Reaching for the stars

As a Sun International guest or customer, when there’s a problem, you want it fixed – it doesn’t matter who does the fixing. And that’s where being willing to step in and help, even if it’s not your job, counts.

The overall winner of the inaugural edition of the Sun Stars employee recognition awards, SunBet Events Co-ordinator Tsiamo Seayeng is someone who has gone to exceptional length to resolve customer issues and step in to help colleagues at any time.

When you grow up at Sun City with both your parents working for Sun International, it’s hard not to want to follow in their footsteps. It’s no surprise then to learn that Seayeng is known to some of his colleagues as the “Sun International baby”. He started out with Sun International as a call centre agent in 2017, before moving on to become a telebet agent and then a Fica agent. He also spent a short time in the Fraud and Risk department, but felt that it was time for a change and was appointed SunBet Events Co-ordinator in 2022. As an avid sports fan, golfer and Mamelodi Sundowns supporter, SunBet’s sports focus was an excellent match for Seayeng from the outset.

Going above and beyond

In a short space of time, Seayeng has shown what he is made of. When SunBet launched its slots offering, for instance, a large number of players wanted to try the new game on the back of an MVG promotion. The call centre system was overloaded, and the staff were overwhelmed. Seayeng took the initiative and used his call centre experience to help customers with their queries, even though this was no longer his role. He took customers through the entire SunBet journey and resolved problems, from setting up an account to making deposits, placing a bet, and even making withdrawals.

There is no job too big or too small for Seayeng, who willingly steps in at a moment’s notice to help in any situation. On another occasion, when a property’s communication channels crashed, Seayeng, who was on leave at the time and had left his vehicle at a car wash, took an Uber home to fetch his laptop and then on to the casino to help.

Seayeng believes he was voted the 2022 Sun Star of the Year because of his work ethic, positive attitude and people skills. He believes in being kind, helping whenever and wherever he can, and always putting his best foot forward.

He says winning the award was “an indescribable experience that tops the time I bought my car”. Going up against some strong competitors, he didn’t expect to win. Along with an engraved trophy, Seayeng bagged R50 000 and an all-expenses-paid seven-night trip for four people to a Sun International hotel of his choice. He is yet to decide how best to use his prizemoney and has put the sum into his savings account for the time being.

Embodying Sun values

Tseayeng enjoys the friendly and transparent Sun International so much that he has come to epitomise the company’s values and becoming the “go-to guy”, whether on- or off-duty. He has an amazing attitude and an infectious laugh that always lifts the mood of those around him.

Seayeng aspires to one day work as a General Manager or Head of Department. With his strong work ethic, commitment, and positive outlook, you wouldn’t bet against this happening!

Away from the office, Seayeng relaxes on “solo dates” to restaurants or poolside at The Maslow. He also enjoys streaming and catching up on all his favourite series on weekends. Seayeng’s dad taught him to enjoy cooking, while he credits his mother for his enthusiastic, caring, and never-say-die attitude.

What is Seayeng’s advice for colleagues looking to snare his Sun Stars title? “Have a positive outlook, be willing to learn, and apply yourself. Once you can do these three things, you’ll go far not just in your work, but in life!” he says.