VALUE OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER
To be Welcoming, Genuine and Warm.
Festive Season Updates/Reminders
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their hard work and commitment throughout the year and remind you that December salaries and thank you bonuses will be paid out on the following dates:
Normal salaries - 13 December
First half of Thank You bonus - 20 December
Second half of Thank You bonus - 10 January
Following his visit, Victor Borchers (Executive Coach) recognised the efforts of each property and we would like to thank all of you for balancing a busy schedule with Victor and ensuring that our guests continued to have a complete experience and perfect stay. To those who completed the Management and Leadership course and earned your certificates — congratulations on this significant achievement!
A reminder that Discovery Medical Aid plan upgrades need to be submitted by the 10th of December 2024. Should you need to make changes or have questions about your medical aid plan, please reach out to HR for guidance. We’re here to assist in ensuring your plan aligns with your needs.
We would also like to inform all employees who are not on the Provident Fund, that you would have received an email about the new life and disability cover benefit. This provides coverage equivalent to one year’s annual salary. An additional product will be introduced next year for those looking to enhance their benefits further.
PRIMROSE HOUSE
Human Resources
Jeanne Scholtz, who has been a valuable part of our architectural team, will be leaving at the end of December. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Over the past month, Primrose has been buzzing with culture related activities, including property quizzes, environmental initiatives, and the launch of the VJB Culture Room.
Training programs have also been in full swing, covering first aid, fire safety, and product knowledge. Our team has embraced these opportunities, showcasing teamwork and a commitment to growth.
We are proud to announce that Malewane Lodge has been named the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge at the World Travel Awards. This is a remarkable achievement, and we extend our congratulations to the entire team.
Marketing
Over the past month, our marketing team has secured remarkable PR exposure across Europe and South Africa. Highlights include:
Germany and Austria: Features in Falstaff and Signature Magazine showcasing the Silo’s role in Cape Town’s contemporary art scene and Liz Biden's (Founder and Co-Chair) philosophy on design and décor.
UK: A feature in The Telegraph & CNT UK spotlighting the foundation’s conservation work and the canine unit’s efforts, blending hospitality with environmental stewardship. Blog posts and content streams on kosher safaris are gaining traction, thanks to insights from the Malewane team. This offering positions us to compete strongly in the safari market.
The launch of Franschhoek House is in full swing, with positive PR coverage, including a glowing feature by Time Out’s Richard Holmes. The article emphasises the villa's beauty and its connection to nature and family experiences.
The marketing team has also been busy crafting engaging media packs and gift hampers for Franschhoek House to send to key stakeholders, featuring farm-fresh goodies and personalised notes.
Our focus will soon shift to the upcoming launch of Masiya's Camp. A recent email campaign introduced the camp’s meaningful story, and we look forward to deepening its narrative through our marketing efforts.
Afternoon tea offerings and design updates at The Silo Hotel and La Residence are making waves. Ads in local publications and features in The Inside Guide and Cape Town Etc. have consistently highlighted our venues among the best for afternoon tea experiences in Cape Town and the Winelands.
We have received some breathtaking content from various content creators and photographers who spent time at all of our properties and we are excited to share these over the next few months.
Our social media presence has soared with a 275% increase in engagement and a 250% boost in impressions across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. This growth is a testament to the team’s innovative content, including reels, blogs, and visually engaging materials.
Congratulations to the team at Malewane Lodge for earning the title of World’s Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2024 World Travel Awards. This outstanding achievement is celebrated through a fun and heartfelt reel, showcasing the staff's joy and pride.
We’ve also released a sneak peek video highlighting the foundation’s impactful conservation projects, with plans for a comprehensive feature next year.
Lourenco Afonso (Wildlife Photographer and Content Creator) and the Royal Malewane team continue to deliver breathtaking wildlife content, driving the success of upcoming campaigns. Expect stunning video content as part of our "Festive" campaign, along with weekly visual roundups that showcase our properties’ natural beauty.
Sales
The sales team has been incredibly active over the past months, participating in various global trade shows. Highlights include an impressive presence at international trade shows such as the Do Not Disturb Trade Show in Puglia, Italy, attended by Felipe Bonahora (Sales Manager - Latin America), the Signature Travel Network event in Las Vegas, attended by Werner Krause (Sales Manager - USA), and the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, France, where Anton Noll (Sales Manager - UK & Europe) is currently representing us.
The team also facilitated FAM (familiarisation) trips in collaboration with local DMCs like Giltedge, Journey Beyond, and Personal Africa, hosting travel advisors at our properties, including La Residence, Royal Malewane, and The Silo Hotel. These trips play a pivotal role in showcasing the unique experiences we offer, receiving consistently positive feedback that reinforces the prestige of our portfolio.
