Today we look a bit behind the scenes and present our Head Chef Keatlaretse Mogajane, also known as "Mavis". Learn more about Mavis' rocky career path, about the challenge in a new leadership position, and about her dreams.

When her hearty giggle echoes through the kitchen walls, you forget for a moment the stress and fatigue of a hard working day. In the sultry heat, with the time pressure and the requirements of demanding guests her giggle is a well-being medicine for all. But what, or even better, who is behind the smiling face?

Keatlaretse Mogajane is Rhulanis Head Chef for several months now. She looks into the oven. "Just a few minutes more and the cake will be ready", she says. Keatlaretse started at Rhulani as a housekeeper and waitress at a young age. At first, with no chance of developing herself. She was called by the simpler name "Mavis". "Once a young hotel guest said 'wow, our dog is also called Mavis'", she tells us. Keeping her laughter was not always easy. Mavis takes the cake out of the oven. There is a birthday of a guest to celebrate this evening.

A life long house keeper? "Oh no", she says. The ambitious woman had different goals. Her name, Keatlaretse, means 'to receive with open hands' and is usually a sign of respect. She wanted to earn this respect through hard work and further education, and to have a better life. In the philosophical interpretation the name of Keatlaretse has given her a strong desire for a high standard of living.

The cake looks fantastic. Just a little powdered sugar and then the candles. Mavis left Rhulani for a while and learnt new cooking skills in another lodge, where she worked for some time. But deep in her heart she loved Rhulani, and so she came back in December 2011. Now as a chef. "Rhulani is different to other lodges. The atmosphere is more welcoming, the management, the other staff ... it just feels like your second home".

The passion has also its price. The work in the kitchen is very demanding. This cake, for example, had to be baked in addition to routine work. For Mavis, not a problem: "It is nice for us when guests have something to celebrate and we can surprise them". She smiles contentedly. "In the kitchen you really have to work as a team." The name Keatleretse attests her empathy for the problems of others, particularly on social or economic issues, and doing work of a humanitarian nature gives her satisfaction.

Mavis is 32 years old. Her two year old son named Kobamelo is her "Lord", along with the name's meaning. "It is a sign of my gratitude to the Lord that I was given a child at my age", she says. "But it is also an ideal age to take more responsibility in life". More responsibility also came to Mavis at work earlier this year. "One day Gerda, my manager, came to me and asked if I was interested in being Rhulani's Head Chef. First, I refused because I had no experience as a leader."

Mavis becomes thoughtful. "But Gerda assured me of her help. At first glance, there was indeed nothing I could not know in this new position. So I accepted." Some wrinkles are visible on her forehead. A sign that the step from chef to head chef was and still is a challenge. The support of the working colleagues had to be earned again. "There was a time I could not handle the situation anymore", she says, "when I came back from leave, I felt the resistance from others and it brought me down". The support from Gerda in this time was crucial.

The waves have smoothed. "I hope I can continue to save money. My dream is to open a bakery in my village, together with my friend. Slowly but surely we are getting there." Her eyes start to shine, and now we know that Mavis' natural laughter is still there. Tonight, a beautiful cake is brought to the birthday table by dancing and singing staff. Mavis has not only a catching laugh, but also a beautiful voice as a singer.