Impressions from South Africa

South African winter

2010-05-31T11:24:00.000+02:00

With this year's most anticipated event on our shores, it is important that we highlight a few pointers on having a happy and safe stay in South Africa. There are a couple of factors that you have to take in mind when travelling to South Africa.

It maybe summer in the Northern Hemisphere, however in South Africa we are about to get into our winter months, the world cup will be in winter, so do bring along your winter clothes with. The temperatures are in the range of 16° C (during the day) to 4°C (at night) and peak at 23°C(during the day) -8°C (at night)

For safety reasons it is advisable that you stay in pairs when you go around. most of the venues that will be visited are considered to be safe, however there are a feww pointers you should follow.

• Don’t attract attention to yourself(wearing flashy clothes)
• Keep camera’s and other valuables close to you
• If you are not going on a safari don’t wear safari gear.(it just screams tourist)
• Public drinking is illegal in South Africa and offenders will be arrested

There may be some people out there still wandering if it is safe for them to come to the country or not. If the country was not safe FIFA wouldn't have awarded the Bid to South Africa. There is nothing wrong with fearing the unknown, there will be two options when you make your decision. you can either stay at home *scared* and enjoy the game from the comfort your leaving room. or you can come to the motherland to see the beautiful game, this is a potent combination.

The passion at the stadiums can not be felt on screen, you will have to experience the beautiful people of this country and our preparation for your visit. and remember "Life is for living and not living uptight."

THOBELA

2010-05-07T11:06:00.000+02:00

Thobela, a pedi greeting. I haven't visited this site in a while. I am astonished by all the Football fever and excitement around the event plus all the work around the show that I am working with.

Anyway enough about me, the country that you will be visiting in like 30 days or so is looking forward to your visit and all those people who will be on the Conti programme are in for an African experience like no other. we have joojed things up a bit to meet all the international standards while keeping the local flavour.

This is the most anticipated event of 2010 and a marketers dream or nightmare, almost every second ad. has a soccer theme. It's good if your product is related however it's interesting to see the creativity of certain companies that don't gel with the soccer theme.

Oh, and every event or function has a Soccer theme, by now every one in Africa knows about the tournament and is looking forward to greeting you in your language and allowing you to learn something from their language and culture.

I am looking forward to your visit, I have so much I want to show you.

Soul Searching...thats wher i have been hiding

2010-04-29T07:35:00.000+02:00

I have 4 quotes to describe how i have been doing and where my mind is headed in the next few weeks to come, we (Learnership group) need as much inspiration and motivation as possible. Speaking for myself, I go around thinking i have everything under control, well that's what it seems like on the surface and when you walking around with pride and your head up high.

Failure: Yes, that's my biggest fear right now, that not only will i let down those who have the biggest faith in me, but my country during the world cup as well as myself. People always make perceptions of you from the way you present yourself in a crowd. The moment you don't deliver what is expected of you, you become a failure, a disappointment and the pressure is on. Now you can always blame people for expecting too much from you, but what you need to understand is that there is reason why your head is up high and why people see in you what you don't, why they have the faith in you that you seem to be searching for. "You haven't failed until you quit trying" by Anon. "you on the road to success when you realise that failure is only a detour" by Anon. This is the part where you pick yourself and dust yourself up.

Shyness/ Lack of Confidence: Everyone that knows me or who have been around me will know that I'm extremely shy at first and people tend to interpret that as confidence and pride. But through my time with with the Continental crew (especially Anja) i have realised that the only time you lack confidence and is when you have no clue whats going on, what you need to do and you just lost in some little world of yours. and my shyness is actually some sort of protective element i use to hold myself back and give myself time to scan and analyse the situation and my surrounding before i could break free. with tons of knowledge you gain confidence and break free. "the shell must break before the bird can fly" by Tennyson. And for the next two weeks, its cracking that shell so when its time to represent my country with pride, the Blue Crane (national bird) will be flying high.

Challenge: Being part of this programme has taught me alot, now the educational part I'm still working on, but its the lessons of life that really stick to me. Now being giving an amazing opportunity like the one we have is more then a blessing, getting the year end national tour guide certificate and everything else that has been paid for is fantastic, but what valuable life lessons have you taken in during this time?? I remember being in a taxi on my way to my 3rd assessment *embarrassed face* and i was complaining on the phone to a friend of mine how much work all this is and how tired i am and i kept whining and crying, and she said to me that i am not being greatful. How many people out there would love the chance you have right now? how many sit at home with no education and no work not because they don't want to but because they just don't have the same opportunities as you do?? i need to stop complaining and do what I'm best at. i was not chosen out of the odd 400 because they thought i was pretty, but because i gave to them what they need to touch the souls of our guests during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, I showed them that I'm made of success and can tackle any task given at hand. now this is not say i need to be perfect all the time, but to give whatever i am doing, the best that i have.

For the past two days my boyfriend has complained that I'm forever whining and crying. and i think if i used all that energy into something positive, no challenge will be too big or too hard for me. Not only am i going to make Continental proud, my family, friends, mentor, colleagues, and all the guest, but i am going to make myself proud to be a South African and i will raise my flag up high and feel my heartbeat as the wind blows it side to side. so this quote i dedicate it to everyone "Don't ask for a lighter load, rather ask for a stronger back" by Anon.

Now to end this on a more positive note, i hope you all realise the potential you have in you, wherever you are in the world, what job you may be doing, whatever course you may doing in school, whatever challenges are thrown at you in life:

Question you should be asking is "Is it worth it?" and not "Can it be done?", and for my beloved country, YES IT IS WORTH EVERY PINCH OF SWEAT TO BE THE BEST TOURIST GUIDE THIS COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER!!! Until next time, I'm signing off!

Child's play

2010-04-14T08:33:00.000+02:00

On saturday, Thebe exhibitions and projects was invited to the oliver's house annual easter party and I was fortunate to attend on behalf of Thebe with a couple of the colleaques.

Well Oliver's house is one of the charity's that Thebe supports. they look after orphaned children and disadvantaged families, but on the day we were celebrating the children and boy we had a blast. we had so much fun running around with the kids, playing soccer, easter egg hunt, swinging, pony rides and mini quad bikes

here are some of the pics

Carla and the kids

mzansi fans

Smangaliso coaching our future soccer stars

team thebe

Interested in going to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ ?

2010-04-13T16:18:00.000+02:00

If you are a football fan - or the posts on this blog have made you curious ;-) and you want to go to the FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, then we now have something for you:

Continental AG has launched its interactive online ContiTireKick game on the Internet. The official sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is offering a total of 30 soccer fans from all around the world the chance to experience a match live.

At www.ContiTireKick.com, users registered on Facebook can compete against one another and determine the best "online kickers" and "level designers" until April 30, 2010 without further registration requirements. There are 200 prizes to be won. The most attractive prizes are definitely the 15 pairs of tickets for a group match, quarter-final match or even the final together with a three-day trip to South Africa including flights, accommodation, transfers and an attractive side program.

FREE TICKETS & FINANCIAL LITERACY

2010-04-06T09:58:00.000+02:00

The big guys at the top thought of the small guy at the bottom. you are probably thinking huh? well what happened was VISA which is a world cup sponsor. launched the Visa Ticket Fund, which will distribute free World Cup tickets through a financial literacy road show that is currently staged across South Africa.

