The Impact of Hope: A group of Drostdy Hotel ladies share their stories
Posted on: 29 June 2018
Each year, Drostdy Hotel welcomes thirty female SA College for Tourism graduates to its staff complement for one year as part of either an internship or learnership programme, headed up by the Peace Parks Foundation.
This opportunity not only contributes to equality in the workplace, but further equips these ladies with the necessary skills to secure permanent posts in the hospitality industry, a number of which are offered at Drostdy Hotel.
Oftentimes, one only realises the positive effect that any form of support – be it financial, emotional, educational or the like – has on someone when hearing directly from that person. We are amazed at how the aforementioned programmes are changing lives in the Graaff-Reinet, having learnt what some of the women who have been or are involved with the internship or learnership had to say. We thought we’d share their inspiring feedback (listed in alphabetical order) with you too since every visit to the hotel contributes to this initiative. In fact, all profits are directed back to the SA College for Tourism.
Faith Loselo, having completed the programme, is now performing the role of Reception Supervisor and is enjoying being able to put theory into practice. “I was given the opportunity to deal with real-life situations in the workplace, which truly is a great experience,” says Faith. Through the programme and her current role, she has learnt:
- About guest relations
- About hotel operations
- How to handle guest feedback
- How to operate the hotel’s property management system
She hopes to study further and gain deeper knowledge about the industry, in order to enhance her skills. The programme equipped her to follow her career path and take the first steps towards her lifetime goal.
Monique Soulse has stepped into the role of Front Office Duty Manager and has already discovered more about her strengths and what she is capable of achieving. She is passionate about the hospitality industry and wants to learn and grow more. She has learnt the following skills:
- Confidence
- Communication skills
- Management skills
- Problem-solving skills
“Stepping into the role was both exciting and scary since I hadn’t worked in the industry before and wasn’t sure what to expect,” says Monique. “But, I am proud of myself for achieving what I have and am thankful for the opportunity that I was granted.”
Uviwe Nakase is now a Receptionist and a training Supervisor. She says she feels honoured and grateful to have been one of the graduates chosen to work at Drostdy Hotel. Aside from the administrative skills that she has gained, Uviwe has learnt:
- Communication skills
- Management skills
- Problem-solving skills
“The programme helped me gain confidence in myself and to trust the decisions that I make. It also taught me to communicate professionally with guests and colleagues,” shares Uviwe.
Yolanda Zenasi is currently completing the internship at Drostdy Hotel. “It is a wonderful opportunity and it means a great deal to me to be included in the internship. I am grateful to be here,” she shares. An eager learner, Yolanda has been equipped with the following skills:
- Time management
- Stock taking and recording
- How to check guests in
- How to deal with guest feedback
“My hope for the future is to use all the knowledge that I have gained to teach others in the industry,” says Yolanda. “The internship has shown me what five-star service looks like and it is helping me turn my dreams into reality.”
Zizipho Ndwalaza is now working as a Demi Chef and says that it feels like she is finally taking part in something big! “Being included in the internship gave me hope. It revealed a love for cooking that I didn’t even know I had in me,” Zizipho expresses. “It feels like I am one step closer to my dreams.”
Zizipho has learnt:
- All about team work
- How to be organised
- Communication skills
- Leadership and interpersonal skills
She is aiming high (which we love) as she one days hopes to step into a management role. “Being part of the internship was the best thing ever,” says Zizipho.
We are incredibly proud of these ladies as well as all of the others involved with the internship and learnership programmes. It is inspiring to note their growth, enthusiasm, perseverance and passion as they learn new skills and think big about the future. We thank every guest that arrives at Drostdy Hotel for their contribution to this initiative by practising socially responsible tourism.
If an outing is what you are after, however, the numerous restaurants and cafes of the Waterfront and surrounds are a mere 2-3-minute walk, or short Uber ride from the hotel. So short you might find yourself wondering whether the request warranted your and the driver’s effort at all. Attractions such as the Watershed, The Alfred Mall and Pierhead, The Clock Tower, and Breakwater Point can be visited in no time at all.
For that manicure or facial you’ve been meaning to go for, simply take another, even shorter stroll down to Sanctuary Spa. The spa is located in the same square as the hotels and although open to the public, still very much feels like a private escape from the buzz of the ever-crowded commercial spas and salons. Sanctuary Spa boasts a tylarium – a combination of a sauna and a steam room for re-balancing your body’s metabolism at an optimal temperature.
Once rejuvenated, the city of Cape Town is on the doorstep of the hotels and is yours for exploring. A mere 3 kilometers from the Waterfront area, the city is host to all the action and attractions one expects from a world-class destination.
For a more serene way to spend the day, relax in the beautifully manicured gardens of Dock House Boutique Hotel, surrounded still by views of Table Mountain and the famous Big Wheel.
And for the ultimate feeling of being transported to another time and place, have your breakfast in the utterly charming Dock House breakfast room – a kin to a 19th century cottage or manor, with the same exceptional luxury and warmth.
Nestled in a charming nook of the Waterfront, there is a world of luxury and convenience to be discovered at the Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House and Dock House Boutique Hotel.
Book your stay.