Born in East London and raised in Cape Town and Kimberley, Kim Cader has built a decade-long career at Sun International’s Flamingo Casino. Since joining in 2015, she has worked across marketing and surveillance before stepping into her new role as marketing operations manager, effective August 2025.
Cader is also presently the Flamingo ambassador for SunTalk, the internal company app to keep staff updated about what’s happening at the casino and the group. Part of the requirements of this position is to keep Flamingo relevant and seen on SunTalk.
Cader’s passion is creating, strategy, people, customer service, “and bringing fun into everything we do,” she says, making sure the energy flows from the team to the gaming floor and right to Flamingo’s guests. She is excited to be back in marketing, where her Btech Marketing Degree will be put to good use, as well as her BCom (Hons) Marketing Management, which she is currently completing. Additional certifications include project management, digital marketing, digital copywriting and content creation, all making Cader eminently qualified for her new post.
Image: New appointment: Kim Cader, Flamingo
When Cader returned home from Cape Town, she joined Sun International. As events coordinator, she was responsible for driving footfall through events, on-floor entertainment, and coordinating MVG dinners in the conference centre and assisting VIP activations.
“My role included all related administration as well as sourcing artists and comedians, both local and national. During Covid-19, these activities fell away but there are always opportunities within Sun International, so when I was offered a position in surveillance, I accepted,” says Cader.
Cader embraced the opportunity to broaden her skills and gain a deeper understanding of casino operations through compliance and oversight.
“I gained significant operational insight during my time in surveillance – quite literally looking at the business from above,” she says.
“Stepping away from marketing in the wake of the pandemic gave me a perspective I didn’t know I needed. I was able to see the business from the inside out, from backend operations to front-line guest experiences, and it opened my eyes to how every single part of what we do plays a role in helping our guests ‘Love Every Moment’. It showed me that creativity hits differently when it’s supported by a strong understanding of how the whole machine works.
“This perspective allowed me to turn a challenging transition into a period of learning, growth, insight and resilience, and proved how adaptable I am,” she says.
“During my time in surveillance—often jokingly referred to as the ‘police of the casino’—most of the work involves monitoring screens and reviewing footage, which means time away from the desk is very limited. Because of that, I sought out opportunities to stay engaged and connected with the wider business.”
Being nominated to serve on the Employment Equity Committee and later elected as secretary, helped with this. Cader also joined the Sports Committee, where she contributed to staff wellness and team-building initiatives.
“These platforms became valuable outlets for my creativity and allowed me to stay involved in the vibrant side of the business, even while working in a department that typically operates firmly behind the scenes,” she says.
Cader’s time in surveillance sharpened skills that will prove invaluable in operations management – from an eye for detail and spotting risks early, to understanding customer behaviour and anticipating challenges before they arise. The discipline of monitoring activity on the floor has given her unique insight into how guests interact with the casino environment, enabling her to approach operations with precision and foresight.
Cader says her promotion is the cherry on top, but more than anything, right now it just feels good to be recognised for her journey and to be back where she can make magic happen.