Thousands of low income workers in the construction, tourism and hospitality sector will be taught how a debit card can simplify their lives and also allow them a better quality of life. it's actually amazing how a piece of plastic can make your life easier, you don't have to save money under your mattress anymore and you don't have to worry about your salary being taken from you when you missed your bus from the construction site.

The roadshow has a soccer theme and highlights the importance of responsible spending, budgeting and saving. the audience are taught how to apply for and use a debit card. The story is quite relevant and humorous, making it easier for the folk to understand. and on top of this they also get to get tickets to some of the matches.

The initiative helps the low income guys to manage their finances better, as most were employed in the construction of the stadiums and it will take a while for them to get other jobs, however if they get the concept of saving and budgeting they can survive till then.

The Local Organising Committee also has a ticket fund program, the FIFA Ticket Fund, the fund will be giving away 120 000 free World Cup tickets as incentives to South Africans involved in different programs that encourages learning, protects the environment, combat HIV/Aids and encourages sport and a healthy lifestyle.

The 120 000 free tickets also include over 50 000 tickets allocated for construction workers who worked on building the World Cup stadiums.

They can also be part of the big game instead of just being the help and being sidelined when the big spenders land.

2010-03-29T11:34:00.000+02:00

Yes Yes i know i have been on the down low lately but i have been doing my own research and hoping that you will enjoy what i have in store for you.

But its Tuesday again and this week i have two ladies whom i interviewed, Faith Dube and Joana Masuku. I have attached pictures of them with friends as we could not get these two ladies to pose individual, they are HOT and POPULAR like that.

First up is Miss Shy Thang_Fiathycylces

Thola: In no less then 15 words, could you describe a typical day to us?
Faith: Normally I'm in the office,going to meetings taking minutes or going to workshops and presentations.

Thola: In two sentences describe what the program has done for you for or changed your life?
Faith: I've learnt a lot from it,got so much experience which I can't trade even for the world and got to see how life is out there! I even slept in more than one glamorous Hotel!!!(something I've never done before)

Thola: Seems like you living my dream life, i will get there haha. So lets talk Proudly South African, what word are you planning on teaching your guests?
Faith: a word i can teach them is Injabulo simply meaning happiness and that's what I feel when i think about the world cup.

Thola: Tell us where your ideal destination in South Africa and why?
Faith: I still think Johannesburg(City of gold) rocks!! We might not have beaches and so fourth but no place is more vibe,fun, quiet at times like Jozi! This city caters for every type of person (well except for the sea lovers)!! Love it still

Thola: Spoken like a true joBurger, Are there any South African meals you would want your guests to try out?
Faith: yes Iskobho or inqina nopelepele and pap!!

yummy, that's a cow/sheep/goats head and foot with chili spice and Mellie maize. Trust me, it is divine. and just to add onto that, this meal in the olden days was only eaten by men, but of course in the 21st century, we women can enjoy it too.

Next up is the next PA to the president- Joana Masuku a.k.a Jojo

You all remember Zinhle (pink top)? Faith is in the blue top and our next star is in the green top- JOJO!

Thola: tell us about your day Jojo?
Jojo: Very busy make bookings, do costing, capturing of statements, and set up boardrooms answering calls

Thola: would you shortly describe in two sentences what the program has done for you for or changed your life?
Jojo: The program has done a lot for me it has given me a qualification and has thought me professionalism I have learnt a lot which I did not know it has done a lot I have even lost count…

Thola: what word are you planning on teaching your guests?
Jojo: Ayoba which means cool…

Thola: Funny cause i taught them the same word, goes to show how popular "AYOBA" is. Moving along, lets talk favourite destination and why?
Jojo: Mpumalanga, because of they're beautiful natural sites such as Sodwala Cave, Kruger National park and it offers a different scenic view compared to the Jo burg life we are used to.

OK so the one lady is the city kinda girl and the other is more nature like, See people South Africa caters for all kinds. We know from the Conti team that Europeans love their food, any meal you would like them to try out?
Jojo: I would say I stamp and moqghodu (tripe)

I'm an African and love my food too and yes this also is divine. Quick story: did a Soweto tour with one of our trainers Phineas and we had two Australian ladies on board, we too them to one of the restaurants in Soweto which served traditional food and i was so surprised that tripe was not new to them, the one lady said she didn't like it because her dad would forcefully feed it down her throat. moral of the story: Tripe is not new to all non South Africans, its the way we prepare it and the significance of it.

Hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as i enjoyed conducting it.

Untill next time...im signing off

Safe South Africa

2010-03-26T10:30:00.000+02:00

"South Africa is found to be a safer tourist destination for British tourists than Spain, Thailand or even Germany," according to a report released by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office this week.

A lot of potential football fans were concerned about their safety in Sunny South Africa, during the upcoming FIFA 2010 World Cup, but I feel the report might just ease their fear as a study was done on the issue, so ya, you don't have to get the stab proof vests supplied by a certain British company.

Just get your tickets and come enjoy the beuatiful game, so you can also say I was there. When hisory was made, with the first FIFA World Cup held on African soil.

HOW READY ARE YOU FOR SOUTH AFRICA??

2010-03-25T12:59:00.000+02:00

South African Handmade Collection continued

2010-03-18T09:40:00.000+02:00

Guys I feel I have to show you these again as you won't see them in any brochure, beautiful isn't it? I can't wait for the show to see the new pieces.

Team members part 2

2010-03-16T16:25:00.000+02:00

Today I will introduce you guys to Lindelwa Bolilitye, which means waited for and you guys have been waiting to see who else is on the team. at a first glance she comes across as shy, however if you actually take time and talk to her you will notice she has more to say than all the other loud mouths.

She also took time out to answer some of my questions, without any further adue it went something like this:

NM: How have you contributed in preparation of the FIFA World Cup?

LB: Well I went through a course for being an ambassador of the country, that was a tour guiding course and any body who may have questions about the country can ask me.

NM: What experience do you think the world will fly back with after being on the African soil with the sounds of the vuvuzela’s on the sports fields?

LB: A vibey one if I may say and all that noise, I am sure they will never forget the experience coz it’s a true ear breaker different from the rest.

NM: Describe your day in 15 words.

LB: Here and there is the least I can say, if I continue it will end up being a novel

1 thing I forgot to tell you is that this lady loves education, which is why she takes time out to teach underprevileged kids to read and write in her spare time.

huh!! isn't that just cute

Media Mondays Plus

2010-03-15T23:03:00.000+02:00

In the past week, the vuvuzela took the spotlight again, but not for its banning tough, entrepreneurs from Cape Town have come up with what they call the vuvu earplug. The ear plug reduces noise by 80 decibels, I am certain the guys that were pushing for the banning of the loud horn will be getting themselves a pair.It is actually a good idea as most of the international fans might be disturbed by the noise from the vuvuzela.

Bafana Bafana has been taken to “the cradle of world football” which is Brazil according to the national coach, Carlos Pareira. They will be training at Brazil’s national team training centre in Teresopolis. Let’s hope they learn a thing or three in order to make it to the semi-finals.

The Local organizing committee has started training the 18 000 volunteers for the coming 2010 FIFA world cup, they will be trained in groups of between 900 and 2700, the training started the previous weekend.

South Africa has dropped to fourth place in the Gold supplies ranking, am certain we will be back at number 1 spot, just a minor setback.

