Ngwenya Newsletter December 2023

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In this edition:
SIGHTINGS UPGRADES NEWS TEAM FOCUS CELEBRATIONS NOTICES

One of the most enchanting aspects of Ngwenya Lodge life is the opportunity to witness and embrace the ever-changing tapestry of seasons across the Kruger. The opportunity to take in the serene beauty of brisk winter mornings, casting a sepia-toned spell over the landscape, and revealing the intricate details of the bush through leafless trees. Then, witness the alluring transformation as summer graces the scene, saturating it in vibrant greens while waterbuck gather at the banks of the Crocodile River for their daily drink and elephants frolic and enjoy a refreshing dip. Each season unfolds its distinct colour palette and

natural wonders, offering a sensory feast for all.

As we stand on the cusp of the Festive season, the swift passage of 2023 becomes all too apparent. Anticipation builds for the upcoming days, promising joyous celebrations shared with our valued Shareholders and guests. Furthermore, the charm of Ngwenya Lodge's summer beckons, unveiling a trove of bushveld wonders waiting to be explored. Before we dive into the season’s splendour, let us take a moment to bring you up to speed on the events and occurrences of the past six months.

We would like to extend a big shout-out and heaps of thanks to everyone who participated in the Ngwenya Wildlife Photography Competition! The inspiration behind this competition sprouted from the remarkable wildlife photos shared by our guests on social media. Witnessing the beauty of the Kruger National Park and Ngwenya Lodge through your lenses motivated us to create this opportunity for your photographic masterpieces to shine. The response to the competition was nothing short of incredible, and we are truly humbled by the wealth of creativity and passion displayed in each submission.

See the winning submissions

From essential maintenance and repairs to the addition of those special, personalised touches, each refinement made to our Resort is made with the impact on our cherished shareholders and guests' holiday experience in mind.

All generators have been installed and a schedule has been put in place to regulate fuel consumption, maintenance expenses, and equipment load.

A 10Kva grid-tied solar backup with batteries has been installed at the control room.

Galvanised pipes that were damaged in numerous units were replaced with copper pipes.

The roof at the Restaurant deck was repaired and more robust bracing was installed.

A water test has been conducted at the water waste treatment plant.

The patios and stairways at units 436 to 543 have been retiled and waterproofed.

Each unit has received new patio chairs.

The Reception bridge was rebuilt.

All maintenance staff and housekeeping supervisors have received training from Bosch on maintenance and care of the new appliances.

The following projects are ongoing:

The Resort solar programme is currently in the planning phase, including site preparation and landscaping. Informational signage was installed with a dedicated e-mail address, solar@ngwenya.co.za, for logging and addressing any queries or concerns.

Installation of new steel balustrades at various units, set to be completed mid-2024.
(in progress)

Kitchen cupboards in various units are being repaired and/or replaced, as needed.
(in progress)

Replacement of a total of 40 ovens, hobs, and cooker hoods..
(in progress)

Installing new fridges in 59 units.
(70,85% complete)

The housekeeping and maintenance departments have adopted weekly training sessions to stay up-to-date with cleaning systems, methods of execution, and Resort standards.
(ongoing)

Mabalingwe Fire

On September 23, 2023, a wildfire originating from a neighbouring farm swept through our VRS affiliate Resort, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve. Mabalingwe, spanning about 8 800 hectares, has been a holiday destination since the early 1990s, featuring 205 privately owned houses (lodges), 105 timeshare chalets, a caravan park, and various commercial entities.

Fuelled by strong north winds, the fire rapidly expanded over several kilometres. Despite efforts by over 100 local firefighters through Saturday night, they couldn't fully extinguish it. By Sunday morning, intensified winds spread the fire, resulting in further damage and destruction to the property. Evacuations of all guests and residents began on Sunday morning. Although the Reserve fire was controlled by late afternoon on September 25th, firefighters continued managing the fire in the broader Bela-Bela area.

Fortunately, there were no reported human fatalities, thanks to timely evacuations and effective communication among firefighting teams. With the immediate threat addressed, the focus shifted to animal welfare, and the Resort received an incredible amount of support from neighbours, local businesses, the surrounding farming community, friends, shareholders, regular guests, and concerned members of the public generously supplying and donating water and feed.

Ngwenya Broadband Installation Update

We are proud to announce that our broadband installation project is complete and Wi-Fi is now available throughout the Resort for our Shareholders' and guests' convenience.

