From 27 to 30 August, a further training session with the South African Butler Academy (SABA) took place at Rhulani. Braam West and his assistant Shankar Jumbo from SABA conducted the course at which the entire Rhulani staff participated. New signature services were introduced.

"Continuity in our training program is very important," says Rhulani's owner Marisa Silva after completion of the fourth course provided by SABA. "We want to ensure that we offer our guests a solid 5-star standard, which is firmly anchored in Rhulani and also remains when our staff changes."

Many of our employees knew SABA since the very first course, which took place exactly two years ago. Thus, some topics were repetition, which was also very useful. "Many small details unfortunately are forgotten over time, and it is good to have a refresher", says Marisa. A brief repetition of the correct salutation of a guest, the right service technique at meals and other rules of a proper butler service characterized the first day.

The really new subject this time was the introduction of so-called “signature services”. How should the set-up in a dining room exactly look like? How do we define the standard for a bush dinner? What are the elements to prepare for a private dinner on the terrace of a guest chalet? The definition of uniform standards ensures that we achieve a consistent top quality. But it also helps us to not reinvent the wheel each time.

"The course was a great success," says Marisa. "Especially because for some time we have a very stable management and an excellent climate in the team. All our staff are fully behind the new standards."