Football Friday AGAIN!!!!!!!!

2010-03-12T15:30:00.000+02:00

Fabulous introduction to my super model, Slindile Ndebele,hope now you can all see that South Africa is not just about the BIG5 and Mr Nelson Mandela and the table mountain, but about beautiful women as well. Finally i get to show off and show you how snazzy we South Africans look on a Friday to work. Slindile a.k.a slee is my newly discovered twin lol. Wonderful woman who works a travel consultant at Chanti Travel. And sorry guys she is taken oops lol.

Hope you have an ayoba weekend!!

Enjoy South Africa's beauty

Until next time...im signing off

The South African Handmade Collection

2010-03-10T15:32:00.000+02:00

Wednesdays are about beauty, we will be posting beautiful parts of our country and of ourselves in pictures. I had the opportunity to help out with the South African Handmade Collection.(actually I was packing their brouchers) but anyway I fell in love with the work plus it's handmade and extremely beautiful.

So feast your eyes, the pieces that are coming up have all been handmade by South Africans.

Team Members Part 1: Isimangaliso

2010-03-09T10:06:00.000+02:00

For the sake of abantwana(the children), Ms Kasi and I will be introducing you to some of our colleagues on a weekly basis, my first choice was Smangaliso Mlambo, an inspiring team member and potential business partner, however that's a story for another day.

Smanga as he is affectionately known took some time out of his 'hectic' schedule and answered some of my questions. hope you enjoy. (this whole journalism thing might work, I think I missed my calling)

NM: What experience do you think the world will fly back with, after being on the African soil with the sounds of the vuvuzela’s on the sports fields?

SM: Well, Africa is called the mother land and soccer is called the beautiful game, this a combination of love and passion. Everyone coming to Africa will fill at home and at the same time experience the passion with style of our African fans *(very colorful) with vuvuzela blowing non-stop and singing shosholoza .

NM: How have you contributed in preparation of the FIFA 2010 World Cup?

SM: Since 23 July 2009 till now, I have contributed 90% of my time learning more about south Africa and visiting sites to ensure that I give good information to tourist that will be visiting our country during the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

NM: Describe your day in 15 words.

SM: The most important thing in every day of my life is to have fun and be happy in everything I do.*simple man* he sighs before he bursts into laughter.

you are probably tired of reading below is a picture of Smangaliso and the team he is working with from Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group, they were working on the meetings Africa portfolio and they put on a brilliant event.

smanga is the guy on the right with the marker in his hand, with the pink africa pin on his chest. I will just add another pic for those who can't see him properly.

MEDIA MONDAY!

2010-03-08T15:39:00.000+02:00

LETS SHARE THE GOOD NEWS PEOPLE! (^^,)

now i don't mean to brag about this FIFA 2010 fever i have and I'm actually hoping EVERYBODY HAS IT cause boy it feels so good, the doctor recommended i told EVERYBODY to get their tickets as in yesterday! sad news is that this is only for South Africans. According to Mr Danny Jordan (quoted from the SA good News) "You have to take into account that football fans in South Africa are working class people of a low income...) Now this means you will be hearing more vuvuzela's being blown and actually get to experience the soccer spirit we here in Africa have! oh and just to brag a little more,over 2.2 million tickets for the FIFA World Cup have been sold!!! Can i please hear you all say : AYOOOOBAAAAAA!!!!!!

Oh boy but do i have more great news to yell you: ACSA( Airport Company south Africa) have announced plans for an extra 120 000 flights all over the world. Now with exactly 94 days and counting till kick off, you have another chance to get yourself a winning air ticket to come and experience the African soil! I will keep you posted on any upcoming developments, all you have to do is keep glued onto the site!

One more thing, you do know than Continental has its own facebook page, i invite you all to join in, become a fan and lets all be part of the Conti- SA experience.

Until next time...I'm signing off!

Media Mondays

2010-03-08T14:30:00.000+02:00

For the sake of all those beautiful people who don't have access to South African Newspapers and might be interested in what's going on in the country will get a weekly summary of stories making headlines in South Africa from the lovely miss Kasi and myself.

For the first edition we will take a look at what made the headlines in the past week.

The past week, South Africans were celebrating and counting down the 100 days left before the opening match at soccer city in Johannesburg Gauteng, (which I will be attending of course) the LOC(Local Organising Committee) organised tours to all the stadiums for the various media houses from across the world.

The journos had a chance to visit the different stadiums and on the 100th day, most of them were impressed but there is one or two stadiums that are still not complete, but the public was advised not to panic as the pitches will be ready in time for the world cup.

Apart from the soccer frenzy, the nominees for the South African Music Awards were announced and the public can start voting, these are the Grammy equivalent in South Africa.

Our charming President was visiting the Queen in England.

FunFact Fridays

2010-03-05T15:42:00.000+02:00

Happy Friday!!

Hope you all looking forward to the weekend. Its not just Random Friday where you allowed to do anything random and=d get away with it, its Football Friday folks. Hope you all wearing your Soccer jerseys and showing that pride and support to your home team. I still have to purchase mine, but in spirit, I'm with South Africa.

Before i give you 5 fun facts to keep you going this weekend, earlier this week i told you that the stadiums which will host the soccer games during the 2010 FIFA World Cup will are ready and just need minor touches? I'm proud to say that yesterday Soccer City in Johannesburg (opening and closing matches will Be played here) was handed over to the City of Johannesburg and declared ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup!!!!! Now that's AYOBA!! (AYOBA- another way to say cool, fabulous, great, superb etc)

Now the opening match is between South Africa and Mexico: Did you know that Mexico was the 1st country to have hosted two World Cup?

I'm hoping we all know that soccer is the most popular sport in the World?

Now did you know that West Germany (currently Germany) was the 1st team from Europe to win the FIFA World Cup in 1954?

Players run as many as 6 or 7 miles during the course of the game?

Last but definitely not least, the proper name for "soccer" is "association football"?

That's it from me...until next time
Have an AYOBA weekend!!!

2010-03-03T15:28:00.000+02:00

As part of the new programme for the blog, we have decided to include all the other learners from the Conti-project and hear how they doing and actually feel about the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup, so we will feature them on a weekly basis every Tuesday.

first up from my side is the youngest student from the group, Zinlhe Manana

Thola: Describe your day in 15 words
Zinhle: My day is incredibly exciting,I am facing new challenging tasks on a daily basis

Thola: In two sentences describe what the program has done for you for or changed your life?
Zinlhe: It has provided me with a life time learning opportunity and gave me the chance to travel and know my Province. This program has given me the key to success ,it is now all up to me to go out to the world and shine.

Thola: Now lets talk International guests for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,as a tourist guide, What word are you planning on teaching your guests?
Zinlhe: Sawubona- Meaning hi in isiZulu.IsiZulu is one of the most spoken languages in South Africa.

Thola: Where is your ideal destination in South Africa and why?
Zinlhe: Cape Town because of table mountain ,flora and fauna as well as the endless natural landscapes.

Thola: Any South African meals you would want your guests to try out?
Zinlhe: Cow tribe with dumb lings, it is a delicious dish I believe that the guests would enjoy it.

Due to technical errors at work, pictures will follow tomorrow abd you can take a look at our youngest star!

