We are glad to inform about the appointment of Ms. Gerda Kubirske as Rhulani’s new lodge manager. Gerda started in her new role on 28 June.

In the role as a "lodge manager", Gerda Kubirske will fully deal with general management responsibilities. The guest relations, the delivery of first class service and the management of the 21 employees will be priority tasks.

Gerda brings a wealth of experience in the hotel industry where she worked in all the departments, and thus, she has a deep understanding of the internal procedures of a hotel operation. She has also gained experience in the specific segment of safari lodges.

In the early days of her career, Gerda worked as an instructor and educational coach, as part time lecturer for Principles of Marketing, Business Management, Business Etiquette, Principles of Economics, Front Office Management, Accommodation and Cookery Studies Theory.

We wish Gerda in this challenging role every success.

Watch the interview with Gerda

5 questions to Gerda Kubirske

What do you like about the game lodge industry?

I like the game, nature and the bushveld. The close contact with guests is very special, guests are not just a number here.

What type of leader are you?

I hate these formal words they give you at university like “authorative”, “dictator”, etc., as I do not fit into any of these categories, I believe, I am a team leader, which is not one of those categories.

What did you attract when choosing Rhulani?

The fact that when I came here in the interview process, every single member of staff I met was so friendly and welcoming. Secondly, the lodge was kept to nature as close as possibly could. This is wonderful.

What is the first thing that you will change at Rhulani after your start?

Attention to detail, as far as service, housekeeping and maintenance is concerned. There is not much to change in the service. But, it is just natural that in a 5-star-hotel, it’s all about the little details.

What do you like to do in your free time?

To sleep (she laughs). No, stop, don’t write that down please. Now, seriously, I like to read, attend live theatre productions, support the local South African music industry, and I love gardening.