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Spotlight On….Gerard Van Der Merwe

If you have visited Vuyani Safari Lodge you will most definitely be familiar with Gerard. He is certainly the most outspoken and funniest of the entire Vuyani Safari Lodge team! Gerard is based in the Food and Beverage department and he is responsible for the delicious meals provided at the lodge. He is one of those people that immediately make one feel comfortable in his presence. He is always up for a chat and a joke. He loves telling all kinds of stories and tales. He has a passion about him and a laugh that is just infectious. I pulled him aside this morning right after breakfast to ask him some personal questions:

What are your Full Names?

Gerard Van Der Merwe

When and where were you born?

Gerard was born to Mother Ane’mari Wilkinson and father Juan Van Der Merwe on 7 October 1988 in Lichtenburg Hospital, Mpumalanga Province. His mother works for BMW South Africa and his father for Fastnet/Telkom. He has a sister, Juanita Van Der Merwe, she is 21 years old and currently studying Interior Design.

Where did you go to school?

I matriculated from Transvalia High, Pretoria in 2006. I learnt English at school and can also speak Afrikaans. After High School I furthered my studies at Capsicum Culinary Studio and graduated in 2009.

When did you start working in the lodge industry?

My first placement was on a Private Game Reserve at a well known lodge in 2009 and this is where I fell in love with the bush life. I started working at Vuyani in 2011 and I am extremely happy here, we as staff are like a small family and that makes it unique to work here.

Why did you choose to work in the lodge industry?

I think working in the lodge industry was my calling in life. I love nature and I have a passion for conservation and wildlife. I cannot imagine being anywhere else in the world. I absolutely love my life here.

What do you love most about working in the bush and why?

I think the thing I love most about living and working here is the morning and afternoon traffic J When go to work in the morning there is always something new waiting to greet me – a Giraffe, Herd of Wildebeest or Impala and every other day maybe a Lion or Elephant. That is what makes it so exciting! You never know what you might see on your way to the lodge.

Are you married (when did you marry and where did you meet) do you have children?

I am not married but I do have a 6 year old daughter.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I am on leave I like to do the same as everyone else. I go out with my friends, enjoy having a “braai” (barbeque) and watching the Rugby. I am a massive Lions supporter! I like listening to music and playing games on my Playstation or just relaxing in front of the television, you know – normal stuff *laughs

What is your favourite animal?

Leopard! Without a doubt, they are just so elusive and secretive.

If you could do anything in the world what would it be?

Wow! That is a tough one…..But do you know – I don’t think I would want to do anything else! I am very happy with my life here, I love meeting new people and having a laugh. The lodge has such a relaxed and fun atmosphere and we get to meet all kinds of people from all over the world. I think I am exactly where I want to be.

I had so much fun “interviewing” Gerard! He is one of those people who cannot keep a straight face – and that is what we love about him. If you have met him or will be visiting Vuyani in the near future you are certainly in for a treat. He is a lovely mannered man, and has a wicked sense of humour. He is well known for his two trademark sayings: ‘Great Success’ and who can miss the ever present “Born up a tree” (Bon Appétit)

*Justine Ferreira

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Reckson VS. Honeybadger

We had an interesting post with Aggi, Bernard’s bike and the lion pride last week. But Reckson, who many of our guest whom have visited the lodge will know, had his own little adventure with one of the fiercest creatures on earth! Also present in the battle against the Honeybadger was Jesse.

Reckson Vs. Honeybadger

Photos courtesy of: Robert Sullivan & Elisabeth Armstrong, Rina Erasmus
Montage: Gilles

Just so you know what Reckson was up against – check this video :p

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Spotlight on…Christopher Mashile

If you have visited Vuyani Safari Lodge you will most probably be familiar with Christopher. He is responsible for the beautiful table settings at breakfast and dinner. Christopher is also one of the first staff members that you see when you arrive – always with a dazzling smile on his face he stands ready with a refresher towel when our guests return from Safari. Christopher has crept out of his shell quite a lot since he started working at the Lodge. When we first got to know him he was very shy and seldom joined in the conversations, now that he is in his comfort zone he is by far one of the wittiest people I have ever met. I stole a couple of minutes of Chris’s time this morning to ask him some questions about himself.

What are your Full Names?

Christopher Mashile

When and where were you born?

I was born locally in Tintswalo Hospital in Acornhoek on the 1st of January 1990 to Jane and Joseph Mashile. My mother is a homemaker and my father works on one of the local citrus farms. At the moment they are quite busy as winter in South Africa is the season for Citrus fruits. I have two sisters the eldest works on the same Citrus farm as my father and the younger is in High School.

Where did you go to school?

I matriculated from German S Chiloane High School in 2009. I learnt English at school; my home language is Sotho. I can also speak English, Zulu, Tsonga and Swati. I am learning Afrikaans at the moment – but it is much harder that I thought.

When did you start working in the lodge industry?

I got my first job in the local town of Acornhoek where I worked as a general assistant. I think everybody’s first job is not the most glamorous. I was tasked with pretty much everything and anything and have to admit that although it was strenuous work I learnt a lot. Although I always wanted to work in the Lodge Industry, my neighbour works at Vuyani Safari Lodge and when she told me they had a vacancy I did not waste time. I immediately sent my CV to Mr. Carnaby and went for the interview. I now have my first job in the Lodge industry.

