Fundi Sithebe is the first Chief Executive Officer of 4Racing. Her appointment comes into effect on 1 June 2021.
The announcement was made at the official launch of the 4Racing brand on Champions Day at Turffontein on Saturday 1 May.
“I am very excited to have been presented with this opportunity and I look forward to engaging with all the stakeholders as 4Racing proceeds with the vital transformation and rebuilding of the South African horseracing industry,” said Fundi, who is pictured above..
Fundi holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Midrand University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Business Administration) from Wits Business School.
She started her career as a management consultant at Deloitte, focusing on the areas of strategy and operations in organisational strategic projects. She was part of the expansion team for First National Bank of South Africa that crafted a way forward and was responsible for the successful establishment of operations in Africa.
Fundi was previously the Chief Operating Officer of Airports Company South Africa, from December 2017 until her departure on 30 April 2021, responsible for the integration and seamless operations across the network of 9 airports. In addition, she led the Commercial Division, which is mainly responsible for non-aeronautical revenue. Her passion in the aviation industry was sparked in 2003 when she obtained her Private Pilot’s Licence(PPL).
Delighted to welcome new CEO – Chairperson Mxolisi Zwane
Chairperson Mxolisi Zwane said he was delighted to welcome Fundi into her new portfolio at 4Racing. “While her recent background has been in the aviation industry, Fundi has an excellent track record in the business world and has the ability to help restore South African horseracing to its former glory. She understands the vision we have for the racing industry.”
Fundi added: “I was very pleased with the news of the approval of the transaction from the Competition Commission. Now focus will be on attaining all the necessary licensing from the Gambling Boards. There is still plenty of work to be done, but 4Racing is optimistic that the necessary pieces will start falling into place.”
A key objective of 4Racing in the short term is the Digital transformation of the industry as they seek to elevate South African racing, not only to improve the experience for existing participants but to attract a whole new audience.
Plans are being drawn up for large-scale investment into improving the product for the betterment of all stakeholders.
Special attention is being paid to ensuring the products and services are easier for partners to carry and deliver to their customers, while 4Racing also aims to build on existing international partnerships to maximise revenue opportunities and improve the showcasing and broadcast of South Africa’s world-class racing product both locally and abroad.
4Racing will be engaging extensively with Government to create a platform to build a better understanding of horseracing and to gain the state’s support as they seek to rebuild the industry from the bottom up.
4Racing took over the sponsorship of Champions Day to launch the 4Racing brand to the wider industry, while simultaneously bolstering prize money for the day’s seven feature races.
