IAAPA and AAVEA Africa Summit 2024

Barba is an all-round Strategic Communications and Marketing Practitioner who has been in the marketing and strategic communications field for the past 22 years.  He has under his belt public management qualifications from the then Technikon Northern Transvaal now TUT, Professional P&DM Government Communications & Marketing certificate with Wits University, a B.A in Strategic Brand Communications from the prestigious Vega School of Brand Communications Leadership and certified Charted Marketer (CMSA) with the Marketing Association of Southern Africa (MASA)

In 2005 he was selected amongst the 25 national government communicators country-wide to undergo an intensive training programme of government communications and marketing conducted by WITS Business School, Uniliver, Rhodes University and the Nelson Mandela Foundation and received the much sort after certification as a professional communicator and marketer. 

Barba is now Gauteng Tourism’s Head of Destination Marketing & Communications and official spokesperson for the province’s marketing agency since 2011. His responsibility includes the driving of the destination marketing agency’s brand communications and management strategy, overall management of GTA’s digital asserts and leading the implementation of the e-marketing strategy and providing overall stewardship of the global media relations programme and the destination brand storytelling and doing. Barba Gaoganediwe worked tirelessly with the Gauteng marketing team and managed to secure the AFROPUNK event into Joburg.

In her career spanning over two decades, Beulah has worked in the private sector for various companies ranging from a large blue chip co-operation to small enterprises. She has run her own business and thus possesses the hands on experience of being an entrepreneur. As a consultant for various companies and a self employed SMME, she has worked with clients from different sectors, such as, BPO&O, Telecoms, FMCG, Banking, Tourism, Cosmetics, Broadcasting etc.
She joined the Public Service in 2008 as CEO of the Tourism Empowerment Council, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to the institution which benefited immensely in the different approach especially when it relates to stakeholder management of the private sector. She later joined the Department of Tourism as Chief Director focused on tourism development.
She was a co-opted and Exco member of the South African National Human Resource Development Council chaired by the Deputy President, where she participated in the development and implementation of the Human Resource Development interventions aimed at creating capacity to support economic growth.
With this broad knowledge of industries she has established a Development Consulting Agency, HBS Consulting focused on bridging the knowledge and information gap in Economic Sectors prioritised for growth and job creation in South Africa and the rest of the African Continent. These sectors are; Tourism and the Creative Industries, Information Communications Technology and Transport. Our work is delivered through local and global collaborations with associates that hold a wealth of experience in the identified sectors and beyond.

Bronwen Auret is a seasoned Marketing Executive and Tourism Business Leader.

As the Chief Quality Assurance Officer for South African Tourism leads the Tourist Experience for South African Tourism. Quality Assurance is key to delivering on traveller’s expectations and enhancing the customer experience.  The Quality Assurance team at SA Tourism is responsible for the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and Visitor Experience.

As an executive in the public sector, I lead teams within my organisation, collaborate with other stakeholders, and advise on industry initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) was established in 2000. Operating as a South African Tourism business unit, the TGCSA is the only recognised and globally credible quality assurance body for tourism products in South Africa.

Fatima Borez is a driven Tourism Professional with a proven track record in marketing, business development, and tourism operations. With a passion for enhancing visitor experiences and maximizing revenue, she excels in optimizing expansion projects and driving continuous improvements. At CapeNature, Fatima leverages her expertise in project management, operations, and relationship building to align visitor needs with strategic initiatives. Her exceptional business acumen allows her to identify critical drivers and analyse trends, enabling her to develop innovative programs from conceptualization to operational delivery. Fatima's commitment to excellence makes her a valuable asset in the concessionaire attraction and visitor experience sectors.

Over the course of her career, Fri Forjindam has earned a formidable reputation as a trail blazing themed entertainment executive, change agent, two-time recipient of the "Top 50 Theme Park Influencer" distinction by Blooloop and featured in FORBES and Fast Company’s Women in Design series. With 13+ years of experience that spans multiple industries including Theatre, Fashion, Themed Entertainment & Experiential Storytelling, Forjindam is uniquely qualified for her current role as Chief Development Officer at Mycotoo, Inc., a global leader in entertainment strategy, live events and immersive brand experiences.

