It’s with great excitement that we would like to introduce some of our new senior staff at Kruger Shalati: Head Chef Vusi and HR manager Thembeka both recently join our team and have already made a great impact in their areas of expertise.
Our Executive Manager of operations, Gavin, steps into the position of Concession General Manager from 1 December, a well deserved promotion and if you have stayed with us before Gavin will be a familiar face to you, we are sure you will agree that he is a leader we are all proud of and look up to!
Read more about Gavin, Vusi & Thembeka and here:
Gavin Ferreira – Concession General Manager
Appointed: 1 December 2022
With over 23 years of hospitality experience in South Africa and the United Kingdom which varied from big 4 & 5 star hotels to small boutique hotels and restaurants. Gavin has had the opportunity to grow within the Tourism industry form grass roots and work alongside some of the legends in the business which help him achieve the position which he recently held as Hotel General Manager with the decorated Valor Hospitality Management company. Gavin was approached by the team from Thebe (now Motsamayi) tourism group to help open Kruger Station and Kruger Shalati in Skukuza located in Kruger National Park. The opportunity to join the acclaimed team and head this opening for the company with the partnership with South African national Parks was one that he couldn’t turn down. The successful opening of both products which currently tops the Trip Advsior #1 and Guest reviews charts is a signature that Gavin is renowned for. Working with the team and training the next generation of hospitality leaders will always be the focus on which we build strong hospitality businesses. Gavin has completed various courses and further education in line with industry requirements and his career goals.
Vusi Mbatha – Head Chef
Appointed: 1 November 2022
With over 10 years of experience in South Africa which varied from impressive 4 & 5 star hotels to small boutique hotels, private businesses and, private clubs and restaurants. Vusi’s forward thinking and professional manner has crafted his own brand which thrives on creating unique offerings and experiences whilst conducting fast paced kitchens and operations. Skilled at staying focussed and efficient in high stress situations whilst maintaining calmness in busy times. Exceptional communication skills with to give clear instructions to his team make him a force to be reconned with. Vusi is organised, reliable and is renowned for his outstanding menu creation capabilities, which has become a trade mark that Vusi prides himself on. Vusi’s decorated career has taught himself with and acknowledges this as the heartbeat of any operation. He is dedicated to help others and share his skills amongst the team. Vusi has completed various courses such as National Certificate in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management, Level 1 City & Guilds of London Certificate in food preparation and cooking, IVQ Level 2 City & Guilds of London Diploma in Professional Cookery (Culinary Arts), IVQ Level 2 Culinary Arts Principles and further education in line with industry requirements and his career goals.
Thembeka Mpapane – HR Manager
Appointed: 1 September 2022
Thembeka holds a BCom Honours degree in Industrial Psychology, BCom Honours (General), BA (HRM) degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law. With over 11 years of HR experience working in versatile and challenging roles in reputable companies across varies sectors such as manufacturing, energy, petro-chemical, agriculture, retail and consulting. Overseeing the Mpumalanga Region with four different mills and plantations, in different locations with just a little over 800 employees in her previous role has not only sharpen and advance her skills and competencies in the field to a different level but has also contributed in her appreciation for diversity and inclusion and has also created hunger and zeal to contribute and have an impact not only on employees but people and society. Thembeka is very passionate about people, she is easy going, good listener, family oriented and regard herself as an astute.
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Experience the epitome of luxury amidst the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park. Discover the perfect blend of fine wine, breathtaking wildlife, and world-class accommodation at Kruger Shalati. Click here to embark on an unforgettable journey.
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