Dear Gondwana Family,

Our Workforce
April 2014
Dear Gondwana Family,
We
are delighted to welcome you to April’s issue
of OUR WORKFORCE! We hope that you continue
to find inspiration in this news letter.
As a Gondwana family we all have one thing in
common and that is “Passion” for our remarkable
country, our guests and sharing beautiful stories
that create an experience that becomes part of
them.
Let us hold hands and give every guest
“A STORY TO TELL”
We appreciate each of you and your spirit to
work with excellence is commendable! You
remain OUR PILLAR.
Stay passionate and inspired!
Enjoy reading
As a family of character of warmth and sincerity,
we continue to passionately share the manifold
beauty of Namibia with our guests, a true Namibian
and Gondwana experience that creates long lasting
memories.
Yours,
The HR –team
CONGRATULATIONS
Wilka Ashipala, celebrated her graduation
at Polytechnic of Namibia on Friday, 11 April.
She obtained her BA in Human Resource Management as part time student. Well earned, we know
how many hours you spent on concluding the
course!
"You can only be
come successful if
you make others
successful !
Success @ Gondwana
This month’s success story of Melania Shau, Assistant Lodge Manager of Kalahari Anib Lodge
side Outapi along the main road to Ruacana.
Back in the days before going to the boarding school, like any other teens in my hood I
have covered a distance of 8.5 km walking to
school in the village, I played in the sand, I
cooked and pounded mahangu (the art
which I didn’t enjoy much) I looked after
goats, sheep’s & cattle (as a hobby) with my
brother who was my best buddy and I have
done my school work on a firewood light and
some lucky days I would use a candle light
….sweet village life!
after grade 12 was a bit challenging. There
was so much of what I wanted to do but
looking at both sides of the situation I knew I
have to choose. Growing up in the family
that has passion in clothing making
(especially my mom, my grandma, my sister
and myself) I chose studying a short course
in needle work & sewing, something I was
very familiar with. Soon after my study, I
moved to Windhoek in search of job and
immediately I was called in for an interview
and it was successful. I worked for the boutique that was making best wedding dress of
the time and I loved every piece of work we
made until things got shaky in an eye blink
(the company was drowning and little did I
knew I was working voluntarily for two
months in a row) .
School holidays were such a privilege to me
because we can spend our holidays in TsuI’m Melania Shau as known as Melani to meb with our parents, the requirements
Gondwanans.
were that each of us have to pass with flying
As a little girl I grew up in the northern part color and I tell you I never failed a subject.
of Namibia in Ombalantu district , a small At 17 years, I matriculated at Oshakati Sen- August 2002 I joined the famous Ramatex
village called Auwanaghala some 15km out- ior Secondary School in November 2000. Life group, a Chinese company that was poorly
managed and did not survive it’s market in
less than 5 years and closed down. Well, back
to my side of the story I worked for 2 days
and it was a pay day and I was happy that I
had a salary too (n$36 was my first salary in
this company). I worked in various department within the factory such us sewing,
cutting, designing and embroidery. I made an
effort to build a good working relationship
with my Chinese colleagues, putting aside the
facts that they were very mean to all Namibians, nevertheless my mission was to learn
Mandalin a Chinese language because I desperately needed to communicate back concerning unfair labor practice we were both
going through at the factory.
Earlier in 2003 my Chinese improved and we
became good buddies at work. On one afternoon my uncle presented me with a study
form which he said it was for a *cooking
course* I took it with not much interest and
screened through. To make the matter worse
there was a word hospitality in it and I was
sort of questioning my self: so I have to study
cooking for the hospitals or what? Not a
chance. I did no further actions with this
form, instead I hide it.
Jan 2004, I met with my two best friends in
zoo park , we had a conversation that took us
to the point of discussing our 2004 resolution,
to be honest I did not had any. When it was
my turn I thought: come ‘on Melani say
something and I said my resolution was to
study and they all questioned what I was
planning to study, I said even cooking. I felt
like this was a promise I made to myself and
needed to fulfill it because if I can’t fulfill my
own promise then I may not make a promise
to anybody in life (my principle). I came home
rushing and scratching in all cupboards to find
the form that I once hide last year and I got it,
anxiously I sat waiting for my uncle to get
back from work so that we can Google anything about it. After getting all the information I needed I filled the form and send it.
at the institute of home science & agriculture NDL I thought of a “break away from Gond- baumgartsbrunn .For me education comes wana” end of October 2008. I went away for
first and hospitality was in my favour.
four months.
Jan 2005 I enrolled as a full time student and
what a surprise? It is not a cooking course as
per say, we covered all the skill i needed for
running a hospitality business, a farm or you
name it. The same year I was studying human
resources management with a R.S.A institute
it was a demanding course and also the fact
that there where strict rules at Baumgartsbrunn it was a bit difficult to complete my
assignments. Eventually I managed and graduated in April 2007 with a diploma in HRM at
Indaba hotel Johannesburg-South Africa.
