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