I am what you can describe as a 100% Ekurhuleni baby, born in Daveyton grew up in springs went to high school in Benoni then later went on to work at O.R Tambo international airport (Kempton park).
I currently reside in Brakpan. I am the second born out of 8 siblings after completing my matric I went and studied Tourism management at the School of hospitality and tourism (UJ) unfortunately due to financial reason I was unable to complete my studies.
While doing my second year I registered my first company which was called New Beginnings trips and tours, the idea has always been to organize educational trips and tours.
Things however did not go according to plan while approaching schools I was then offered the opportunity to organize matric farewells which then put my plans on hold. In 2006 I started my first job at the airport for a junior position doing arrivals as well as meet and assist
Having faced a lot of challenges in business and partnering with people who just like the idea of having a company but were not putting the work I decided to go solo and have been doing everything on my own since.
In 2012 I registered a new company called Deeds services and projects still with the same intent and goals but still venturing in to events, with these company I did events, weddings as well as kids birthday parties.
With time my interest changed, and my focus shifted that is when Lorha Holdings came about Lorha is a Xitsonga word which means (Dream) in English. It all started with a dream and through all the ups and downs the dream will eventually come true.
My role at Lorha travel and tours is everything it being in its early stages simply means I am the go to person be it marketing, organizing trips as well as coordination I basically run the show.
Having always had a passion for the travel industry and being able to share my experience and knowledge with kids is priceless.
My role is not just to take kids on trips or excursion the idea is to make a difference in the education field to say learning does not only take place in the classroom and there is so much more out to learn and experience.
Lorha travel and tours has recently introduced an Aviation career guidance program which we are excited about. Being in the aviation industry for the past 11 years I personally feel I have a lot to offer. it has come to my attention that people don’t really know much about aviation especially our kids in the townships. The idea is to share information as well as give guidance also to say there is more to aviation than just being a pilot or cabin crew.
If I had powers firstly I would change the countries funding policies and systems. A lot of people have amazing ideas but unfortunately can’t to do anything about as it is almost impossible to get funding. I would also implement more severe jail sentences on people who commit crimes against women and children.
I would say perseverance even when things get tough at times I never gave up, I always kept my eyes on the prize. I have always been told by colleagues that I have good work ethics I am fair, and I am able to communicate at all levels.
Lorha travel and tours will be partnering with an organization called Dinaledi (NPO), it is a community-based project which focuses on after school / school holiday programmes it includes the following:
*sports and recreation
*helping with homework
*basic computer skills
*cooking and baking lessons
*winter classes, spelling bee and reading classes.
The lows in my career have always been the stressful nature of the aviation industry where there are content problems from delayed flights, cancelled flights and over bookings. The uncertainly of what time you will be going home after a shift as anything can happen during the day.
The highlight would have to the opportunity I got travel the 11 years that I have in the industry I have been to a few countries namely Thailand, Mauritius, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania. I have also worked my way up from that junior position I stared in back in 2006 to now more senior position.
When I am not at work I am home watching tv or spending time with my kids. I am a mother of two girls Lwazi 10 years old and Khanya 3 years, I also enjoy going out with friends and just unwinding.
My words of encouragement to young people who want to start a small business are:
‘Challenges will always be there but never give in to the fear of starting, self-doubt is one of the biggest problems when starting a business, the trick is keeping at it. Never loose focus and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it’
