This month, we would like to highlight another two staff members who are an inspiration, showing that hard work and determination can definitely help you achieve your goals.

They are Sam Mohlahla (left) and Success Sibuyi (known as Sakkie on the right) 

Sakkie is employed as a maintenance assistant and Sam as a gardener and they are both in the process of attaining their FGASA level one certificates to further their experience and expertise to eventually join our guiding team.

Below, each of them gives us a little bit more insight into how they came about working here:

Sam Mohlala

How did you end up at Makanyi?

I started working at Makanyi in March 2015. I was employed as a gardener. I am currently studying a nature guide course. Ever since my arrival at Makanyi in 2015, my love for nature grows day by day.

  • Describe your job in 3 words
    • Everything
    • Loveable
    • Light
  • Describe yourself in 3 words
    • Funny
    • Honest
    • Loveable
  • The best thing about living in the bush
    • Earning whilst being on holiday at the same time.
  • The worst thing about living in the bush
    • Being far from my family is so sad.
  • When you were growing up, what did you want to do/be?
    • As a teenager, I wanted to act on TV dramas. In fact, I wanted to study drama in art.
  • Who would you most like to swap places with for the day?
    • An eagle. I just imagine being up in the skies on your own, having a clear visual of everything underneath.
  • Who is someone you really admire?
    • Everyone with no boundaries to help or listen to other people’s issues.
  • What is something you would like to do in the next year that you have never done before?
    • Going abroad, crossing the borders out of my country, just to experience life out there.
  • What’s your phobia?
    • I don’t like failing, I like to achieve what I’ve put my mind to.
  • Somewhere you would love to visit?
    • Mauritius

Sakkie Sibuyi

How did you end up at Makanyi?

I started at Makanyi Lodge in 2011 and was employed as a gardener. From there, I started working in the maintenance department. I have trained to be a tracker and sometimes assist with tracking. I am currently studying to become a guide, I write my exam on the 5th of October. Being a guide is something I have always wanted to do.

  • Describe your job in 3 words
    • Exciting
    • Challenging
    • Busy
  • Describe yourself in 3 words
    • Humble
    • Honest
    • Kind
  • The best thing about living in the bush
    • I love living in the bush because it is quiet.
  • The worst thing about living in the bush
    • Being away from my kids.
  • When you were growing up, what did you want to do/be?
    • I wanted to be a chef.
  • Who would you most like to swap places with for the day?
    • Rick Ross (US rapper)!
  • Who is someone you really admire?
    • My mom. She has always given me the love that I need.
  • What is something you would like to do in the next year that you have never done before?
    • I would like to take the guests on a game drive for the first time.
  • What’s your phobia?
    • Snakes
  • Somewhere you would love to visit?
    • USA, because most of the guests that we drive that come from the USA are so friendly.