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 19th 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