Untill next time...im signing off
Thola

MEGA COUNTDOWN TO KICK OFF

2010-03-03T08:19:00.000+02:00

LADUUUUMAAAA!!!!!!!

Now that's what we all looking forward to hearing in exactly 99days.In Durban yesterday, school children geared up in their soccer Jerseys and ditched their school uniform and danced the streets in the spirit of soccer! In all other parts of the country, Vuvuzella's were blown, the national anthem was sung as well as flying the South African flag with great pride.

Another initiative to get people ready for the soccer is Football Fridays. On Fridays, does not matter for which company you work for, what your job entitles, you can wear the soccer jersey to work on Fridays with a pair of jeans. Most offices and stores, malls are all in the spirit and have put up the national flag. In our offices we have the different flags of the countries that will be playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup put up on display everywhere with big stuffed up soccer balls.

South Africa is so ready for the World cup and all 10 Host stadiums, the heavy constructions are almost done just minor touches on the pitch and surrounding grounds.We have spent about R33 billion on into preparations for the tournament. soccer City the host stadium for opening and closing matches should be handed over within the next month.

THE COUNTDOWN IS OFFICIALLY ON!!!!

Until next time...I'm signing off

Thola

Fame

2010-02-26T10:20:00.000+02:00

Ok, there is something I have to share, I think I am getting fameolistic(my own word for feeling famous), on Saturday when I was helping out at one of the company's function a lot of friendly people were greeting me with my name and I thought, "ok do all these people read my blog?" like it was the first time I came across this people. do you know what this means I am famous people know my name and ask me how I am. My friend Phatu likes saying, mokgotsi we have arrived, at that point I felt my writing has got me to reach all this charming people and on some level I have arrived.

So when the next friendly waiter came by, he said YEBO (means yes in zulu, generally used as a greeting substitute hello) and it just hit me that all those people were just greeting me and me and my insane vanity I thought they were saying Neo, sounds the same. Now all my fantasies of signing autographs and wearing my shades in doors were shattered.

I wanted to share this on Sunday but I was still contemplating the thought of fame and I realised I am a tourist guide and not an actor, singer or politician and if I wanted to be famous I should audition for a soapie or one of those pop star thingis.
I am looking forward to a laid back weekend, might drop by at the IFS(International Fashion Sale) and take advantage of a bargain or two.

shades in the dark

The Job of getting to work

2010-02-23T08:01:00.000+02:00

Guys I love working in events, but getting to and from work is not fun. I used to laugh at the other students when they shared stories about having to wake up at 04h00 in order to get to class by 08h00, at that point I was staying a stone throw away from Energy Guides. so I just woke up around 06h30.

Now I find myself waking up at 5h00 just to be in at 08h30, I leave my house at 06h00 to catch a taxi to town, when I get to town I am in a queue for about 45 minutes to an hour. from there I will be in traffic for another 40 minutes by the time I get to work, I am already tired from my journey. getting to work is a job on its own, and getting back home is like the overtime you don't want to take. I only manage to get home around 19h45 if I am lucky.

well I use the taxi option because it's cheaper, I tried out the bus and it was a little out of my price range, but when I have driving lessons in the morning, I catch a bus to Randburg then I drive the training truck to work.

One of my colleagues, ms. Laureen Venter, decided to help me out by picking me up on Tuesday mornings. and I was actually amazed at how quick we get to work , it takes about 25 minutes by car to get to work. Imagine and I take 2h30 by public transport, but anyway the day I run into funds to secure a car I can also take 25 minutes to get to work.

must get back to work see ya.

NEO THE MACHINE

2010-02-19T14:58:00.000+02:00

Back in my temporarily out of work (positive way of saying unemployed) days, I used to run around with my significant other to all sorts of exhibitions and expos and what not. I always
looked forward to the goodie bags. I always thought they were packed by machines the way everything was so in place and decent.

Well I have got news for you those cute envelopes and sticker thingies with your name on were actually done by humans, probably the temp or some of the extra staff that was hired to help in this peak season.

All the permanent staff are ticking their to do list which is longer than the Nile and with the help of motivated young people like myself and other t.o.w students taking over the small tasks like pasting a sticker on an envelope, so the recipient can feel that it was done by a robot in their honour.

I enjoy my time here, I now see that the event sector is not just glitz and glamour and that a whole lot of work goes into putting it together the glitz and glam only comes through if you are on the guest list , that reminds me I must get back to work to finalise the guest list for Monday's gig.

Heita'da, my name is Tholakele Kasi

2010-02-11T18:32:00.000+02:00

(Comment: This is Thola's first post which was somehow reposted by the blogging-software - so don't be surprised that it does not fit into order of the other posts)
I heard about the programm through a family friend. Coming to the interviews is what killed my excitement; being one of the youngest and fresh from high school in front of a panel of judges amongst my competitors was a very big challenge for me.

I applied because I was desperately looking for a job, I had just moved out my father’s lavish house and his budget thus I had to get me some cash. I did not really have any expectations except to tour and work for a German sponsor during the 2010 World cup.

I have learnt more than anything to tolerate people whether you like them or not. Working everyday closely with a small group like our continental-group can really get on one’s nerves. Just got to always remember the reason you are part of this group and strive for your goals.

OMG, my day ever since the programme began consists of lack of sleep (late nights and early morning to avoid traffic), that means waking up at 4h30am and sleeping at about 23h30 pm. If we are not in class working on how to be the perfect tourist guide, we out on the field applying all those skills. On the weekends I am usually with friends out somewhere or at home catching up on sleep.

Honestly speaking I only started watching soccer during the ConFed Cup only because they were hosted my by home country, though I use to watch it at the stadium with my dad during the good ‘ol days I was only there for the hype created by the fans.

20th anniversary

2010-02-11T12:33:00.000+02:00

Ja, you know it's true when they say time goes by fast, today is actually the 20th anniversary of the day that our former president Nelson Mandela was released from prison on 11 February 1990 after spending 27 years for his contribution in the fight for freedom in South Africa . Last night I saw the media frenzy that was caused by this event, everyone trying to get the exclusive feed for their channel or newspaper.

I still feel that Nelson Mandela is South Africa's best export brand. as he is synonymous with peace, hope and respect. He is one of the most amazing human beings to walk this earth. today he is on the cover of most of the local newspapers and a whole lot of activity is taking place in commemoration of this historic day.

most of the t.v channels have also planned to air footage from the day as well as some latest info on the man and the whole saga behind it, the beautiful Winnie Madikizela-Mandela took a symbolic walk for Mandela at the prison gates this morning. and of course the ANC has a lot of other activities planned, on one of them the President Mr. Jacob Zuma is supposed to highlight on the importance of this day for South Africans and if South Africa lived up to expectations.

Almost every radio station I tune to has something on the story, this are just one of those days my pride for my country is elevated, if I wasn't working I'd probably be at one of the events but hey some body's gotta pay the bills so ya till next time.

"It was a day that promised the beginning of indignity" -former archbishop Desmond Tutu

meet and greet

2010-02-09T15:05:00.000+02:00

The past weekend I had another interesting weekend, my aunt asked me to accompany her to the airport to pick up a friend, so I tagged along and got a chance to see the different parking bays.(it took forever to get a spot) so eventually we find parking and head into the arrival hall. were we waited for Princess who insists that the name is only applicable on weekdays and she'd rather be called Phatu.

