Dear Gondwana Family - Gondwana Collection

Our Workforce
May 2014
Dear Gondwana Family,
WOW! It is our fourth issue of “OUR WORKFORCE”
news letter! A warm welcome to this edition, and
stay inspired.
This issue is dedicated this to all our Lodge Managers and your Teams for continuously creating WOW
MOMENTS to all our guests.
Thank you very much to you all, for living the
Gondwana Philosophy and for being true Namibian
Ambassadors. By embracing our Brand essence we
remain Friendly, Passionate, Attentive, Wholehearted, and Sincere.
Staff are very friendly and helpful… it is a daily
comment from guests.
Keep those delighters
flowing in! And please
remember our mission is
to give every guest
A STORY TO TELL !
Stay passionate and
inspired!
Enjoy readingYours,
The HR – team
Climbing the Ladder of Success
A young man with great passion in cooking.
Immanual Kambata joined us in January 2012 as
junior Chef. He was equipped with an NTA Level
1 and 2 degree in cooking, obtained from his
training time with NICE ( Namibian Institute for
Culinary Education).
Immanuel started at Canyon Roadhouse kitchen
to practise his skills at the hectic a la carte Restaurant. Tried and tested, he was transferred to
Damara Mopane after 24 months. At DML he
worked with Harald Piek, lodge manager and
others in the team. The emphasis was to expose
Immanuel to making stocks, soups, preparing
various meats from the bone and much, much
more.
After a 2 month placement to Etosha Lodge Kitchen, he
will now be transferred to Kalahari Anib kitchen. A new
team, new challenges and lots to learn.
"You can only be come successful if you make
others successful”
Success @ Gondwana
This month’s success story of Edison Kaura, Lodge Manager of Hakusembe River Lodge
On 28 March 1974 I was born and bred
in Okakarara. A small city in the middle
of the country in Otjozondjupa region
on the way to Waterberg Mountain.
Helping my parents with the goats and
cattle’s like all the other children’s of
that time.
In 1988 I went to Opawa Primary
School at Tsumeb and later returned to
Okakarara Senior Secondary School
where I complete my matric in 1994.
After two years of service as a casual
employee I applied for a restaurant
supervisor position at the Country Club
Golf Course and started earning a
better salary and also got my first pay
slip with my name on – it was like a
dream to me.
Working at Country Club Golf Course as
a restaurant supervisor made me felt in
love with the hospitality industry.
Meeting people and sharing stories was
one of the things that I mostly enjoyed
Left to Windhoek to apply for bursaries
very much that time.
to further my studies but because of
financial problems joined Windhoek On March 1999 I joined a team of
Country Club and Casino as a waiter Windhoek Country Club employees
(Banqueting Department) in June 1995. who went to Sossusvlei, Karos Lodge,
On the 10th of April 2004 I joined Hakusembe River Lodge as a barman and
head waiter, a position which I held till
the end of 2006 until promoted to
Lodge Assistant Manager. Did guiding
work for almost two years where i
learned a lot of bird’s names in German.
After Gondwana bought the Lodge in
2012 I remain at that position until on
the 07th April 2014 when I was promoted to Lodge Manager. A huge privilege
after (19) nineteen years of experience
At the start of 2004 I lost my granny in the industry.” My motto is LOVE and
who was the heart of the house and I be PROUD of what you are doing”.
had to return home to take care of our
at Karos Lodge the work had no job de- house and animals as we had no money
scription to individuals – I was a waiter, to employ somebody. And in one month
barman, receptionist, housekeeper as time things started falling apart and I
well as a porter for almost two month. have moved forward to lift the house.
at the gate of Sesriem to assist with the After we completed our given work peservice as all their workers went on riod at Karos Lodge only a few of us
strike during the high season.
where given a permanent job. In 2000
the lodge changed the name to MovenAs we where only nine from Windhoek
pick lodge Sossusvlei and I was employed as a waiter and housekeeper and
later as a porter. The lodge did also internal training where we were moved
from one department to another to gain
more experience in different departments.
Training in Motion
May update
Chefs and Cooks
Roger spent the past 2 months at Anib
Lodge, Sakaria is operating at Etosha
Safari Lodge. In preparation of Tourism Expo 2014, both will join Erno in
Windhoek to prepare soul food for our
many expected visitors. Meals and
dishes to remember and indulge in.
For Expo, we will be quite a team
again this year in Windhoek, with selected colleagues from the lodges
( Service and Kitchen departments ).
For every service-occasion in Windhoek we invite colleagues from the
lodges to help, share the Gondwana
Smile and experience what we offer to
travellers and operators first hand.
This year, we would like to put our
new stand at the Expo on the map!
Lots to tell next month in this column!
Training in Motion
May update
Story Telling and Branding - Having a story to tell
Re-Story your life – adding a HOW to what we do
and how each Gondwanian can fill this with life;
sharing stories. Topics in the branding workshops with Dorian Haarhof are many. Gondwana
and Dorian have embarked on the final branding
workshop route, from Canyon to Zambesi. We
are looking forward to sharing the new logo and
Brand-Essence with you!
Group Work Roadhouse
Training in Motion
Celebrating Customer Service at Damara Mopane
Junior trainer Maria Mvula spent three weeks in May
with DML team. After discussing topics with lodge
management, Maria embarked on her mission.
Topics covered with many departments were:

Fruit and Vegetables with Erro Ilonga and his
gardeners;

Health and Food Hygiene – why wipe and mop,
clean as you go and need for cleanliness?