A special thank you to our properties for going above and beyond to accommodate FAM trip groups while maintaining exceptional service for our guests. Your efforts in creating memorable experiences are deeply appreciated. Kudos also to Edward Morton, our ambassador, for being a hit with all our visitors. We extend our gratitude to Ian Taylor (Sales and Revenue Manager) and other sales managers for stepping in during our travels to ensure seamless operations.
Werner and Kimi Reardon (Sales Manager - USA) have been actively building relationships in key U.S. markets, including San Diego, Las Vegas, Austin, and Houston. The high regard for our properties among top-tier advisors in these regions is encouraging.
The sales team enjoyed a fun-filled paddle excursion, showcasing some surprising skills on the court. On a personal note, congratulations to Anton for completing the Frankfurt Marathon with an impressive time of 3 hours and 37 minutes.
With a strong end to the year, we’re excited for the opportunities 2024 will bring. Thank you to everyone for their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.
Events
November was a vibrant month for The Royal Portfolio Events team, filled with special occasions and thoughtful preparations. A recent baby shower showcased exceptional teamwork and attention to detail. The maintenance team at La Residence created a stunning floral welcome box board, and the vinyl designs for the cart and welcome sign were crafted in-house.
Another noteworthy event was a birthday celebration in the Terrace Room. The in-house florist at La Residence brought the client’s vision to life, recreating their desired table designs for an unforgettable evening.
The properties are abuzz with preparations for the festive season. From sourcing unique items to crafting bespoke decor, the focus is on delivering magical celebrations for our guests. The team is grateful for the support and feedback from all properties as they work to create exceptional holiday experiences.
PROPERTIES UPDATE
Birkenhead House
The team at Birkenhead House has been bustling with activity amidst full occupancy, ensuring an exceptional guest experience. Guests have consistently praised the authenticity of interactions with staff, highlighting the unparalleled service and memorable experiences provided.
Seasonal efforts have included elevated guest services and innovative experiences, reflecting the dedication of the entire team. The sunny weather has also added to the positive atmosphere, making the season even more delightful for visitors.
In a testament to the strong values of the team, even ADT security guards stationed at the property have embraced our ethos, reciting our P&Vs during morning meetings. This ripple effect has drawn interest from ADT's management, showcasing how a culture of engagement can inspire beyond the immediate team.
The team bid farewell to Alida Jacobs (HR Manager) who has taken on a new role within a larger group. Her contributions, particularly in HR, were significant, and her presence will be greatly missed. Best wishes to her as she embarks on this new journey.
Congratulations to Abo Nomkratywana (Housekeeper) for being recognised as Employee of the Month for November. A new initiative by Roux Du Preez (Maintenance Manager), recognised Joseph Mati (Handyman) as Man of the Match for his outstanding contributions. This has boosted morale and proactivity within the maintenance department, making it more efficient than ever before.
A thoughtful gesture by guests who offered a prepaid yacht trip to the staff, creating a memorable weekend for the team. The gesture of goodwill left both the staff and the guests immensely satisfied, with plans for a return visit already in place.
The Birkenhead House team remains committed to giving back to the community. In addition to the Monthly cooking events at the night shelter, the team also organised outside furniture. The Child and family services have also benefited from play therapy training and Charlotte Rhys products, making a tangible impact on the lives of children in need.
Victor’s management and leadership course brought valuable insights to the team and everyone who successfully completed the course, received their well-deserved certificates.
The Silo Hotel
We continue to receive glowing reviews from guests about their exceptional experiences at The Silo Hotel. One recent review highlighted the personal touches, like chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, and roses to celebrate a 40th anniversary, making it a truly unforgettable stay.
In a heartwarming event, a guest proposed to his fiancée on our terrace, with our team setting up a beautiful engagement plate and station. We're thrilled to have played a small role in their special moment.
Team-building activities have been in full swing. The food and beverage team bonded during a group session, while the maintenance team enjoyed an off-road adventure, and the kitchen staff toured the city on the Quack bus.
A round of applause to Pakamani Mphoswa (Trainee Chef) and Nkululeko Mateke (Trainee Chef) for graduating from the TRP internship program, and to Cemone Harrod (Concierge) and Enara Muza (Executive Housekeeper) for completing the managerial and leadership course. Congratulations also go to Yamkela Gantsho (Chef de Partie) and Seipati Malebo (Student Chef), our Silverwood students, on their course completions.