But before miss madam could join us we got a chance to walk the grounds and every second billboard or digital ad, has a 2010 soccer world cup influence to it, my cousin and I got to play table soccer at the MTN cubicle(for free papa) so ya we took advantage plus I have got the pic to prove that.

Honestly, I must say that all the revamps and upgrades at the airport are looking good and the country is becoming ready for all the soccer (football) fans that will be on our shores shortly.

waiting in the arrival hall I remembered a few pointers from Energy Guides on meet and greets,

don't stand in the crowd
stand were your guests can see you
hold the name board up (she said we are making her shy by giving her the royal treatment)

So after Princess joined us we headed back to Pretoria and I gave a short tour of Pretoria, it felt good to get some practise and they were quite impressed, showed off Pretoria from an angle they have never viewed it from, and at that point it was easier to summarise the city tour.

Coming back to Johannesburg on Monday morning was equally interesting, I actually used the train, there are three different trains to choose from, metro rail(normal carriage), business express plus (better carriage and newspaper) business express(best carriage newspaper and coffee) so on my budget i took the better train and you are not squashed, we all sat properly I even got to read my book.(BE INSPIRED) must read I will tell you about it next time

free goal

1st week in a REAL BIG office

2010-02-05T23:25:00.000+02:00

New Business Development this is Tholakele speaking how can i help you?

You probably wondering why im not greeting you in one of our official languages like i always do, i have gotten so use to saying those lines at work its scary. I twang and roll my tongue, the person on the other line will always ask "who am i speaking to?" haha i love it.

Oh my what a long week this has been. With trying to fit in at work with all these big machines, huge men in power suites and extremely ambitious women,some whom i work closely with, big offices with just about everyone who has their own personal assistant, its scary. Oh my not forgetting the office lingo with their big words and acronyms, i sit there at my desk and im thinking..."cant they use simple english?"

haha ohk maybe im exgeratting just a little bit. The company that i work for has the most friendliest smiles and curious faces one has ever seen. I mean we were welcomed with breakfast on our first day, and im talking, fruit salad, yoghurt, fresh muffins, juice or coffe if you wish. The fisrt day went pretty well with the usual intro to the big guys and a tour around the building and ofcourse lunch,wow talk about a welcome.

Anyway i was sent the Sales Department, more like the New Business Development department and met my mentor Kim Parker who is the Regional Sales Manager, and boy is she on point.i love how organised she is, my computer and landline was gettng ready and i had my schedule waiting for me already. Had tons of filling to do, meetings to attend and business courses to participate in, i aint complaining.

Im getting use to strouting in heels all day and the big people with their big toys around the office, but getting to work is no joke. Neo my friend i used the taxi on the first day only and i was late having experienced a similar situation to yours with the taxi marshals soi switched to using the bus, i get to catch up on some sleep in the morning and i get to work early, so hows about you join me buddy?

i wont lie but the department i work in is crazy, the work gets so much, i forget i have to eat, i guess come 2010 FIFA World Cup i will be use to working myself to the bone. Im always typing i can now type without cutting my words like i would texting an sms hahaha. I do miss the rest of the crew from energy guides and even though im with '''Nomusa Ngubane i hardly see her. Its not just because we work in different departments but i have alot to do.

I would love to blogg all night but my mentor has me writting a test on Monday so i have to study the companys profile and major clients. I told you she was on point!

until next time...im signing offv

So istarted

Magalies experience

2010-02-04T16:04:00.000+02:00

Sanibonani

So finally i got a chance to settle in at home aswell as in the workplace.The week we spent in the mountains was an experience we all had been looking forward to. i will tell you my personal experience on every single day:

wednesday- Soweto: This is where i was born and spent a minute part of my life. The tour went very well, but i personally think the guides who come from soweto had agreat advantage to excell on their commentary because they could make their commentary a bit personal and add tell stories that can relate to the sites visted. The one fabulous thing about being a tour guide and visiting the same sites over and over again is that you actually learn new things evertime you go there.

Lunch at wandies was devine, reminded me of my moms cooking... oh how much i missed home. Wandies is one of the most famous restaurants in soweto, so when ever you come to South africa and visit Soweto, do go to Wandies, i promise your tummy will not regret what you eat. Daniel, one of our leaders from Germany, got to try wandies famous "mala Mogodu" (tripe) and if he said it was delicious, i suggest you make space in your tummy to stomach that. The rest of the tour went a bit sour as we had to change our driver, he wasnt feeling to well. the our went on and we visited the rest of the sites such as Soccer City ( biggest stadium in gauteng), apartheid museum and ellis park.

Back to Magalies, we had our 1st debrief from what i like to call them, "The Big Bosses". ask any of the learners but boy are we on point, just a few technical hiccups, but nothing the team from energy guides cannot perfect.

thursday-Pretoria: This is not only one fo the country's capital city but also the city of Jacarandas. Israel Malindi took us into the city of pretoria and i am defintly his biggest fan hahaha actually its a toss up between him and Lucky pitso, now those are guides to be recgond with. i kinda fell asleep on our way ther but as soon as i heard a few of the girls taking very deep breathes and screaming, i woke up to see some of our rugby boys running around loftus stadium without their tops on...Hmmm!!! Moving right along ladies.

after going to sammy marks museum we headed over to the Voortrekker monument, on the hills somewhere, we had this amaizing view of Pretoria, we could see the Union Buildings, Unisa (university of South africa), loftus Stadium and so many other great buildings. we had lunch at Moyo's restaurant, treated as if i really were the queen of africa, boy can africans cook. *check out the video on the blogg shot at moyo's*. Drove back to magalies and it was the debrief, a few pointers here and there and then Dinner. oh than one lady whom i like to call our "miss madam" (thats what Neo calls my little sister) , Anja gave us a few tips on table etiqutte- thank you "miss madam" :-)

Friday- Surroundings: The day i lost my "Vooma" (natural high). Ok i will tell you about that but not today,. Just know that all didnt go well with my commentary from the Rhino and Lion park to somewhere along the dusty roads of mogale city to Lanseria international airport. Percy- you forgiving, we have learnt to understand your different personality and leadership skills, and do tell me why you not a Nature guide? ask him anything about any animal or plant and he knows it- Good boy! and Neo my buddy 'o pal- steal my shine again and our frienship over ;-)

Apart from all the tours we did, we played vollyball (I broke my 1st nail and i was not happy, but that did not stop a big girl like me from playing with the big boys), we swam, had braai's abd played pool.

Thola's favourite day- ADVANCE DRVING!!!!
Again i broke two more nails holding on for dear life, while Wille (say Villi) was spining that car OOWEEE!!!!! i realy dont have many words but just to scream hahahah. Thank you Gerotek and Continental AG. oh and i got drive a 4x4 off road and my biggest fan Rebbeca, please blogg the video because nobody will belive me hahaha.

the week ended on a sad note when we had to say our goodbyes.

Patrik, the really BIGG BOSS could not be there with us but do know i personally dedicate the week to you! Cant wait to see you in May BIGG GUY!

until next time..im signing off!!!

1st Day in the workplace

2010-02-01T14:48:00.000+02:00

Today is my first day in the workplace, I have been placed at Thebe exhibitions and projects group. Since most of the guiding positions were already filled I opted for the events sector and so far I am not complaining. I now see all the planning and planning that goes into hosting a succesful event.

