<B>Committed to his work</B>

If you have an appointment with Etienne van Rooyen for whatever reason, you should know that he is not Mauritian. Hence, if he has set up a time, you should keep to this time and not be late. However, despite having been in Mauritius for only four months, he is already used to what he calls “Mauritian time”. Indeed, if the person is 10 minutes late, for example, he will tell him in a very friendly way: “You are 10 minutes late, but we are in Mauritius.” Etienne’s personality can reach two extremes. On the one hand, he is an extrovert, relaxed and friendly. But, on the other, when it comes to professional issues, he is consistent, committed and fair. As general manager of the SIC management services, he is confident he will be able to do a great job. For this, he will make the most of being such a great character with so much charisma.

Although Etienne is 39 years old, his hobbies have not changed much since childhood. Etienne is someone really passionate about his hobbies. He enjoys doing anything that can keep him happy. Scuba diving, water-skiing and kayaking are his favorite sea sports. Otherwise, he either goes to the gym to do some body-building or he watches television; more precisely motor sports that he is fond of.

Etienne was born on 14th September 1967 in Johannesburg. After having completed his studies at secondary level, he did his military service for two years in the Marine Corps. His professional career started with a company specialising in air conditioning. He spent one year with that company called KIC, working as sales manager. Next, he moved to join the Wild Coast Sun International where he worked for the past 18 years. And that job played a significant role in helping him deal with his job today.

“I worked in 9 different casinos within those 18 years. It was a tremendous experience. I was fortunate enough to work in the major and smaller casinos of Sun International. I also travelled extensively in Africa. I held all kinds of positions. I began with the lowest and I worked my way up to finish where I am now.” Etienne got married to Audrey in 1992 and they have two daughters: Ashley and Nicole. He is now in charge of the five major casinos here. He admits it did not take him long to accept this job as he was seeking a new challenge. His aim is to share his expertise and skills with his peers. Moreover, as he enjoys life in Mauritius especially because he lives by the sea, he intends to make the most of his stay until his contract expires in three years’ time.

“Living in Mauritius is a dream. It is much safer than South Africa. It is a real blessing for my family and me to live where we do, especially as we love the beach. First there is a lot of work to do and a lot of challenges ahead of us!”