Voted “Top Media” company by Inc. 500, Mycotoo operates in North America and Europe, with successful projects worldwide including studio theme parks (Motiongate and Bollywood Parks) and award-winning brand experiences (HBO's SxSWestworld for which Mycotoo was awarded top prizes for Clio and Cannes Lions Gold; HBO's Bleed For The Throne; and Netflix's Stranger Things: The Experience). Forjindam has collaborated as a Creative Director for a variety of global attractions including Bollywood Parks (Dubai) and Prince's Paisley Park Experience (Minneapolis); as Producer on T-Mobile HTC’s North American corporate tours and many more. In her current role, Forjindam focuses on driving strategic and creative development, developing new business partnerships, branding and communications across Mycotoo’s growing global network.

Forjindam has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Essence Magazine, Minted.com, KTLA, and FOX. Forjindam serves as Event Chair and Board Member for the Ryman Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of young artists through visual arts education.

Forjindam was born in Douala, Cameroon where she spent her early childhood before immigrating to New Orleans, Louisiana when she was 14 years old. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Virginia. After becoming an adopted daughter of New York City as an MFA graduate at Columbia University, Forjindam now resides in Los Angeles with Mycotoo offices in California and Barcelona.

I work as a Management Consultant during the week and seat on the Executive Committee of IPFA's Future Leaders Network (http://www.ipfa.org/branches/africa/south-africa-future-leaders-network-fln/). On weekends, I can be found on a hiking trail and/or training hard in preparation for the Comrades Marathon.

In the work place:
A versatile professional with strong analytical skills. A lateral thinker and very resourceful in discovering orthodox/unorthodox solutions for complicated problem scenarios. Initiates continued and effective avenues of communication with all stakeholders.

Food Service Executive with over 35 years of experience in high volume food and beverage operations. Expertise in Design/Build, HR Recruitment,Training and Team Building, Fiscal Capital and Operating Budgeting and building highly successful and profitable food service operations

Career Experience 

• Theme Parks: Sea World of Florida, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Dubailand, Universal Studios Hollywood,  Six Flags Qiddiya. 
•  Sports & Entertainment Catering and Concessions: NASCAR, National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, National College Athletics Association, The University of Notre Dame, and multiple Arena and Stadium Concerts and Special Events. 
•  Current Role – Director of Food & Beverage Operations for Six Flags Qiddiya and Wahat Water Park, the two flagship theme parks to open in 2024 as part of the Qiddiya Giga Project near Riyadh, KSA 

   

Katlego Mphahlele CA(SA) is a senior deal maker in the Tourism and Services Unit within the IDC.

Katlego has over ten years’ experience in sourcing, structuring and leading investment proposals in Tourism.

Katlego is also a director in a clean-tech innovation company as well as a member of the adjudication committees for the DTIC’s SPII and THRIP programs.

Lee-Anne is a seasoned management consultant with a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years, specializing in the property, infrastructure, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Based in South Africa, she serves a diverse clientele encompassing both African and global entities.

Her expertise encompasses a wide range of strategic consulting services, including market and financial feasibility studies, financial evaluations and modeling, business valuations, economic impact studies, socio-economic impact studies, market research, demand assessments, and strategic management consulting.

With a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, Lee-Anne has provided consulting services to a broad spectrum of public and private sector clients across various industries. Her comprehensive industry knowledge and strategic insights have consistently contributed to the success of her clients' endeavors.

After being in charge of marketing and press for the Italian market of Disneyland Paris, he joined Leolandia, the most popular Italian amusement park for children under 10. As general manager and vice president of strategic development, he oversaw the park's 300 percent expansion.

Since 2016, he has been a member of the coaching staff for Seth Godin's AltMBA and a professor of Marketing and Experience Design at IULM University in Milan. He teaches consumer experience, marketing, and soft skills as an adjunct professor at the same university where the first Italian course in Theme Parks and Attractions Management was introduced.

He founded Wonderwood, an adventure park for all ages, in 2018 and currently serves as the park's CEO.
Since 2023, he serves as the Second Vice Chair on the IAAPA board of directors.
 

Mpume Mabuza is an accomplished executive with a passion for driving innovation and excellence in the creative sector. As the CEO of Downtown Music Hub, she is responsible for the iconic recording facility, which offers cutting-edge recording facilities for both pre- and post-production of quality music, film, and other creative products. 