The Friends of Child Protection Pack initiative saw our staff, TRP Foundation, and head office teams packing 1,075 comfort kits for children in challenging situations. These kits provide essential items and bring a bit of comfort during difficult times. We also organised the 2024 Christmas party at Leliebloem House, featuring a braai, pool activities, and a many other games.
Our team also participated in a successful golf day, while Andrew Damoto (Creditors and Stores Controller) achieved another milestone by completing a 42-kilometer marathon in just over four hours.
We had a visitor from the bush, Lumka Sunduza (Spa Manager), who spent some valuable time with our Spa team and also received some special treatment, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Congratulations to our Silo Soccer Team, crowned Division 2 winners of the Hotel Soccer League.
La Residence
We are thrilled to share the beautiful moments, milestones, and achievements from the past month, celebrating our incredible team and the unforgettable experiences of our guests.
A heartfelt congratulations to Patrick and Hannah, a couple from the U.S. who exchanged vows under the enchanting Jacaranda trees at La Residence. Their celebration was beautifully complemented by our terrace room’s elegant dinner arrangements, and we’re proud of our team's effort to create such a magical event.
Our chefs' table continues to shine, delivering exceptional culinary experiences that guests adore. We’ve also introduced estate walks led by Eddie Paul (Estate Manager), a long-standing team member, offering guests an intimate look at our gardens. One guest was so moved by the estate's beauty that they were brought to tears.
Our hardworking farm team deserves applause for keeping the estate in its most stunning state. A special thank-you goes to Irma Geritse (Laundry Attendant) for her swift handling of last-minute guest requests.
We would also just like to give a shout-out to the amazing staff at La Residence who continuously ensure customer satisfaction and focus on giving our guests a complete experience and a perfect stay on a daily basis!
Training and development remain central to our mission. The team enjoyed gin tastings, restaurant explorations in Franschhoek, and refreshing coffee training for the night shift staff. Special mention goes to the graduates of our management and leadership course — congratulations on this significant achievement!
Innovation over the past month included Hoon Kim (Deputy General Manager) showing us the skills to make some delicious "kim"chi.
In community outreach, our team packed food parcels and handed out joy-filled hampers to local children, ensuring smiles all around. Jac-Louie Manuel (Guest Relations Officer) and the team’s thoughtful gestures made a meaningful impact in the community.
We are very proud of Cheslin Cornelissen (Executive Chef), who participated in a Tapas competition in Spain and flew the South African and La Residence flag very high, well done Cheslin!
Finally, we eagerly anticipate the opening of the Franschhoek House this Friday. Liz and her team have worked tirelessly, and the results are bound to exceed expectations.
Royal Malewane
As we wrap up another exciting month, we’re delighted to share highlights of our activities and achievements across Malewane and Waterside Lodge. November was filled with vibrant guest experiences, team milestones, and heartwarming community engagements.
At Malewane, we had the pleasure of hosting the Johnson family at Farmstead, where a Margarita-themed drink stop added a playful touch to their celebration. One guest, Carter, humorously earned the nickname “Cartarita” for his love of margaritas. Thanksgiving brought its own flair, with a black-and-gold-themed Bush Dinner featuring pumpkin and pecan pie, adding a classic yet elegant touch to the festivities.
At Waterside, the Reflections Spa provided a special treat for honeymooners, ensuring a relaxing and memorable experience. We also hosted a Golden Pumpkin Dinner for a family birthday, complete with heartfelt singing and dancing, creating lasting memories for all.
Our dedication to innovation continues to shine. At Malewane Lodge's bush dinner site, a newly designed firepit and stylish black-and-gold table settings are transforming guest spaces, while Chef Daniel Marais (Head Chef) at Waterside, and his team are delighting guests with Magnum-inspired ice cream creations. Guests in the royal suites were treated to a personalised espresso martini turn-down service, complete with coffee truffles, a creative touch that earned glowing feedback.
Engagement and collaboration among our teams have also been remarkable. November saw the success of the “Put a Smile on Your Dial” challenge, where Matimba Ngobeni (Room Attendant) from Housekeeping and Ross Gariepy (Professional Field Guide) won complimentary spa massages for their radiant smiles. At Malewane, the departments embraced a culture of personalised service through our Value Month initiative, demonstrating exceptional creativity and teamwork.
The Malewane Housekeeping department was spoiled with some fun-filled teambuilding activities which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The Safari department also spent some time on the court, enjoying a day in the scorching Hoedspruit weather playing some paddel.
The Front Office teams also seized the opportunity to share a delicious meal and finally meet in person and the Finance teams also spent some time together with a day filled with fun activities.