My mentor is Mrs. Sonja Walls, who is the operations manger for Decorex(the division in which I am placed) I think we are going to have a productive working relationship I have been learning about the different stages of the event and it feels good helping out.

Well my journey here wasn't as calm, my bus from my place was on time but when I got to Randburg I struggled to get the right taxi, every one of the taxi marshals sends you to a different lane only to be sent to another and another and finally when I got to one that was willing to take me in he took the opposite direction. so I had to get out and start searching again eventually I managed to get to the office just before 09h00.

I was a little nervous but now I am feeling a little settled. I wonder how the learners are feeling about their first day in the work place. I am looking forward to the next 4 months.

bye for now

On tour with the BIG BOSSES!

2010-01-27T09:24:00.000+02:00

Good morning to you all.

Wow,so the past week has been hecticaly busy. With all the assesments, preparation for our sponsors visit and planning outfits and speechI unfortunatly did not get the opportunity to be assed so i will have to wait for about a month to be assesd and i wil then qualify to be a tourist guide. i would firstly like to say a few thank yous before i tell you more about our visit with the big bosses to the mountains of magaliesberg. energy guides and the facilitators mr fred pearce, ms inna pretorious russouw nd tersia muller for the patience, love and dedication to groom us to be the best in the guiding field. to our mama,mrs erica kempken who has potrayed al elements and ingredients of a woman with a big heart. last but not least, continental tyres,the team that changed our lives forever and have brightend our futures,we promise to make you proud during the world cup. last night we arrived at magaliesberg to meet the big bosses and like always, we were recieved in style with cute branded coffee mugs with chocolates inside. we met the rest of of the team from europe and were briefed on grand expectations for the 2010 fifa world cup, i must say i am literaly counting down the days til the 1st whistle is blown and the vuvuzelas excites the crowd. after dinner, we settled in our rooms aswel as taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of south africa,you just gotta love this country. today is a tour around soweto and if you keeping loggin on to this website,you can catch my blogg much later.so much to talk about and such little time. until next time...im signing off thola

Energy Guides

2010-01-19T14:08:00.000+02:00

Before the 31st of May 2009, I have never heard of Energy Guides. Today I am proud to be associated with this college. Because today I was declared competent as a tourist guide by one of the best guides in the industry, Mr. Fred Pearce. Ja you read right I PASSSED.

I am now a proud ambassador of South Africa,(not the diplomatic type though) I will be getting my badge in a couple of weeks and I will be able to show off my country and more specifically the Gauteng province to adoring tourists from all over the globe.

I found myself guiding my cousin around the other day, it felt so good. the whole concept of knowing about the extra bits that makes our country different from the rest of the world, but we will get into that in another blog, for now I am just happy that I am competent after weeks of stressing and preparation.

But I must let you in on a little secret *if it wasn't for the proffesionalism and unlimited support I got from all the facilitators I would have taken longer to get my qualification.*

Now for the thanks. . .

1. Continental AG for offering this brilliant opportunity

2. Energy Guides for having such brilliant facilitators and modules

3. My colleagues for helping me in the preparation of my portfolio

4. My Baby for putting up with the long nights and the reprints

Oh and thank you for reading my blog.

First Aid training

2010-01-18T11:05:00.000+02:00

Now last year before schools went on holidays, The group did a First aid course to get us all geared up for the world cup preparation. It was so much fun and interesting as we practised mouth-to-mouth/CPR and how to help a bleeding person and so forth.

Working on a dummy is a whole lot different from doing the actual first Aid performance on a living person. So I thought I can share with you my experience shortly after the course.

So I'm walking down the streets of Soweto on my way home. I see a group of people Surrounding an old man and as I approached the group, this man is lying on the floor, bleeding and very drowsy.This man happens to be in his late 60s and had just been bumped by a van and apparently flew about half a metre high and landed flat on his back. So I offer my help and immediately called the emergency number and I am instructed to just support the bleeding and keep him still until the ambulance arrives. I do that, and bear in mind that I look extremely young and surrounded by older people who most probably know better than I do. So I tell the people not to move this man as I kept re assuring him and the ambulance is delayed, but is definitely on its way. next thing the mob gets angry and decides to pick this man up and put him in the van sitting up straight knowing very well this man could have a broken spine. As the van drove away the ambulance came and all i wanted to do is cry. I was so sad but I got over it,at least I tried. It was better than walking away with all the knowledge I gained during the course. Once again, thank you to the sponsors.

I have attached pictures of the course and hope you too will not walk away from a life saving moment.

Until next time...I'm signing off!

Thola!

KHAYALAMI (MY HOME)

2010-01-18T08:08:00.000+02:00

I had the most exhausting weekend, moving houses is not as fun as it looks on tv. till now the major moves that I did was going back to the boarding school with two large bags. The past weeks we've been collecting boxes from retail stores and finally filled them up with most of our stuff. It took us 3 loads in the clio and 1 truck load to get everything to our new home.

When we got to our new place, the maintenance guys were still busy checking for faults and cleaning the place. You know you are in good hands when you find people doing their best to see you settled in. The new apartment is on the ground floor, we have a cute garden that my baby just loves.

As we finished packing most of the boxes and our place started looking normal, our friends rocked up, they wanted to view the new place. and they also liked it as they were back the following morning again. their complain though was that it is no longer close to the clubs in Melville, but that's how we like it.

I am glad to have moved to my new place, now the next move will have to be my own place now I must start hustling.

first for 2010

2010-01-17T18:50:00.000+02:00

Dumelang!!
thats a greeting in one of our 11 official languages yet to be experienced by the world on their long awaited visit to south africa during the 2010 fifa world cup. this year sure has started off with a big bang for me. we back at school and that only means more work, more training tours in preparation for the 2010 fifa world cup. last week we toured 2 different cities in the province,joburg and pretoria aswel as one of the most famous townships in the province,soweto. we had so much and learnd new things everytime you visit the same place. you know the phrase- practise makes perfect?? yep thats exactly how you become a superb tourist guide in any country. with all the touring, a few of our fellow classmates had to test for their drivers license and im happy to say i to testd and is officialy a legal driver on the roads,all thanx to our sponsor. 2010 has finally arrived and boy can we not sleep,the excitement to see what each new day wil bring is beyond and ofcourse the countdown to the 2010 fifa world cup brings so much joy into our lives, lives that will never be the same again after it has al ended. but thats ohk, because nobody can ever take away yesterday. im enjoying blogging again so i cant wait to write again. until then- happy 2010! thola.

THE AFFAIR

2010-01-04T14:02:00.000+02:00

The affair

On the 31st I had an argument with my better half because I have been to Pretoria everyday since 27th and hints of a suspected infidelity were dropped and the fact that I had already spend over R200 on transport to Pretoria and I was still planning to go again.

The reason I was doing Pretoria yet again, I had to shave my head, I have been going to the same barber for the past 4 years he is the only guy that touches my head, my baby thinks I am being silly by travelling all this way for a hair cut.

