financial oversight and effective risk management strategies.
Guided the committee in reviewing internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Provided critical insights and recommendations to the main board on audit findings and risk mitigation plans.
Education
University of Nevada, Reno
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Executive Development Program
Strategic Leadership in Gambling Operations
Courses
Confronting challenges and embracing opportunities – Strategic leadership in gambling operations
MANCOSA
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Post Graduate Diploma
Management Studies
Courses
Marketing
Business Finance
Research
HR
Strategic Management
University of Zululand
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B.Com (Hons)
Business Economics, Industrial Psychology & Economics
Courses
Advertising
Business Finance
Strategic Management
Marketing and Research methodology
Research paper: The attitude of small business men towards VAT in substitution of GST at Empangeni area
Thembeka H School
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Matric
Skills
Executive Leadership
Strategic Leadership, Team Leadership, People Management, Performance Management, Mentorship, Cross-functional Collaboration, High Cognitive Thinking.
Business Strategy & Operations
Strategic Planning, Operational Management, P&L Management, Business Development, Franchise Operations, Market Analysis, Process Optimization, Productivity Enhancement, Resource Allocation, Project Management.
Regulatory & Compliance
Regulatory Compliance, Gambling Legislation, Policy Development, Risk Management, Audit Oversight, Legislative Advisory, Government Relations, International Regulatory Relations, Investigative Reporting.
Financial Management
Financial Acumen, Budgeting, Cost Control, Loan Origination, Account Management, Financial Advisory, P&L Management.
IT & Systems
Gaming Systems Management, IT Infrastructure Management, System Oversight.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder Management, Government Liaison, Board Communication, Community Engagement, Client Relationship Management, Vendor Management.
Personal Attributes
Self-motivated, Integrity, Dependable, Reliable, Calm Under Pressure, Confident, Flexible, Responsive, Decisive, Work Ethic, Compliance-conscious.
References
Khati Makhobo
Chairperson: Flamingo Casino Board of Directors
Themba Ngobese
Executive Manager: Gauteng Gambling Board
Chris Fismer
Practising Attorney, Former Chairperson of National Gambling Board