Celebrating the youth at Kruger Shalati
Youth unemployment statistics in the 2020 Labour Force Survey shows that around 8,6 million people aged 15 to 34 years are not in education and are not employed. …
The Women of Kruger Shalati: Zamashwabade Xaba
Zamashwabade Penelope Xaba
Admin Assistant
Affectionately known as Zama, this office star hails from a small village in KwaZulu-Natal, called Nqutu, She studied Business Management at Central Johannesburg College, Project Management at Management College of Southern Africa(MANCOSA) and she is currently studying towards a degree with the same institute in Supply Chain Management. Before Zama joined Kruger Shalati, she worked at Thebe Investment Corporation in Rosebank, as a PA to the Thebe Services CEO.
“I broke my shoe heel at work and I wore a colleague’s size 6 shoes the entire day; at that time I was a size 3”
We asked Zama to share a bit about her path to Kruger Shalati
“Working at Thebe was a wonderful learning experience that I will always be grateful for, I can actually say I was lucky to have worked with each and everyone there. I acquired skills that I will not only apply in the work place but my personal life as well. After I heard about Kruger Shalati and its careers I thought to myself ‘Wow, I would like to be a part of the team, it would be a great opportunity to grab with both hands.’ Luckily for me, I worked very closely with the CEO and the Concession General Manager, and there happened to be a post available for a role similar to my current one. I sent my CV, did the interview, packed my bags and moved to the Lowveld.”
What are the highlights of your journey so far?
Everything is new to me; it’s been an amazing journey as one of the people who are working on this unique project – it’s an opportunity that cannot be compared to any other. The arrival of the first carriage is my number one highlight so far; having to witness that huge carriage being offloaded, it was really amazing. Working in the Kruger National Park and coming across different animals daily, being stuck in traffic because of the elephants – it’s unbelievable and knowing that I will live the rest of my life to tell that story, makes it one of the best highlights.
What animal in the Kruger park do you most relate to and why?
Monkeys, they are territorial over their belongings and they’re playful – and I am exactly like that.
Tell us about some of your favourites
Colour – black, but I also realised recently that, as old as I am, I still like pink stuff
Food – I’m not big on food but I do love a pasta with chicken, ham and mushrooms
Drink – Oros juice and wine
TV Show – None, I’d rather read a book
What are you most passionate about in life?
Beauty and fashion; I love trying out new facial products. If my memory serves me well, the last time I was happy I was in front of a mirror doing make up, it’s something I can do all day without complaining.
What causes are close to your heart?
POWA, People Opposing Women Abuse, it is a feminist, women’s rights organisation that provides both services and engages in advocacy to ensure the realisation of women’s rights and to improve women’s quality of life. Their work is rooted in the belief that that change can only be said to be effective when women’s lives are directly improved through their interventions.
What hidden talent do you have?
Dancing
We eagerly await seeing those dance moves at the grand opening Kruger Shalati, we’re Zama will deliver. Watch this space!
