General Manager

MORKEL DU PREEZ

Senior Hospitality Executive

Lusaka, Zambia +260-**-***-**** ********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/morkeldupreez Open to relocation – Africa & abroad Zambian Residence Permit holder Available: 1 month’s notice

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Strategic, performance-driven Hospitality Executive with over 20 years of experience leading luxury lodge, resort, and mixed-use property operations across Southern Africa. Proven track record of building operational infrastructure from the ground up, including SOP libraries, KPI frameworks, and financial models, and of turning underperforming properties into market leaders through commercial growth and cultural leadership. Specialist in conservation-led, off-grid safari environments, with deep expertise in sustainable infrastructure, remote-site procurement, revenue management, budgeting and P&L ownership, and high-end culinary program development.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Operational Architecture & SOP Design • Commercial & Revenue Growth • P&L Ownership & Financial Forecasting • Budgeting & Cost Control • Off-Grid & Conservation-Led Operations • Team Leadership & Culture Change • Culinary Innovation & F&B Standards • Procurement & Supply Chain (Remote Sites) • Regulatory Compliance (Zambia & SADC) • Guest Experience & Service Excellence • Property Pre-Opening & Launch Management • Hotel & Lodge General Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

General Manager July 2026 – Present

Tauka Safari Camp – Kafue National Park, Zambia

●Leading the pre-opening build and launch of a premier luxury tented safari camp at the Kafue / Shishimba River confluence, including a full operations manual suite (15 chapters, 240+ SOPs) and departmental role manuals.

●Architecting KPI frameworks and departmental SOP libraries to guarantee luxury-standard consistency in a remote, off-grid national park environment.

●Directing sustainable infrastructure planning, including solar power systems and eco-friendly waste management protocols within a sensitive conservation area.

●Owning multi-departmental financial forecasting, budgeting, and complex procurement cycles for specialized luxury safari supplies sourced via Lusaka-based logistics chains.

●Designing a signature F&B program, including a seven-day rotating menu cycle and fusion cuisine blending international standards with indigenous Zambian ingredients.

●Building trade and institutional distribution channels, including travel agents, embassies, and NGOs, alongside tiered rate strategy and commission structuring for tour operators.

●Representing the property within the Kafue Operators Association to advance regional conservation and growth initiatives.

General Manager May 2023 – April 2026

Shakespeare Court Serviced Apartments – Lusaka, Zambia

●Managed a 17-unit serviced apartment property, elevating occupancy from 35% to 85% within 18 months through strategic marketing, pricing optimization, and stronger OTA visibility.

●Drove 50%+ revenue growth by aligning sales strategy with corporate demand and target market trends.

●Reduced operational expenses by 30% through procurement efficiency, inventory controls, and utility management.

●Led a team of 30+ across Front Office, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Finance, and Security departments.

●Ensured full compliance with labour, safety, hygiene, and operational regulations, including Zambia's Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.

General Manager August 2015 – April 2023

Isanga Bay Resort – Zambia

●Managed a remote island resort comprising 6 chalets (3 family units, 3 sharing units) plus a campsite with capacity for 40 guests.

●Achieved 20% revenue growth through digital marketing, improved guest communication, and new corporate partnerships.

●Directed major development projects, including solar installations, jetty upgrades, and fleet expansion.

●Managed end-to-end logistics and operations for a remote island resort, ensuring a seamless guest experience.

●Served as Qualified Skipper, safeguarding guest safety and compliance with marine regulations.

Administrative Manager 2013 – 2015

Game Stores (Massmart Group)

●Streamlined store administration, internal controls, and quarterly stock take processes.

●Supervised cash office operations, reconciliations, and audit compliance.

●Oversaw recruitment, onboarding, and performance management for administrative staff.

Trainee Manager 2012 – 2013

Checkers (Shoprite Group)

●Managed grocery, fresh, and non-foods departments.

●Improved merchandising, shrinkage control, and sales performance.

Earlier Leadership Roles 2004 – 2012

General Manager, Olifants River Lodge Owner / General Manager, Country Place Restaurant Area Manager / General Manager, River Deck Estate Assistant General Manager, Amanzingwe Lodge Senior Conference & Events Coordinator, Olwazini NedBank Training Center

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Property Management Systems: Semper PMS, Cloudbeds PMS, Micros Fidelio, Room Master Accounting: Xero Accounting Productivity: MS Office Suite

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

●Higher Diploma, Hospitality Management – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Sandton

●Certifications: Food & Beverage Management, Rooms Division Management, Facilities Management, Accounting, Hospitality Computer Systems, Events Management

LANGUAGES

English – Fluent Afrikaans – Fluent

REFERENCES

Available upon request

Contact this candidate