Rodgers Hobyane, Tsendze bush camp, Kruger National Park
Rodgers has been working in the park since 1998 and so it comes as no surprise that he knows a thing or two about customer service. He is proud to be of service in what he calls a “rustic camp for people who like their privacy”.

Living close to the camp, Rodgers is able to assist guests, keep the site looking immaculate and help when the elephants decide to visit, as is often the case. But when the elephants have moved on, Rodgers remains quiet in the hope of spotting his favourite cat. His passion for leopards has led him to regularly share his experiences on the SANParks forum. 

Quezette van der Mescht, Addo Elephant National Park
Believe it or not, Quezette’s favourite animal really is the elephant! She loves the way they move their grey mass around with such grace. Even though she feels completely safe around them, her heart rate did accelerate somewhat when she drove up to a herd recently – but an idling vehicle didn’t bother the ellies and one even came closer to say hi, feeling around the vehicle with outstretched trunk.

Apart from ellie spotting, Quezette finds working with visitors extremely rewarding. “Every guest has a different personality,” she enthuses, “and I try help where I can.” She is also the first one to inform guests that Addo has the Big Seven and that it is an incredibly special park.

Wendy Cyster, Ebb-and-Flow reception, Wilderness, Garden Route National Park
This WildStar takes it one step further in her love for selling the Wild Card to visitors. She informs guests of the benefits of being a member, follows up on expired cards and keeps up-to-date with the latest Wild news.

Wendy agrees with the many returning guests that Ebb-and-Flow is one of the best camps along the Garden Route. “It is always green and always beautiful,” she says. Wendy makes the most of her natural surroundings when not at work. Apart from keeping a keen eye on the vegetation for her favourite birds, the kingfishers and Knysna turaco, Wendy enjoys fishing in the river with her husband as well as walking along the nearby beach.

Elsa (Elizabeth) Heyns, Mokala National Park
“I feel so privileged to work and stay here,” were the first words from Elsa when she heard she was a winner. This friendly receptionist has made many a person’s visit to Mokala extra special by informing guests all about the park.

Elsa first worked for SANParks in the former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (now the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park). After a stint at Augrabies, she eventually settled in her current position at Mokala. But the Kalahari Desert is still in her blood, and the kokerboom (quiver tree) is still her favourite tree.

“You will never find me in the city,” she says. Elsa emphasises that even though she loves space, she also loves people. Need we say more?

Dudu Mabibi, Hazelmere Dam, Msinsi Resorts
Originally based at Shongweni, Dudu has been filling in at Hazelmere Dam the past while and has been an asset to the team. She loves working with guests, particularly because she is able to interact with so many different people and be exposed to different cultures.

Spending time with the family is important to Dudu. She often takes her daughter to Shongweni to see the “long-necked animals”, as her daughter so succinctly refers to giraffe. Even though she loves the Big Five, Dudu is quite content spending time on the dam with her friends to look for the smaller wonders of nature. She says that the braai and picnic which follow a morning on the dam are a great way to spend one’s day off.

Primrose Mpangane, Phabeni gate, Kruger National Park
This young lady is a second time winner, and clearly has what it takes to be a WildStar! Primrose won a sleek tablet in Round 2 which hasn’t left her side since. “I use it for everything and don’t know what I would do without it.”

Primrose could hardly believe this second win and was slightly at a loss for words, but she managed to say that it feels “amazing”. She eventually found enough words to express her appreciation; so much effort goes into customer service and she is therefore extremely grateful to get this type of feedback.

Marietjie Smith, Wild Card
This second-time winner is no less than a super star! Her customer service, efficiency and friendliness seem effortless. SANParks and Wild Card are honoured to have Marietjie as an employee.