Author: Justine

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

Swenkie is the “behind the scenes” man at Vuyani. On the 1^st 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

Please note that I am under no conditions endorsing, publicizing or promoting Toyota in any way. These are my own personal views and opinions.

Now most of the guests who have visited Vuyani Safari Lodge are most familiar with Safari vehicle we use to conduct our Game Drives on Moditlo Private Game Reserve. This is not just your standard “going for a Sunday drive” type of car; this is more like a TANK. These cars are very popular in South Africa mostly because of their durability and brute strength. The one at the lodge has been converted into a Game Drive vehicle and fitted with 9 bucket seats and a seat right at the front where our tracker Uyai sits. It has two fuel tanks and can hold about 150 liters of Diesel at a time. It has been equipped with a ferocious looking bullbar that stretches almost entirely around the whole of the vehicle. This car looks like it means business – and if you were ever on Safari with Pierre or Jesse you know exactly what I mean! I am talking about the Toyota Land Cruizer.

In my career as a guide I was privileged enough to drive one of these monsters and there were some hairy moments during the rainy season where I thought to myself this might be the end of my beloved Land Cruizer. But without fail he made it out of the mud, water, sand and some more mud every time. Often it would take a good 2 hours to get him out of these situations – but in the end he pulled through and his strength never seized to amaze me. The cruizer reminds me a little of the Incredible hulk – he is a gentle giant that goes nearly wherever you steer him, but when the sand gets a bit thick he doesn’t seem to enjoy it and the roaring of his engine will make you aware of this.

I have seen guides drive in places where cars were never meant to be driven; actually I think if I had a horse it would have struggled. But the cruizer slowly but surely made its way through the thicket to surprise the guests with an amazing Leopard or Lion sighting.

I never get the opportunity to leave the lodge and go with the guys on Safari much. But when I do I am always amazed at how they handle this vehicle. It is as if they have driven it their whole lives. There were some intense moments that I thought not even my faithful cruizer will make it through – but then the guide would put the car in four wheel drive and we would sit there while the old boy made his way slowly up the highest embankment that I have ever seen. Once at the top the four wheel would be disengaged and the car transformed into a “rollecoaster” – guests throw their hands in the air and hoot with delight as the Cruizer flies down the hill and into a small stream of water.

The big boy also had his fair share of “ailments” I remember at one stage we had a problem with the battery draining constantly and we had to push start more than a couple of times. Specifically I remember two occasions. One where I had to go and “rescue” the guests with our pickup truck and everyone squashed in the back! Loads of fun was had. And the second memory is more of a humorous nature. It was in the morning and myself, Gerard, Pierre, Christopher and Philla had to push start the Cruizer up a small slope (in front of the lodge) – now bear in mind that this car weighs over a ton. So you have to put your weight behind it to make it move even slightly. All of us were really making an effort and some of our guests were standing by the front door observing. I was giving it all I had and looked to my right to see if Gerard was also putting his back into it – the next minute Gerard lost his footing on the stones and went down like a sack of potatoes. Now you have to picture that we all work together and when one of us fall down we laugh first and then make sure there are no injuries. I distinctly remember Philla laughing so hard that he could not even look anyone in the eye. Myself, Christopher and Pierre burst out (and Pierre has the most infectious laugh) Gerard jumped up as if nothing had happened – playing it very cool. At that specific moment we had forgotten that some of our Guests were standing in the doorway and they burst out laughing – which of course set all of us off again. I just kept yelling to Pierre to hit the brakes as none of us had an ounce of strength to keep the Cruizer from running back down the slope. Gerard turned as red as a beet, and other than his ego being crushed he only had a couple of bumps and bruises on his knees. After that episode we replaced the battery and the Cruizer is back to his indestructible self.

If you are still to come to the lodge you will have the pleasure of going on Safari in the Cruizer and you will see exactly what I mean. We have a sign on the back of it that reads: “Land Cruizer, because everything else just sucks” and truer words were never spoken.

*I apologize to Gerard for re telling this story – but you have to admit it was really funny  🙂

*Justine

When you live and work in such a close knit environment as we do, you tend to look at your colleagues differently. They become your family; they are the people you confide in and trust. You share everything and you rely on each other both at work and at home.

Goodbyes are never easy. I have never been good at saying goodbye, it always seems so final. So with this blog I am not going to say Goodbye – I am simply going to bid you safe travels and an indefinite return date.

Pierre and Rina will leave Vuyani Safari Lodge during the month of July. They are going to broaden their horizons and expand their knowledge. They will not be going far; in fact it is actually very close to Vuyani. So we will be able to see them quite often.

We have had some incredible times at the lodge. There have been many laughs and also a couple of tears, and I will miss them very much.

As all the guests that have visited Vuyani know Pierre is one of a kind. He has a unique personality and has a way with people. Once you have been in Pierre’s company you feel as if you have made a friend. He has a fantastic sense of humour and can make you laugh! Pierre is immensely passionate about conservation and the wildlife in Africa and it shows. I have also always thought he has a slight obsession with Leopard. Pierre will make sure he goes out of his way to show the guests as many animals as their time at the lodge allows. He has become an invaluable part of the team and his antics will be missed by all.

Rina is the opposite of Pierre and I think that is what makes them unique as a couple. Rina is very good at organising. She handled all of our payments and booked activities and transfers. I am sure you have had some form of correspondence from her. Rina and I struggled to find our stride in the beginning and took quite some time for us to fall into a comfortable working pace. But now I have become so accustomed to her “organised chaos” style of working that I am going to find it difficult to go back to my ways. Rina also did a unbelievable job on Facebook and made it her mission to obtain 1000 “likes” on our page J

It is never easy to have a turnover in staff – and in the Lodge industry this is not an uncommon occurrence. And it is not because people are unhappy in their working environment; it is just the type of industry we find ourselves in. If I look at my own career, most of us start out as guides and work your way up the ladder from there. We all make various moves in our lives as we grow, and we all have to take risks. And often these risks will have a major impact on our lives, and you will find your niche.

I trust that the road ahead will be exciting and will hold many wonderful things for both Pierre and Rina. From all the staff at Vuyani we bid you a farewell and wish you all of the best.

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

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 1^st 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

For the next couple of weeks I will gradually introduce you to all the staff members at Vuyani Safari Lodge. Give you an introduction and a bit of background on each and every staff member – so when you visit the lodge you will know what to expect and who is responsible for the smooth sailing and operations at Vuyani Safari Lodge.

Staff members play a big role in the success of one’s business. Every staff member affects largely what guests experience on holiday. And the staff members at Vuyani Safari Lodge are so incredibly diverse that it makes all the difference.

I am rather excited about this new challenge that I have been given and I am sure this journey will be thrilling indeed.

I am also going to write about happenings at the lodge – any changes that we might bring to Vuyani. Also I will gradually introduce you to the lodge itself. What you can expect on arrival, the rooms, the pool, the deck and so on. We have a couple of frequently asked questions and hopefully this will help when you are planning your dream vacation to Vuyani Safari Lodge and South Africa.

So please keep an eye out for my new and revised blog.

Warmest Regards,

Justine Ferreira