With a rich legacy of producing internationally celebrated recordings of top artists like Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo, Simply Red, U2, Lucky Dube, Paul Simon, Miriam Makeba, and many more, Downtown Music Hub offers a unique music heritage on the continent. The museum showcases a wide range of music genres, from Rock, African Gospel, S’cathamiya, Kwaito to Amapiano, and R'nB.

Previously, as the executive responsible for marketing, events, and entertainment at uShaka Marine World, Mpume negotiated commercial agreements with top brands like MTV/Nickelodeon, East Coast Radio, The SABC, Tsogo Sun, and Afrotainment, among others. With her excellent stakeholder management skills and people-centered leadership, she contributed to building sustainable B2B partnerships that fostered growth and unlocked value for all partners. Under her leadership, uShaka hosted the first Nickelodeon Slimefest on the African continent, and the tourism destination hosted over 3 million visitors per year and positively impacted on local economic development.

As a forward-thinking leader, Mpume is deeply committed to community development and building lasting partnerships. She leads the transformation of the iconic recording facility into a vibrant music heritage precinct that impacts inner city regeneration, incorporating a museum, multipurpose event spaces, public art, an academy, retail, rehearsal, office and storage spaces, in addition to the professional recording studios.

With a wealth of financial and governance skills acquired over her extensive corporate background, Mpume also serves on boards within African tourism attractions & visitor experiences, and manufacturing. As an experienced independent non-executive board member and chairperson, she has been trained by the Institute of Directors of South Africa and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any board.

Mpume is a lifelong learner who is constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge. In addition to her passion for music, she enjoys cooking, research, hiking, and travel. She has participated in a study exchange and executive programs in Australia & USA, and holds an impressive list of qualifications, including commercial degree and an MBA.

Neil Dwyer has spent the last 16 years in theme parks and has extensive experience in many areas of attractions (both revenue and non-revenue generating). 

Born and educated in the UK, Neil begun his career working with some of the UK’s most famous theme parks. Neil held prior roles as the Director of Carnaval Entertainments with Global Village, and the Director of Operations at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park. He also held the Park Operations Manager position at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, UK’s largest amusement park. Neil also spent time in various other theme parks in the UK including managing the operations of Camelot Theme Park and being instrumental in the development of Spooky World - a multi-million-pound Halloween attraction in Cheshire, UK.

Neil is also a Committee Member for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) where he sits on the Amusement Parks and Attractions Constituency Committee. He is also recognized by IAAPA who conferred their highest level of accreditation, IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE).

In addition to his Bachelor’s degree and various management qualifications, Neil holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Lancashire, UK in International Tourism, specializing in Visitor Attraction Management. He is currently working towards a Doctorate in Business Administration.

Tshepo provides life, executive coaching, business coaching and team coaching to organisations and individuals. He also implement enterprise and supplier development implementation, SMEs incubation and to established companies in a Business Coaching format.

As a seasoned executive & business coach, I am driven by a singular purpose to unlock the boundless potential within business leaders and guide them towards unprecedented success and career growth. In today's ever-evolving landscape, I am relentlessly committed to equipping leaders with the tools and insights they need to conquer new frontiers. Consulting and supporting the implementation of enterprise and supplier development.

With a proven track record of coaching business leaders across diverse industries, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact that a strategic advisory role and coaching can have on an organization's growth trajectory. By providing tailored guidance, I empower executives to navigate complex challenges, make bold decisions, and inspire their teams to reach extraordinary heights.

With over 21 years management and executive experience in multiple sectors within South Africa where i acquired recognisable skills in Commercialisation & Marketing, Business Development, Organisational Design, Strategy & Policy Development, Contract Management, Change Management and Project Advisory services.

Embracing the core values of integrity, innovation and growth, I am a prudent executive and an inspiring leader with a business mindset that see’s the “big picture” in a variety of settings. I take actions to enhance the company’s cash-flow while keeping the human factor in perspective with the goal of driving the company’s development and guide it towards long-term success.

Experienced Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry. Skilled in Tax Preparation, Cash Flow, Audit, Fixed Assets, and Forex Strong CA(SA) finance professional with a CTA focused in Accounting from University of Johannesburg.