Service culture, service delivery and special
customer care;

Choir practise
Foto: Maria with DML Staff - Group discussion
Maria has travelled to Canyon Roadhouse until Expo
begins in June.
Foto: Maria with DML Kitchen Staff
Foto: Maria with DML Gardeners
Heart felt letter from the staff of DML to Maria
WOW MOMENTS
Excellent Reviews - These are but a few from the month of May!
“Special”
Great place. The Gondwana collection board are special
when it comes to settings ant themes. Friendly welcoming staff.
“Oasis”
The staff is friendly and competent, the rooms were very
cool and the food was good.
Etosha Safari Camp
Kalahari Farmhouse
"unique and original Lodge"
The entire lodge is located in a very clean condition and
the staff is very friendly.
“A Gem in the South”
The friendly staff always ready to please and the
grounds men working their magic keeping this oasis in
tip top shape.....oh yes, try out the pool, very refreshing.
Canyon Roadhouse
“Beautiful location, chalet and views”
Canyon Lodge
The staff were extremely friendly and helpful which is
what I also experienced at the Namib Desert Lodge,
another in the Gondwana collection.
“Mouts&Horns Team”
The staff had been professional and friendly as we arrived at the gate, as well as the office. The quality of
food at both dinner and breakfast was very good
Etosha Camp/Lodge
“Excellent”
Namushasha Lodge
Always nice staying at a Gondwana lodge! Very friendly
staff. Warm and homely! Many establishments have
great facilities, and adequate staff, but often fall short
“damara mopane”
on making one feel like you're home. Gondwana gets
staff most helpful and welcoming ! room very comfortable and food excellent.
this right every time! Staff always seem genuinely interested in their guests! How refreshing!!!
Damara Mopane Lodge
Canyon Roadhouse
"Great lodge nestled in a beautiful natural"
“Wonderful Location, Stunning Service”
On arrival we had to be taken to the lodge by boat due
to the heavy rains that flooded access to the lodge.
Our group of 12 were met by a wonderful crew who had
some cold beers for us to sup on after a long day travelling!
The rooms were brand new, wonderfully appointed and
decorated. The best shower I've ever experienced!!
Food was good and service excellent!!
Hakusembe Lodge
The pool is designed great and the staff is super friendly.
Absolute recommended the trip to the sunrise after
Soussoussvlei-a unique experience
Namib Desert Lodge
“Heaven!”
Great staff: attention for all our needs! Good beds, great
pool and beautiful location. The game drive is a must;
we spotted many different animals, including an aardwolf! Great guide too.
Anib Lodge
May Birthday List
Date
1
2
2
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
8
9
9
9
9
11
11
12
12
12
12
13
15
15
16
18
18
18
20
21
21
21
22
23
24
24
25
25
25
25
26
26
27
28
28
28
28
29
29
29
30
30
31
Employee Code
CV
NDL
CL
NAMU
GTC
GTC
GTC
ESL
KFH
NDL
ESL
ESL
DML
DML
NAMU
ESC
DML
NAMU
ESC
GTC
ESL
CL
RH
GTC
GTC
GTC
ANIB
DML
DML
SSC
GTC
KLA
NDL
ESC
CL
DML
GTC
GTC
ESC
ESL
CV
RH
NDL
ESC
NDL
KLA
CV
NAMU
NDL
ESL
NDL
GTC
NDL
ESC
CV
GTC
KLA
DML
ESC
SSC
ESC
Employee Name
Mauano, G
Mostert, JP
Shuudeni, T
Shilini, S
Amutenya, HM
Uris, P
Newaya, T
Mangundu, MK
Schubert, MP
Kashapi, T
Muyambango, TF
Timoteus, A
Ihemba, W
Lysias, H
Mulala, S
Stefanus, P
Kudumo, TL
Sinoma, G
Mukupe, G
Ashipala, WL