I also had to collect a pair of sandals I had ordered from this shoemaker I discovered in the most dingiest part of Pretoria, known as marabastad, now this is were you find everything from muti to fine threads, you can negotiate the price on anything in the many Indian owned stores. If you are looking for a bargain this is the place to go hunting.
\
I waited for the guy to put on the last stitches on the sandals. From there I had to go and meet up with swanky a friend of mine who was going to join me at the new year’s eve celebration party. When my shoes were ready I headed to Sunnyside (suburb of Pretoria) for my haircut only to find the hair salon packed and a queue of about 8 people waiting for my barber, at that moment I decided to find another salon were I could be cut without waiting forever because I still had to return to Jo’burg.

This is one decision I have come to regret, from the moment I sat on the chair I felt like I was cheating. Since this guy didn’t understand the contours of my big head, he cut a piece of my ear. At that point I wanted to get out of the seat and go wait in the queue for Mohamed to be done with all the people in the queue. When he was done I felt like I was shaved by my grandmother with a pair of scissors, like she used to when I was younger.

Now I must wait a full month for my hair to grow so Mohamed doesn’t see the scar, I feel real bad for going to someone else.

TO LET

2010-01-04T13:54:00.000+02:00

After showing my place off to numerous strangers, I finally found one to take over my lease, she looks stable and she is not a student, so she is not going to mess the place up. she got the concept of bachelor unit, the fisrt lady said the place was too small, the third guy said it was too high, and then every third one from there wants to negotiate the price(signs that they won’t pay the rent on time)

My best was one of the ladies who asked how many bedrooms there were and the ad clearly states Bachelor, after she walked the apartment she says isn’t it it too small for R3000? So I explain this is the best price for a bachelor unit in Auckland Park with free water and lights, as I walk her out she suggests that she is willing to pay half the price because the place is not that big.

The silly thing about our apartment is that the balcony is bigger than the apartment, but it’s great for hosting braais and parties. I managed to find someone to takeover my lease, before I even found a place for myself.

However there is this complex I have been eyeing for a while not too far from Energy Guides, so I will only catch 1 taxi to class, and guess what? there is a unit available but can only be occupied mid Jan. so I had to convince my tenant to move in during the month as well due to maintenance and upgrading of the unit.

It feels good, to know that I will be starting the new year in a new place

My Christmas

2009-12-31T14:18:00.000+02:00

I was woken up by my friend Itu, who was complaining that the sun wasn’t dancing, (it is urban myth that the sun dances on Christmas day at sunrise.) and for some reason he had missed the passed 20 years of the dancing Christmas sun.

I assure him that, he can’t see the sun dance because it doesn’t. The whole theory is just a ploy to get you out of bed early so your mother could clean the house and get you ready for church.

Christmas day for many South African kids, means new clothes and a heavy lunch meal. Well I have passed that phase so no new clothes for me *boring*. Since I am not at home I must make my way to church, after church my inlaws hosted me for Christmas lunch, it was a bit awkward at first, but after the food was served all went well and I felt at home.

My mother called to check if I was having a balanced meal or if I was eating at all. Apparently someone told her I lost a lot of weight and she is concerned, so I have to go home in the first week of 2010 so she could see I am still in one piece.

Christmas is the one holiday that sees a lot of people heading back to their homes in whichever part of the country, I decided to miss it this year. I was not up for the traffic on the roads and the heat as well. I also had an opportunity to interact with my inlaws on a family day.

My phone couldn’t stop ringing with people interested in my place. I was asked if I was in the drug trade, as my phone was so busy, I ended up switching it off. I had a good day that ended up at a party in the southern suburbs.

Dress rehearsal for Christmas lunch

Mama Kena sharing the from the bible

"Family feast"

rude awakening

2009-12-24T17:09:00.000+02:00

I came home around 2 this morning, went for a movie with my better half when we ran into an old friend and the conversations kept flowing, we talked about everything from sports to politics to christmas to relationships.

Later in the evening we were joined by Nat (full name Natasha) from Scotland, she was watching "Earth" and was disturbed by the footage with the polar bear floating on ice with its young. she came asking for a lighter for her cigarette and she ended up joining us and helped with the draining of the wine. the restuarant closed and the staff left us there. we were removed from the premises by security personnel as our cars were the only ones left in the parking lots.

Even though she is from Scotland, she has a certain passion for South Africa, which is just amazing. When we got home the security at our complex is asleep, I had to get out to open the gate myself *not on*. Anyway 2hrs later the alarm at our neighbours goes on. It is LOUD, we are forced to wake up. the security company is on the scene in no time also with their loud sirens and they assure us there is not intruder the sensor outside the neighbours' yard captured the movement of a cat or something. they said this the next 4 times they came and all this between 4 and 5 in the morning.

The 3rd time the alarm went off, we placed an ad on gumtree to put our poperty on the market as of now we are looking for a new address. my baby left for work at 8h00 o'clock. my phone hasn't stopped ringing since. I am now going through a list of potential tenants. noone stands out at the moment.

Reconciliation outing

2009-12-21T13:44:00.000+02:00

As we approach the gate of the Voortrekker Monument, we are met by groups of people living the monument and some how you can see we are the topic of discussion. we managed to get a discount into the monument, as we went uphill towards the monument a lady yelled "Hi, welcome to our territory." It made me more comfortable as our hosts were Afrikaners and for some wierd reason certain people still believe this culture to be racist, I was raised by afrikaans teachers, matrons and capable hostel masters. I don't remember being illtreated by these people. hell they intoduced me to melkkos and variety of biltongs

Within the monument there is an exhibition on the Afrikaners in the 20th century. very interesting exhibition. One thing I took from there is the pride the Afrikaans community portrays towards thier country and culture. As we walked through the monuments grounds ms. madam was compalining about the heat, so off we went to the Ice cream vendors, now these guys made a killing. There was a crowd around all their cycles, Reconciliation day was definitely a good day for business.

Unfotunately we missed the highlight of the day(at 12 o'clock on the 16th of December only, a ray of sunlight shines through the opening in the upper dome of the monument onto the cenotaph) but we went to the top of the monument to see the different angles of Tshwane. It was a fun but hot day, It was one of those days were you are happy and proud to be South African.

voortrekker monument

Journey to pretoria

2009-12-17T23:52:00.000+02:00

This sure was one of the most memorable days of my entire 2009. so the 16th of december is a public holiday in south africa known as day of reconciliation. neo and myself decided to go to the voortrekker monument in pretoria from johannesburg to check out how they celebrate this occasion. neo wil give u more insight on what this day is al bout. i wil tel you about the journery geting to pretoria.

1st of al we met 2hrs late then planned because i wantd to spend time with my sister,naledi of 7yrs. i had to meet my dad at a central point so he could bring naledi aka mis madam to me. he took 4ever to arrive and eventualy he came through and we left to catch up wid neo. neo was late and mis madam could not stop asking why my friend is late and where he is. i decided to get her a few goodies to keep her quiet and 10min later neo joined us. we made our way to the taxis to pretoria and al was goin wel,except for the time management factor. awhile afta neo and myself caught up,he fel asleep,giving my sista and i 2 do our own catching up. smart as ever mis madam counted from one to twenty in one of the elevn oficial languages.proud as ever i promised her ice cream wen we arrived. oh and she keept telling neo and i how ice cream cools you down...cute!

