Swenkie is the “behind the scenes” man at Vuyani. On the 1st of September it was our National Spring Day and that morning when we left the Staff Village Swenkie was incredibly excited, like a child on the morning of Christamas. He knows that the first spring day brings new challenges. Swenkie can tell when the sun will start shining a little warmer and a little brighter, and this is when he can plant new flowers and take on new projects around the lodge. I caught up with him garden fork in hand to ask him a couple of questions. Swenkie is man of few words.
What are your Full Names? 
Swenkie Mathebula
When and where were you born?
I was born in 1983 in Newington village in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province. Born to parents Naslinah Vuloyimani and Simon Madala. I have lived in this area my whole life, and I still love it.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Machye High School and left in 2001. I learnt some English at school and my biggest regret is not finishing so that I could have maybe improved my English. But I am learning a little more ever day and working with International guests is helping me a lot.
When did you start working in the lodge industry?
I got my first job at a private game reserve in the area as a General Assistant. Here I learnt the skills of building and gardening. Gardening is my first love and I love creating new and exciting projects. I am a very hands on person. I am happiest when people compliment me on my garden. At my second job I met Craig and I have known him now for quite some time. We make a good team.
Why did you choose to work in the lodge industry?
I never saw myself in the Lodge industry. I always knew I wanted to do something with my hands. I knew I wanted to take on new projects and create new things. I think the lodge environment just helped me express myself a lot more. At the moment I am working in all the departments at Vuyani and I love it!
What do you love most about working in the bush and why?
I have lived in the area my whole life. I don’t think I will cope with the hustle and bustle of the city. The air out here is fresh and clean. And my favourite time of year is the rainy season. Right after the first summer rains, there are so many beautiful plants and birds everywhere. And I love watching the bees on the flowers. They are hard workers. They never rest. I respect that.
Are you married (when did you marry and where did you meet) do you have children?
I am married. I married in 1998 and I have one little boy who is 6 years old. My wife stays at home and looks after our baby.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In week off I spend time with my family. I love watching Soccer and just relaxing at home. I also love music.
What is your favourite animal?
Most definitely a Lion.
If you could do anything in the world what would it be? 
I don’t think I would want to do anything else. I am working on a new project at the moment. I want to create a vegetable patch here at the lodge. So we can use our own freshly grown veggies. This is still in the pipeline. At the moment I am making new pathways to the boma. And I am working on my summer garden. I also enjoy taking over from Christopher when he goes on leave. Setting the table and serving the guests. It is something completely different.
Swenkie is one of the hardest working people I know. He is always willing to help in each and every department. There is nothing that he cannot fix. He is an amazingly talented person. He doesn’t talk much. He is rather quiet. But he has this great laugh! And when he laughs it is simply infectious. I am sure you will see Swenkie in and around the lodge.
*Justine Ferreira