Nakare, T M
Motinga, A
Shingoya, A
Hoppe, R
Le Roux, I
Cloete, AT
Shau, MM
Schmalzriedt, D
Muronga, P
Goeieman, A
Namhadi, J
de Klerk, GW
Salon, M
So-Oabes, M
Hatitale, P
Shafodino, T
Naris, A
Hambira, CS
Nuxas, J
Hauwanga, M
Kambinda, N
Shikongo, L
!Khabes, C
Kasoma, PK
Amoomo, AS
Boas, G
Simuma, S
Kadimba, R
Fischer, JT
Areses, FT
Gabriel, J
Strauss, J
Iipinge, P
Raulindu, M
van Rhyn, M
Baumann, FC
Lukas, FA
Shandjanale, W
Nambahu, LT
Oscar, M
Aipumbu, R
Known As Name
Gwendoline
Janco
Timo
Sharon
Hilma
Paula
Toini
Mainolph
Anel
Thomas
Thikindo
Andreas
Wilbert
Hilma
Sonnety
Paulus
Thomas
Gidion
Gerson
Wilka
Thikundeko
Anna
Agenus
Reini
Iris
Anthea
Melania
Daniela
Paulus
Andries
Jessica
Gerrit
Magrietha
Magdalena
Paulus
Timo
Alwina
Clive
Justine
Monika
Ntjamba
Luzia
Christina
Petrus
Aina
Godlep
Simon
Rector
Jorg
Florieda
Juniti
Janine
Petrina
Maria
Mariana
Faith
Fredrika
Werner
Lydia
Mandie
Rita
Age
29
24
43
29
36
28
31
32
25
39
41
23
41
27
31
28
42
35
39
31
41
42
25
51
52
29
31
35
29
61
31
45
49
52
40
32
39
29
31
27
33
35
50
34
39
22
35
35
57
28
26
24
32
30
43
35
31
37
33
23
43
June Birthday List
Lodge
Date
Employee Name
Known As Name
Age
NAMU
1
Makata, R
Risco
36
NDL
2
!Khabeb, H
Hans
34
GTC
4
Sachse, T
Traugott
26
CV
4
Tjikuzu, S
Simon
28
CV
4
Jason, KM
Krostofa
24
HAKU
4
Leevi, E
Elizabeth
43
ESL
5
Amukwa, H
Helvi
30
KLA
6
Valungameka, N
Ndahambelela
26
HAKU
6
Ndana, M
Mathias
29
NAMU
7
Kadimba, T
Trendy
34
KLA
8
Boois, S
Susanna
28
NDL
9
Wasswa, E
Edward
37
NDL
9
Namuhuya, S
Salom
26
GTC
10
van Wyk, LAV
Lee-Ann
36
ESC
10
Ambuga, R
Rauna
34
DML
10
De Villiers, L
Louisa
25
DML
11
Poroto, F
Frankilde
31
GTC
12
Ipinge, J
Julia
35
KLA
13
Christiaan, AB
Ambrocuis
25
KLA
13
Claasen, AF
Alex
23
NAMU
13
Kasimba, E
Eugen
43
RH
13
Hinanane, NT
Nyanyukweni
41
ESC
14
Thele, I
Israel
25
CV
14
Josob, J
Jeffrey
19
DML
14
Gawanab, E
Ephraim
36
NDL
15
Swartbooi, L
Lukas
27
CV
15
Swartbooi, W
Wilhelmina
37
HAKU
16
Simon, R
Raimund
32
CL
18
Haimbodi, J
Jashua
38
CL
19
van der Vis, M
KLA
20
Kahona, K
Kambonde
23
NDL
22
Shinana, P
Paula
23
NDL
22
Geingob, E
Elrico
21
KFH
22
Tseis, SV
Sophia
40
ESL
22
Hunibes, E
Engelinisia
56
ESL
24
Horases, T
Theresia
31
NAMU
24
Kamwi, L
Lilian
34
CL
25
Kaili, P
Priskila
32
CL
26
Andreas, H
Hilde
32
CV
26
Kamburu, V
Valentinus
25
DML
27
Shigwedha, J
Jeremia
27
KLA
28
Simon, S
Sofia
48
CL
28
Swartbooi, E
Edwin
29
35
May Anniversaries
Etosha Lodge
Gondwana Travel Centre
Iris Le Roux
4 Years
Anastasia Mawanu
3 Years
Clive Hambira
5 Years
Johannes Thele
5 Years
Alwina Naris
3 Years
Lucia Chikalila
5 Years
Tessa Albrightson
2 Years
Monika Hauwanga
5 Years
Monica Paliso
1 Year
Theresia Horases
3 Years
Roger Bezuidenhout
1 Year
Etosha Camp
Anib Collection
Elsie Hoxobeb
8 Years
Doreen Fransman
3 Years
Adelaide Adams
2 Years
Fredrika Lukas
2 Years
Kaarina Amukalu
1 Year
Magrieta Otto
11 Years!!!
2 Years
Canyon Village
Ricardo Bloodstaan
3 Years
Maria Iita
1 Year
Konstansia Nanyala
5 Years
Canon Park
Gammy Sikongo
5 Years
Israel Thele
6 Years
Joseph Amutenya
1 Year
Giberta Angula
1 Year
Kertu Nghama
1 Year
Damara Mopane Lodge
Canyon Lodge
Johannes Swartbooi
Rosina Hunibes
5 Years
Helena Shaanika
3 Years
Jonas Welama
3 Years
Benhardine Mbaha
3 Years
Kauiju Tjimbongoro
2 Years
Michael Shingondjo
1 Year
Hakusembe Lodge
Thomas Sivera
1 Year
Andreas Kavemba
1 Year
Phillipus Ukamba
1 Year