On the training and development front, the Food and Beverage departments spent time on some wine training from Meridian Wines and Hermanuspietersfontein.
We remain deeply committed to social responsibility. This month, we worked with Langutelani Creche to upgrade classrooms, expand vegetable gardens, and level the grounds. Tree planting and donations of stationery to local schools highlighted our ongoing support for the community.
In our lodges, attention to detail continues with touch-ups at Farmstead and the addition of “Every Drop Counts” water conservation cards in guest rooms, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
Finally, we are thrilled to celebrate a new arrival. Congratulations to Stefan Schoeman (General Manager) and Ally Ross (Field Guide) on the birth of their baby girl, Milla Alexandra.
FOUNDATION UPDATE
This month has been a testament to the incredible work our teams do to uplift communities, innovate in conservation, and deliver excellence at every touchpoint. Here's a reflection on the highlights and the meaningful difference we’ve made together.
At the start of the year, our partnership with Wes-Eind set the tone for our commitment to education and community. We began by distributing stationery to all first graders, captured beautifully in the smiles of the children holding their new backpacks. Adding to the excitement, the La Residence team prepared snack packs for a group of young students selected for a karate camp, demonstrating the profound care and support they extend to the local community. Beyond this, we continue to sponsor teachers, sports coaches, and various initiatives that breathe life into the school’s programs.
November also brought celebrations of gratitude and growth. A special milestone was the graduation ceremonies at the Sigagule and Langutelani creches. These heartfelt events saw joyous singing, dancing, and moments of deep appreciation for the work of The Royal Portfolio Foundation. Over 155 gifts were lovingly packed and delivered by Lee-Anne Sonnekus (Conservation and Research Centre Coordinator) and the CRC team, ensuring that every child received toys and essential items. Each child was also presented with a personalised cake crafted by Grace Makhubela (Senior Chef de Partie), a gesture that brought immense joy to the occasion.
At Langutelani, Brenda, the principal, expressed heartfelt thanks through a letter, highlighting the impact our contributions have had on the creche, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Her words of gratitude were extended to everyone at The Royal Portfolio, emphasising that the success of our foundation is only possible through the collective efforts of the entire team.
The CRC continues to set benchmarks in sustainability and education. This month’s talk featured Kyle Walker from the Endangered Wildlife Trust, who shared insights from his research on Martial Eagles, Africa’s largest eagle species. Did you know their wingspan reaches an incredible 2.6 meters, and they primarily feed on monitor lizards, even hunting small antelope like impala? This direct connection with scientific research enriches our guides’ knowledge, enhancing guest experiences and conservation efforts.
Our dedication to conservation was also evident during the landowners’ meeting, hosted at the CRC. With support from The Royal Malewane lodges, the event was impeccably prepared, with teams collaborating on food and service. The event impressed attendees, reinforcing our role as pioneers in the field.
Through it all, our focus remains on making a tangible difference—not just in the hospitality industry but in conservation and the communities around us. As we continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead, we stand proud of the positive impact we create together.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT TRP
Our Careers page is the reference point for all open positions available across The Royal Portfolio group. We accept internal and external applications here, and always, internal applications are given preference.
In order to ensure your application stands out, please apply via the Careers page and let your HOD and property HR Manager know of your desire to develop yourself further.
Feel free to share the site with your industry friends and networks too, in order to help us reach a wider network of exceptional candidates.
You can click here, or scan the QR code to visit the website.
TO BE WELCOMING GENUINE AND WARM
NEW STARTERS
A very warm welcome to the following new, and in some cases, returning, team members across The Royal Portfolio:
TO RECOGNISE, REWARD AND UPLIFT
PROMOTIONS & INTERNAL MOVEMENTS
Congratulations to the below staff for their hard work and for continuing to go above and beyond to ensure that we Give our Guests a Complete Experience and a Perfect Stay!
LONG SERVICE AWARDS - 5, 10, 15, 20 & 25 Years with TRP in December!
Congratulations and thank you to the following staff for their loyalty and hard work over the years:
HJ Esterhuizen (Professional Field Guide @ WS) | 5 Years on the 02nd of December 2024
Masixole Maquno (Farm Worker @ LR) | 5 Years on the 02nd of December 2024
Luta Pienaar (Interior Assistant @ PH) | 10 Years on the 08th of December 2024
Phumeza Maxwele (Chef de Partie @ LR) | 15 Years on the 01st of December 2024
Ryan Jack (Head Field Guide @ ML) | 20 Years on the 01st of December 2024
Wendy Jack (Payroll Administrator @ RM) | 20 Years on the 01st of December 2024
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