Month: October 2013

What are your Full Names?

Jacqueline Solani Ngomane (Jacqui)

When and where were you born?

Jacqui was born to mother Angelina and father Samuel Frank on the 19^th of April 1980 in Tintswalo Hospital in the nearby village of Acornhoek. Her mother Angelina worked as a housekeeper at a nearby Private Lodge and sadly passed away in 1999. Jacqui did not have a very close relationship with her father and he too sadly passed in 2004.

Where did you go to school?

I matriculated from Shobiyane High School in 1998 and learnt to speak English at school. Working with guests has also improved my English quite a bit.

When did you start working in the lodge industry?

I started in the hospitality industry by working in the laundry at a nearby Private Game Reserve. I started learning the ins and outs of Housekeeping from the older ladies and decided prove myself to my employer – not long after I was promoted to a full time Housekeeper/Room Attendant.

Why did you choose to work in the lodge industry?

I started in a laundry and worked my way up – I saw potential for growth in this industry. I love the fact that you meet so many different people from all over the world – it is an amazing experience to share stories with guests from abroad.

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

I am able to live near my family and children. I live a peaceful life; we all know each other here. Neighbours become life – long friends. I once ran to the corner market to buy some bread and milk and accidentally left my wallet at home; the shop owner told me I could come by and pay whenever I had a chance. That is amazing, that would never be the case in the city.

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

I am not married, but I have three children, two girls of ages 14 and 12 who are both in High School and then my little baby boy of 6 years who has just started school.

What do you like to do in your free time?

With young children one does not have too much free time. But I like to spend time with my children and visit friends. We have monthly tea parties that are hosted at a different person’s house – just all the girls .

What is your favourite animal?

My favourite animal is a Dog; I have three dogs at home.

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

I think if I could do anything in the world I would like to give something back, so I would do something along the lines of a Social Worker. There are so many people out there who deserve to be happy and loved. My heart breaks every time I see a young child unsupervised in my village; I always think to myself how the parents allow their children to just run around.

Jacqui is one of those people who just have the ability to win your heart. She is caring, friendly and always seems to be there with some soothing words when you need it most. All the staff at the lodge misses her a great deal when she is on her week off and one can immediately see the smiles when she is back at work on a Thursday morning. When you visit the lodge, or if you have visited I am sure this face will look very familiar. So be sure to keep an eye out for Jacqui.

*Justine Ferreira

Stephanie is one of the newer additions to the team at Vuyani Safari Lodge and has recently completed her studies at Prue Leith Chefs Academy in Nelspruit. Most of the students that studied with her pursued a more “city like” environment, but Stephanie wanted to move to the outdoors. She has an infectious laugh, crazy sense of humour and a very strong personality. The first day that she started working at the lodge it was as if she was meant to be here. I sat with her this morning to ask her a couple of questions about herself:

What are your Full Names?

Stephanie Gerke

When and where were you born?

Stephanie was born on the 11^th of February 1992 in Pretoria, Gauteng, Mother Ruth Faurie is a nurse and Father Nico Gerke is a General Manager at a company called That Drum. She has one older brother, Justin Gerke and he works in the automotive industry. Stephanie is very much a family oriented person and spends most of her free time at home. Her family also lives in Nelspruit – so it is only about 2 hours drive from the lodge.

Where did you go to school?

I matriculated from Bergvlam High in Nelspruit. This is where I think I realized my passion for food. We had Cooking Classes from my first year in High School and I absolutely loved it! I couldn’t wait for the bell to ring and cooking class to start. I knew then and there I had to pursue this dream.

When did you start working in the lodge industry?

My first placement was just after I finished my theoretical part of my training at a very busy, upmarket restaurant in Nelspruit. I started there on the 17^th of December 2012 and started in the cold kitchen. I learnt a great deal here but I knew there was more out there. I heard through mutual friends that Vuyani Safari Lodge was looking for a chef and I immediately applied. Well, the rest is history J

Why did you choose to work in the lodge industry?

When I came for my interview at Vuyani Safari Lodge and drove the short road from the gate to the lodge – I just knew! This was going to be my new home. I met the staff and some of the guests that were in house and just felt like this was my calling.

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

Also that first drive I took the lodge – the scenery, tranquillity and sheer beauty of it all was breathtaking. My first sunrise and sunset, my first pride of Lions – there are a million reasons why I love working in the bush, not only do I work here, but I also live here!

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

I am not married (*Laughs loudly) and I don’t have children.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Family! I love my spending time with my family. I also play a mean round of Golf, I would rather not display my handicap publically – in case some of my colleagues get jealous.

What is your favourite animal?

Lion – I have always loved that they are called: The king of the Jungle.

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

That is a tough question – but I think if I didn’t pursue my dream as a Chef I would have followed in my Mom’s footsteps and studied in the Medical Field as a General Practitioner.

Stephanie is a vibrant young woman. She has so much energy and a lust for life! She loves trying out new ideas. She brings a certain something to the lodge and on her week off one can certainly tell that her presence is absent. Laughter can be heard streaming out of the Kitchen from the moment we arrive in the morning and make our first cup of coffee until we close up for the evening. Stephanie has brought a new sense of fun to the lodge and I am sure when you visit the lodge you will certainly agree.

*Justine Ferreira