The owners of FTTSA-certified Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge pride themselves on their staff development. The prime example of the success of their human capital development programme is Betty Hlungwani, current Lodge Manager.
Through her own perseverance and hard work, Betty has gained prominence within the tourism industry in Limpopo and further afield!
The Hlungwani and Girardin families have a relationship that stretches back three generations, starting with Betty’s and Michel’s (owner of Shiluvari) respective grandfathers signing up in the SA army 1939 whereupon they fought the Nazi army in North Africa together. One of five children, Betty had to play a leadership role when her father passed away when she was only 14 years old. After completing matric, Betty found a job working as a shop assistant.
In 1994 Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge had just been built and the Girardin family were recruiting staff. They approached Betty to join the Shiluvari team. Betty was concerned that she had no relevant experience, but the Girardins emphasised the need for a positive attitude and empathy, and told her that training would be provided. Starting in housekeeping, Betty has worked her way through the ranks. Training, mentorship, various management courses and Shiluvari’s certification by FTTSA has afforded Betty the opportunity to share ideas and challenges with other FTTSA-certified establishments. Betty has built up an extensive marketing network through her work.
Betty’s philosophy is: unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. Every job is a self portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence!
It is anticipated that Betty will be an active share-holder in Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge in the near future.
Fair Trade Tourism 