Eventualy we get to pretoria and my feet problems began. looking stunning im a green dress and a beautiful pair of extreme high heeld shoes,by the time we left pretoria,i wasnt feeling stunning. the taxi dropped us bout a kilo metre or 2 away 4rm the mounent and we began our journey. the start of the walk,iws working that catwalk. naledi and neo seemd to be getting along and so they chatted away. mis madam got tired of walking afta a while and kept teln us how nt fun it is using ur feet and she eventualy opted we ran so we could get to the gate quicker. not realising with this scorching sun nd big sis in heels-she wont be having fun wen she gets blisters the next day. neo couldnt disapoint and instead ran with her leaving me behind with the not so cool ice cream. calves hurt, shoe strapped snapped-totaly not fabulis. we eventualy got there anda thats where our minds started openin- neo wil folow through with wat went down inside the moument and post pibs! mwaa

My weekend

2009-12-15T08:06:00.000+02:00

Good Morning beautiful people

What a wonderful and suprising weekend i had. Started my new job on saturday and boy was i excited. The weather did not allow great excitement for people as the festive season had just begun and on my side, the flu i have just gets me down. I have been struggling to communicate with you but i have finally mastered these new advanced cellphones and i can now post daily...can't wait!!!( @@,) With me working at a mall i got to talk to people and get their views on how they feel about the 2010 Fifa world cup being so near and hosted in their homeland.

Most of them are excited and cant wait to share the glory with the rest of the world, where as a small minority just said they not soccer fanatics but will watch the games. I saw alot of the dads wearing the new Bafana Bafana ( south african national team) and matching with their lilttle ones, it was too cute for words.

Besides all that i am very excited aout the holidays. My dad and i talking about me going back home and he might even come pick me up at school today. At school we busy with the Fisrt aid course, my partner and i will tell you more about it during our lunch time and post a few pics.

Untill then...im signing off

Thola

Hello, my name is Neo Mohlatlole

2009-12-08T10:17:00.000+02:00

I am a tourism fanatic. Busy with my tourist guiding qualification, with the help and support of Continental AG and Energy Guides via Tourvest Inbound Operations (TIO) and Interface Marketing. In possession of an incomplete travel and tourism operations qualification, (apparently I need a 6 months work experience to get the full qualification) I am currently staying in Auckland park, one of the suburbs in Johannesburg. I love going out and taking my brand to the people. I love parties, movies, theatre and once in a while I just want to be around nature. I would love to run my own tour operating business, I am busy with the name reservation process now. I register close corporations for extra pocket money, I also supply waiters to catering companies (haven’t got any jobs in the past six months though). I am looking at getting modeling and voice over artist gigs.

I heard about the program from Riaan Momberg, who is in charge of Human Resources at Tourvest at a tourism Indaba in Durban (Kwazulu Natal). I then forwarded my resume to him and then I was called for an interview, then like they say the rest is history. The main reason I joined the program, was to get experiential training, so I can get my travel and tourism operations qualification. I was not aware that I was going to learn so much in such a short space of time.

I must say my time at Energy Guides was well spent. It has equipped me with the necessary skills to guide my own tours am also designing potential routes and itineraries for my upcoming tour operating company. But that’s a story for another day. I have learnt more on dealing with difficult customers through the SA Host workshop, which I feel all South Africans, should attend in order to receive tourists in a friendlier way. One of my favorite learning experiences was definitely the meet and greet module were we learn and implement the art of meeting tourists from the airport and escorting them to the necessary hotels or sites they need to go to. And the best part about Energy Guides modules is that you get to visit the sites you learn about.

My typical day starts at 05h30 I exercise for 15 minutes, take a bath, have breakfast, prepare for my day. I usually leave my place around 06h45. Wait for a taxi for about 10 minutes, at this point I am still sleeping but the taxi drivers hooting wakes me up. The taxi takes 20 minutes to get to Cresta mall. Where I catch my next taxi to Randburg and get off at Prinsloo Street at the Energy Guides campus. Usually on time, or a minute or three late for the German class. After the German class, we start with the lesson of the day. Tea break at 10h00 till 10h30, lunch is from 12h30 to 13h30. We knock off at 16h00. After work I walk to cresta mall, wait in a queue for a taxi. At this time you are lucky if you get a taxi before 17h30, and most of the taxis are already full, you just get crammed, the taxi Marshall will be saying “four, four masihlalisane(lets sit together)” this is the most depressing part of my everyday. Besides being packed like sardines, the traffic on the way to town is draining. Even though the taxi is full the taxi drivers is still on his hooter.

For some weird reason I always find myself squashed between some big boned people, who are always complaining about the abuse from the taxi drivers, funny enough they never take their complains to the taxi organizations offices. In winter I didn’t mind that much, but in the summer heat this is not ideal as a lot of people had had a long day and their perspiration is almost like a concussion to knock you unconscious.

As we get nearer to my place the taxi driver wants to make a detour to avoid the traffic, as there’s a big media house, the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) and the University of Johannesburg. At this point everyone is on their way home. So we have to debate whether he joins the traffic or drops me off there and we have to argue in isiZulu and my Zulu is not that good. If he drops me off I get a full refund, if we go through he is on my case until I get off. In the meantime the other 15 passengers are also moaning that they are going to miss their train or bus from town to wherever it is where they stay.

Today though I must get home and get changed, I have to be in Pretoria for a 19h30 performance by one of South Africa’s top male vocalist Ringo Madlingos, whom I feel is the most underrated musician in the industry. He has performed to full house audiences throughout the country he is well received by the public. He is one of those guys who is never in the media for silly reasons and most of his songs are in isiXhosa, he adds a bit of Venda and Tswana every now and then.

So I got complimentary tickets to the show and one thing you should know about me when I r.s.v.p to an event I make sure I come to the event. From there I will probably go to Fashion TV lounge or Cofi in Brooklyn, haven’t been there in a while from there I will go home and rest. Saturday I will be putting the final touches to my assessment, which I must submit on Monday. Might go to a friends’ birthday braai
Or just relax, need to recover from my pervious week/end (Hectic)

Last weekend I went home to Limpopo for my cousins lobola negotiations(traditional wedding were the grooms family pays for the bride), at which I was running around like a headless chicken setting up the braai stand, and getting the fire started and performing the actual braai. When the deal was sealed we had to return most the hired equipment, which was not fun, when I finally came back to Johannesburg on Monday morning I was extremely tired.

Who is writing this blog - and why?

2009-11-02T18:46:00.000+02:00

Just under a year before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, Continental AG has initiated a special on-location training program. In collaboration with the successful "Energy Guides" tourism school in Johannesburg, Continental will train 13 young women and 13 young men - all previously unemployed and from in and around Soweto - for their later positions as part of Continental's hospitality and back office team from July 2009 to January 2010. The international automotive supplier is one of the main sponsors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. More than 200 people applied to take part in the training program.

The training program consists of a detailed look at the tourism industry, customer services, comprehensive application knowledge, geography modules, teamwork, and social and ethical values. In addition, the program is rounded off by special English classes and information on FIFA, the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, and the aims of the Continental Corporation’s communication and sponsoring activities. Once the course has finished, all 26 participants will spend three months gaining practical experience in well-respected companies within the tourism industry before beginning final preparations and training for the active phase of the Continental hospitality program in May. Assuming that the project is concluded successfully, the aim and goal of all concerned is for the graduates of the program to continue their employment following the World Cup.

Some of these participants will write here about their activities in the training programm and also share their view on how they see the preparations in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ - which will give the reader from abroad a local perspective.