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We welcome Jacques and Melissa Visagie and Sli Vumisa

Posted on: October 2, 2018, in Latest News, Staff

The Umngazi team warmly welcomes three new staff members, namely Jacques, our new Assistant GM and his lovely wife, Melissa our new Rooms Division Manager and lastly Sli Vumisa to our Reservations team. We share a fun intro with you…
JACQUES VISAGIE
I grew up in… Riebeek Kasteel Western Cape
I have worked at…. Seabourn Cruise Lines – Sun City The Palace Hotel – Sandton Sun Sandton – Intercontinental Hotel Johannesburg – Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort Zanzibar – Hotel Verde Zanzibar.
Who inspires you most? My dad was probably the most inspiring person I knew, hardworking, never sick never late for an appointment and he did everything for his family.
What would you consider your greatest achievement to be? Making the life changing decision to bid farewell to the corporate world and moving to an African country. Adapting to a new way of life.
What do you love most about Umngazi? The natural scenery, the people and the remoteness.
What is your favourite hidden gem? The entire resort is a hidden gem almost like an Island hide away.
What do you aspire to learn more about? The Culture the area and to learn and grow more in my role.
What made you apply for the Assistant GM position at Umngazi? I wanted to be part of an extraordinary establishment, one that is unique where I could contribute and better my skills as a hospitality professional.
What do you value most in your colleagues? They all love what they do and their can do attitude.
What is your favourite spot at Umngazi? There are so many but if I had to choose one it would be the view from the deck at Emlonyeni overlooking the river with the waves of the Indian Ocean in the background.
MELISSA VISAGIE
I grew up in… Pretoria, Gauteng
I have worked at…. Mount Grace Country House & Spa, Michelangelo Towers Sandton, Sandton Sun Hotel, Sunnyside Park Hotel, Centurion Lake Hotel, Hotel Verde Zanzibar.
Who inspires you most? I get really inspired when I meet women who are always positive and strong yet compassionate no matter what life throws at them.
What would you consider your greatest achievement to be? There have been times in my life where I decided to follow my heart, dreams and desires and even though scary at the time, I have not looked back since.
What do you love most about Umngazi?  When the Housekeeping ladies sing to me on Friday mornings.
What is your favourite hidden gem?  I’m extremely intrigued by the pair of Trumpeted Hornbills that wait for me to feed them in the mornings outside my kitchen window.
What do you aspire to learn more about?  There is so much to learn but I’m really looking forward to being mentored by Graham and Michelle – a huge privilege and one I’m extremely excited about.
What made you apply for the Assistant GM position at Umngazi?  It reminds us so much of Zanzibar – a remote location, ocean living, the opportunity to get involved in the local communities and living a simple and thankful life.
What do you value most in your colleagues? Trust, positivity and compassion for each other.
What is your favourite spot at Umngazi?  No better spot than our awesome house, a braai and listening to the ocean roaring in the background.
SLI VUMISA
I grew up in… Vryheid where I completed my matric then moved to Pietermaritzburg and became a city girl.
I have worked at…. a small company called “Yes Please”, 3 years later I joined Gooderson Leisure  at Natal Spa resort in Paulpietersburg and then moved to the “Bush” at Rhino River Lodge in Manyoni Private Game Reserve.
Who inspires you most? My parents, they came from nothing to where they are today. The love they have shown me and my brother and I will forever be grateful for they have invested so much in my education.
What would you consider your greatest achievement to be? My whole life has been one great achievement.
What do you love most about Umngazi? I never dreamt of working in Eastern Cape before.  I saw Reservations vacancy ad and out of curiosity I browsed the site and was sold by the beauty of this place. The atmosphere at Umngazi feels like home. I fell in love and never left!
What do you value most in your colleagues? Umngazi has an amazing culture, everyone is family there is so much love everywhere. The welcome I got I started I was showered with smiles and lot of love.
What is your favourite spot at Umngazi? Umngazi spa…. the view and the sound of nature.

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