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