Management

Jerry Mabena

Chief Executive Officer at Motsamayi Tourism Group

Jerry Mabena is an entrepreneurial business executive with vast experience in the marketing and property management sectors. As the former CEO of Thebe Services, Jerry was responsible for managing a portfolio of subsidiaries and associate Thebe Investment Corporation companies that are service-centred, ranging from financial, tourism, as well as media, energy (petroleum services) and property management. He has a degree in industrial psychology and economics from Rhodes University. He also holds a diploma in project management from Damelin and a certificate program in accounting and finance from Wits Business School. Jerry has held various senior positions in companies such as Unilever, J Walter Thompson, Ucingo Marketing, and Kagiso Exhibitions and Events. Before joining Thebe in 2011, he was the CEO of Kagiso Property Holding, which was behind prime developments such as Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre in Cape Town; the Vaal Shopping Mall in Vanderbijlpark; the South African Revenue Service Assessment & Enforcement Facility in Alberton; and the head of JSE-listed company, Tiger Brands, in Johannesburg.

Brett Hendricks

Chief Operating Officer at Motsamayi Tourism Group

After 15 years in finance, Brett Hendricks moved into the position of General Manager for Thebe Services (a division of Thebe Investment Corporation) at the end of 2012. With extensive experience in the financial management and corporate finance, his skills of number crunching combined with his passion for the tourism industry, has made Brett an asset to Thebe Tourism (now Motsamayi) and Thebe Services. Praised for his approach to problem solving, strategy planning and operational implementation, Brett has been welcomed in senior management positions during his career. He serves on various boards of the companies within the Thebe Services portfolio of investments. Brett has a Bachelor of commerce degree in accounting from the University of Western Cape and an Honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He completed his articles with BDO Spencer Steward CT (now Grant Thornton CT) and thereafter was promoted to audit manager for 3 years (2001 – 2004). Brett’s dynamic career paved the way to his current role, with his previous appointments including: Senior Executive: Corporate Finance Division at BDO Spencer Steward CT (now Grant Thornton CT); Group Financial Manager at Thebe Tourism Group; Chief Financial Officer at Thebe Tourism Group (now Motsamayi) and General Manager at Thebe Services.

Cobus Du Plessis

Chief Financial Officer at Motsamayi Tourism Group

Cobus du Plessis has been in the role of Group Financial manager of Thebe Tourism Group (now Motsamayi) since the end of 2011, and became the CFO in May 2021. With extensive experience in financial management and auditing, his skills of number crunching combined with his passion for the tourism industry and technical knowledge, has made Cobus an asset to Motsamayi Tourism. Praised for his approach to problem solving, technical skills and operational implementation, Cobus has been welcomed in senior management positions during his career. He served on the Audit and Risk Committee of Club Travel and has represented  the then Thebe Tourism on Audit and Risk Committees of other investments that are no longer in the Motsamayi Tourism group.

Cobus is a Chartered Accountant and has a Bachelor of Accounting degree and an Honours degree from the University of Stellenbosch. He completed his articles with Nolands Cape Town during 2011. He passed both of his Board exams on first pass and was admitted into the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2011.

Outside of work, he spends most of his time with his children Tinus and Jana and wife Anthea, a passionate sportsman who stills plays competitive hockey and enjoys rugby and cricket. He appreciates the outdoors and the long road, experiencing different cultures, and loves spending time trying out new recipes on the braai. Cobus is proudly South African and Cape Town is where his heart is.

Judiet Barnes

Chief Marketing Officer at Motsamayi Tourism Group

Judiet has been the Marketing Manager at Thebe for 9 years and has moved into the position of Chief Marketing Officer for the brand (now Motsamayi Tourism Group) in May 2021, where her core focus will be to look after the marketing of the business consisting the accommodation (64-bed boutique Train on the Bridge Hotel) as well as the Kruger Station precinct consisting of F&B offering with 250+ seats, theatre and retail. With extensive experience in marketing management and a keen interest in tourism products designed for the guest’s experience, her skills of strategic and logical thinking combined with her creative approach and passion for the tourism industry, has made Judiet an asset to Motsamayi Tourism. Recognised for her approach to project management and team leadership, marketing strategy planning and operational implementation, Judiet has grown in her positions held and will be putting these skills to use in her role at Kruger Shalati.

Judiet has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Management – Brand Management from Vega, School of Brand Communications. She completed a Leadership in Hospitality postgraduate qualification through UCT Graduate School of Business (top of class) and has attended numerous attractions management and marketing conferences and workshops. Specific career highlights for Judiet includes being appointed employee of the year: Marketing and Distribution in 2008 at Avusa Media magazine division; Winner of individual Leadership Award at Thebe Investment Corporation in 2017. Furthermore, a Thebe Television programme: Holiday Swap KZN, of which Judiet was the project manager, won an international award – the UK DRUM Awards: Native Content.

Judiet’s roles held over the years enabled her to take on her new role with confidence, with his previous appointments including: Art intern: Elle Magazine (2004); Graphic Designer: Longevity Magazine (2005 – 2006); Marketing Executive: Longevity Magazine (2006 – 2008); Marketing Manager: Longevity Magazine (2008 – 2010); Marketing Manager at Thebe (including the portfolio of Cape Point and Holiday Swap over this period) (2011 – current);and GM: Tourism, Marketing & Operations at Kruger Shalati (2018 – current). Outside of work, she dedicates all spare time to her family – Judiet is married to Ian and they have three daughters, Addison and twins Emmiline and Mackenzie. A passionate traveler, with a love of exploring new places, scenic spots and engaging with people from all walks of life and learning about their cultures. Seeing herself as a child of Africa, Judiet is passionate about her country, its people and the diversity which makes South Africa the unique place it is.