Why did you choose to work in the lodge industry?

Like I said before I always wanted to work in the lodge industry. I think meeting people from different parts of the world and different cultures is very interesting. I also want to contribute as much as I can to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. I love the fact that I can live and work on a Private Game Reserve. This has always been a dream, and now I am living it.

What do you love most about working in the bush and why?

Christopher told me that he cannot imagine living in the city. Not only is the living cost ridiculously expensive, but everyone seems so busy and is constantly running around. I love my life out here, we all live together, work together – it is like we are one big family. I also get to see the beauty of Africa every day.

Are you married (when did you marry and where did you meet) do you have children?

I am not married, at the moment I am focusing on my career – and I am thinking about moving more towards conservation and guiding.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I am off from work I like to relax as much as possible and love listening to Gospel Music. I enjoy taking part in helping at my local church and getting involved in community projects.

What is your favourite animal?

I will have to say a Leopard.

If you could do anything in the world what would it be?

That is a very hard question to answer because there are so many things I still want to accomplish in my life. Where I am now I think I will start focusing more on conservation and use my free time to start learning more about the bush. I will see where this takes me; maybe I will complete my Field Guide Levels and get more actively involved in conserving Africa’s wildlife. I am extremely saddened and shocked by the state of Rhino Poaching currently terrorizing our beautiful country and would like to take a stand also. Only by working together can we combat the problem.

Christopher is extremely passionate about conservation. He is a gentle soul and is always willing to help wherever he can. He has a positive attitude and a great smile! He also ensures our guests wine glasses are topped up and that meal times run smoothly. He truly is a great person to work with and I can most definitely relate to his statement: “I love my life out here, we all live together, work together – it is like we are one big family” It is rare that you meet a group of people that you live and work with on a daily basis. We are all truly blessed.

*Justine Ferreira

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Spotlight On ….Portia Chiloane

If you have visited Vuyani Safari Lodge you will most probably be familiar with Ms Portia. She is one of the lovely women who are responsible for the cleanliness of your room and the lodge. Portia is always has a great smile on her face and is ever ready to greet our guests with a “Good Morning” These women mostly work ‘behind the scenes’ but are not too shy to indulge in conversation. Portia is most definitely the most outspoken of the staff members! And she always brings an inevitable energy to Vuyani.

What are your Full Names?

Portia Thato Chiloane

When and where were you born?

Portia is the daughter of Yvonne Chiloane (who coincidentally also works at Vuyani Safari Lodge) and father Otto Mashego. Portia never really knew her father and was mostly raised by her mother, Yvonne. She reckons this is why she has such good people skills!

Where did you go to school?

I went to Nkotobona High School and matriculated in 2003. I learnt English at school; my home language is Pedi. I can also speak English, Afrikaans, Shangaan and Swati.

When did you start working in the lodge industry?

I started working on Moditlo Private Game Reserve before Vuyani Safari Lodge was built. When Vuyani opened its doors I saw my opportunity to get my foot in the door and didn’t hesitate for minute. I was taught most of my skills by my mother, who has been in the hospitality industry for more than 17 years, I could not have asked for a better teacher.

Why did you choose to work in the lodge industry?

I knew working with guests would involve speaking mostly English and what better way to improve one’s language than by speaking it. At work we try and speak mostly English and then speak our native tongue when we are home. Although it is hard to not switch to your native language when you want to have a quick laugh with your colleagues, I think everyone tends to do this.

What do you love most about working in the bush and why?

I don’t think I could ever live in the city. The constant noise and pollution! And not to mention the busy lifestyle, people in the city don’t have much time for socializing. Out here we often make time for a quick chat, when I see someone I know in the village we will always stop and have a quick chat. Life is much laid back here – the people who live here are good people. I like the idea of knowing my neighbour, my local grocer and even the bus driver!

Are you married (when did you marry and where did you meet) do you have children?

*Laughs* I am not married! I do have a beautiful daughter who is 7 years old and is currently in 2nd Grade.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to unwind and partake in everyday tasks such as watching television (catching up on my Soap Opera’s) I also love listening to Gospel Music and my favourite artist is without doubt Matlakala.

What is your favourite animal?

I will have to say an Elephant.

If you could do anything in the world what would it be?

I actually did a Administration Management Diploma last year through IQ Academy and recently a Diploma through Avuxeni Computer Academy. I think if I could choose any career or job in the world I would love to own a Computer Training Facility – where I can teach people how to make use of technology. The older generation are still very weary of Computers and often do things the way they were taught, if only they could see how much easier the use of technology makes everyday life.

Portia and I often have our little conversations (which usually end in big fits of laughter) this is mainly because we are both single girls and like to tease each other about our relationship statuses. Especially when we hear the other staff members talking about their spouses, Portia is an energetic and sociable woman! She is also without a doubt the loudest speaking out of all us! But this brings a different kind of liveliness to the Lodge. So if you are planning a visit to Vuyani Safari Lodge make sure you keep an eye out for Portia.

*Justine Ferreira