I did my first practical training at Namib Naukluft lodge where I covered the housekeeping,
bar/restaurant & front office department. In
my second year 2006 a group of us (student)
was deposited into the south for our final
practical training. I didn’t know a thing about
Gondwana, we both called it *the canon
lodges*. We were split in pair of two, at Road
House we did a little bit of cooking and massive scullery ( to be honest I didn’t have a
problem doing more dishwashing then cooking, I’m not a food lover but if I have to I can
cook). At Canon lodge I was highly exposed to
full housekeeping and restaurant service and
at Canon village I did restaurant/bar and partly front office. The manager at the time Me
Christelle asked me to leave my CV in order
they needed a guest relation officer and that I
could start as soon I m done with my examination.
I came back to Gondwana in March 2009 this
time as a head of guest relations and a distance student at the Polytechnic of Namibia
studying toward a degree in public management. Immediately me.Anja ( the manager)
featured me in team middle management
and I was part of the decision making team.
In a learning curve mistakes were done and
lessons were learned. Through this I came to
realize that there are two sides of the coin
which is the cash & the experience and
switched my sense from ‘my job to my career’ way of thinking, to date every day is an
experience to me and it matters the most.
There comes a time in life were each of us in
a team sees differently, views differently and
thinks differently, we disagree, we judged, we
undermined our own capabilities & capacities. All of this happened for a reason and out
of it I learned to think, to approach and to
look at every situation positively . It turns out
we are great together, we have team spirit,
we both can stand our grounds, we are motivated, supported and supportive and we
make things happen.
December 2012 I was promoted to trainee
assistant manager and worked my way up
and in April 2013 I was promoted to Assistant
Manager. Today I’m happily moving on to the
south through a transfer to Anib lodge in the
same capacity of Assistant Manager.
From desert to desert, It’s as if the south is
2 days prior to the completion of exam, the mine from day one J!
good news came that I’m going to start working as a front officer but unfortunately not at
Canon but at Namib desert. I started locating
Namib desert and Canon lodge on the map
comparing the distance between WHK & the
two lodges and it turns out Namib Desert is
the one closer to WHK. I was a little bit of a
mommy’s girl i felt I needed much of my
guardians guidance & attention every now
October 2004 was the best month to me, I and then.
was admitted to work temporally as a polling
On the 15th November 2006 I settled in the
officer for the 2004 presidential election, I
red dunes of Namib as a front officer/guest
was admitted to work as a diamond polisher
relations. After almost two years working at
at LLD and I was admitted to study hospitality
Welcome Home!
Agnes and Stephanie returning home from Johannesburg
Agnes, I would like to express my words of gratitude
to everyone, for the generous scholarship, your encouragement and moral support.
My first year experience was memorable and I found it
to be a lifetime experience filled with new knowledge,
friends and fun as well.
Coming to sharing of ideas, our classmate and lectures
were always saying let’s hear from the two International or the two Namibians.
I really have a great team at school and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute there. Once again it is a
complete honor to get this opportunity and I greatly
appreciate it. I will continue to do my best next year.
Stephanie, First a big thank you for all the support and Costing, Food and Beverage, Hospitality Operations and
help. To get such an opportunity to be able to go and Culinary Studies.
study in a different country.
The Classes were also a real eye opener. Although it was
We were really scared how is going to be, how are the more concentrated on Hotels and not so much Lodging,
lectures, how are our classmates, how is Johannesburg, but it was also interesting to hear from our classmates
what to do in certain situations. As every businesses do
etc.
things differently and has different system.
We have really learned a lot in the six weeks. What is the
difference between a leader and a manager, business We can really just inspire everybody to do such an course
goes were its wanted and stays were it is appreciated, when you get the opportunity.
Why Irish whisky is written with an e (Whiskey), wet, dry, Its amazing the experience and the knowledge that you
and combination cooking methods, Staphylococcus, As- get.
sets+ Liabilities = Owners equity.
We will be back in Johannesburg next year in May and
We had six different classes being: Hospitality Manage- then August 2016.
ment, Financial Management, Health and Safety, Food
It is with a sense of pride and excitements that we welcome Agnes
and Stephanie home, after an intensive 6 weeks of study at the
University of Johannesburg.
We are thrilled to announce that they have done Gondwana proud
on their first year of studies.
Well done and congratulations!
On behalf of the Executive Management, HR and Training team,
Training in Motion
April update
Gondwana Environmental Awareness Program:
Water - Waste - Energy
Warden Sue and Operations Manager Charles of
Canyon Collection presented a pilot course for
Environmental Education in March 2014 at Canyon Lodge. The 2nd course was offered at Canyon Village Mid March 2014. All Canyon Village
staff present attended – thank you for your enthusiasm!
The goal of the training was to create an understanding for applying the new knowledge at
home and at work.
The next workshop session is scheduled at Roadhouse in May, and the rest of Canyon Lodge
team to follow.
Thank you to Sue and Charles for preparing and facilitating
the work-shop. The support of lodge management is vital
and we are thankful for management input at the Canyon.
Maintenance Training
24 maintenance employees received structured
training in February and March. The feedback
from Lodges and participants is very positive.
Windhoek Vocational Training Center: 9 heads
of department
Kayec Trust: 15 participants at Anib Lodge
Cooking skills
Swiss Chef Armin has spent time at Etosha Lodge & Camp
and Damara Mopane in the past 2 weeks. He is finalizing
his time with us now at Anib Lodge for 2 weeks, working
together with Roger.
Training in Motion
Assistant Management Meeting
Getting together with our middle management in
April at Etosha Safari Lodge was a highlight in
April. We welcomed many new faces to the
meeting! Manni, Jaco and Alain gave presentations on company vision, operations, service and
price structures. Child Line Counseling Business
Branch Change Agent presented an intensive
workshop on Management qualities, emotional
intelligence and conflict management. Content
approach was on the dot and we trust our young
managers take everything they have learned to
good practice. To all involved thank you for a
great spirited meeting!
Maintenance Group - Kayec
Assisting Management Meeting
Assisting Management Meeting
April Birthday List
LODGE
NAMU
DML
KFH
SSC
DML
DML
HAKU
GTC
KFH
KLA
ESL
RH
RH
GTC
ESC
GTC
HAKU
CL
DML
NAMU
KFH
ESC
RH
NDL
ESL
CL
NDL
GTC
KFH
DML
CL
DML
DML
NAMU
ESC
ESC
ESC
CL
NAMU
GTC
KLA
GTC
KLA
SSC
ESC
CL
KFH
KLA
DATE
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
6
7
7
8
8
9
10
11
11
12
13
14
15
16
16
16
17
18
18
18
19
19
19
19
21
22
22
22
22
23
25
26
26
26
26
26
28
28
SURNAME
Likeleli, M
Amenya, S
Haiduwa, AL
Diergaardt, B
Angula, B
Shigwedha, A
Sivera, T
Noirfalise, AGEI
Vatukaula, E
Sienta, F
Nekwaya, L
Janser, F
Higuam, R
Mvula, M N
Iyambo, S
Bertolini, E
Kambinda, V
Lasarus, J
Muyenga, M
Kayama, O
Kanema, A
Taapopi, H N
van Ryn, S
Harases, D
Shimakeleni, HN
Shiningayamwe, H
Kharuxab, AA
Khoaseb, I
Kapembe, HN
Angula, T
Endjala, H
Mundinda, T
Gowases, J
Schoonbee, D
Nakathingo, M
Muhongo, JM
Hunibes, R
Jobs, M
Tetuka, R
Shilongo, EVM
Kahona, U
van der Colff, MH
Mulondo, T
Jager, A
Guxab, D
Cock, C
Kharachab, K
Amukalu, K
NAME
Melody
Selma
Andreas
Breshneff
Beatha
Auleria
Thomas
Alain
Eevelujeni
Fransiana
Lovisa
Frederick
Raymond
Maria
Simeon
Erno
Virginia
Justina
Mattheus
Owen
Agnes
Hilma
Sanna-Marie
Desiree
Hilya
Hendrina
Apols
Immanuel
Hileni
Thomas
Hileni
Titus
Juliane
De Vries
Martin
Johanita
Rosina
Martiens
Rector
Eva
Uetujama
Madie
Thomas
Abram
Daniel
Charles
Karl
Kaarina
AGE
32
24
41
36
32
24
36
47
54
26
33
52
22
27
27
42
22
33
22
29
30
30
37
27
27
29
51
25
21
38
23
36
49
25
29
47
24
49
35
27
22
43
25
45
37
49
47
35
April Anniversaries
Etosha Collection
Gondwana Travel Centre
Leez Hoevelmann
5 years
ESC - Kristoph Shanyengandje
6 years
Silke Ahrens
4 years
ESC - Justine Nuxas
4 years
Elvis Harakuta
2 years
ESC - Dennis Marthin
9 years
ESC - Aloisia Ndawendapo
2 years
ESL - Helvi Amukwa
5 years
Anib Collection
KLA - Erwin Basson
5 years
ESL - Ignatius Anno
4 years
KLA - Gerrit de Klerk
3 years
ESL - Samuel Hoeseb
2 years
SSC - Mandie Oscar
2 years
ESL - Florieda Areses
1 year
KLA - Usnelda Ganises
1 year
KLA - Uetujama Kahona
1 year
Canyon Lodge
Canyon Village
Victor Nuuyoma
12 years
Simon Goliath
16 years
Lydia Kandovazu
2 years
Zenobia Kisting
2 years
Martha Keiser
3 years
Anna Motinga
12 years
Abner Ndjambula
3 years
Nadia Smitz
2 years
Damara Mopane Lodge
Priskila Kaili
2 years
Leena Kankoshi
Frederik Jobs
2 years
Hendrina Shiningayamwe 2 years
Hakusembe Lodge
Ursula Mauano
2 years
Anna Chinupwa
Rauna Nghituwamata
1 year
Selma Makismus
1 year
Roadhouse
Luzia Shikongo
3 years
Raymond Higuam
1 year
Vitus Jossop
1 year
1 year
9 years
Namushasha
Titus Mundinda
10 years
Felix Ngoshi
1 year
Toyano Sijukwe
1 year

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