LINGERING CONCERNS AND PERSISTENT PURSUITS: A closer look at Mining Application MP 30/5/1/2/2/10259MR

An application for a mining permit, designated as MP 30/5/1/2/2/10259MR, has resurfaced, drawing attention to the persistent endeavours of a particular company seeking mining rights over portions of Tenbosch, Turbelt, and Tecklenburgs Ranch. This company has consistently pursued mining activities in the region, despite encountering repeated setbacks, since before 2012. Their continued efforts have been marked by a string of failures, undue processes and not adhering to legal requirements has characterised their pursuit....
READ MORE

The Kruger is Going
Cash-free

The Kruger National Park will become cash-free as of Friday, 01 December, at five of its entrance gates in the southern part of the Park and the fuel stations. This initiative is part of a broader cash-free, digital drive, which SANParks introduced in 2021 to enhance customer convenience and reduce contact time at entry points, especially during peak times.

According to the Park’s managing executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu, the payment system will be implemented in a two-phased approach at some facilities in the Park, while the remaining gates and camps will go online in early 2024. The implementation of a cash-free payment system aims to further reduce queues and decrease the time it takes to enter the Park. Additionally, the goal is to mitigate the risks associated with handling cash. Clients and visitors are, therefore, encouraged to utilise either the online pre-booking payment systems, offering a hassle-free transaction on arrival, or the speed point payment systems at the gates.

The entrance gates to the Kruger National Park launching the cash-free payment methods are:
• Paul Kruger Gate
• Phabeni Gate
• Numbi Gate
• Malelane Gate
• Crocodile Bridge Gate.

Extending a warm welcome to our newest Ngwenya family members and celebrating our Team’s success and devotion to creating an environment of everlasting holiday memories.

Lucky Nkomo
Le Fera Front of House Manager
Started: June 2023

Bertus Olivier
Housekeeping Manager
Started: August 2023

Yolande Olivier
Receptionist
Started: August 2023

Gracious Nkosi
Promoted to Entertainment Supervisor
July 2023

A Message from The Team

We would like to extend heartfelt greetings to you and your loved ones during this festive season. As the spirit of Christmas fills the air, we hope that the joy of the holidays will linger in your hearts and fill your days with wonder and delight. We wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!

Daniel Mayodi has mastered the concept of “first impressions make a lasting impact!” As the Resort’s security guard, he is the first face our visitors encounter, and from the moment our guests arrive, he is there to welcome them with his beaming smile and fun, friendly personality, making everyone feel welcome and valued.

We continue to receive glowing feedback from guests, both in person and on social media, who can’t help but sing Daniel's praises. His quick wit, infectious humour, and friendly banter not only brighten our guests’ visits but also leave them with lasting memories of their time at our Resort. Moreover, his willingness to help guests beyond his call of duty speaks volumes about his dedication to exceeding expectations. It’s the small yet significant gestures that make a world of difference to our guests and contribute to their overall experience.

His efforts do not go unnoticed and we are deeply grateful for how he has consistently upheld the values that make our Resort exceptional.

iEXCHANGE

We are thrilled to share the news that Ngwenya Lodge have earned the GAME CHANGER award in the prestigious iExchange Hospitality Awards 2022 /2023.
The Game Changer is awarded to resorts that is a cut above the rest - from facilities to staff, resulting in positive guest reviews and glowing testimonials.

CELEBRATING A

From family vacations to romantic getaways, Ngwenya Lodge consistently offers an environment for guests to create timeless memories. The Ngwenya Team goes the extra mile to enhance the quality of every experience, by sprinkling some Ngwenya magic on each special occasion.

Father’s Day

The fathers visiting us this Father’s Day were happy campers, thanks to the Ngwenya Team’s brilliant execution of a camping-themed celebration. The Reception was decorated with lanterns and a carefully curated display of camping must-haves to get all our guests in the camping mood. Upon arrival, our guests were greeted with some delicious vanilla and chocolate ice-cream and we gifted them with their own camping mugs which contained cappuccino sachets and a lovely Father’s Day message, adding a thoughtful touch to the celebration.

The Le Fera Restaurant was decked out with blue and white balloons and the Team extended a warm welcome to our guests, accompanied by some tasty biltong treats. Lunch was served, buffet-style, featuring some bread made with traditional beer, succulent lamb on a spit, and an assortment of salads. And, of course, the feast was capped off with some scrumptious trifle.

Women’s Day

What better way to celebrate our queens on Women’s Day than with a high tea? The Reception was a vibrant display of pink, white, and purple flowers, complemented by suspended umbrellas that added a touch of whimsy. To enhance the high tea vibes, elegant tea sets, and delicious cupcakes were laid out for our guests to savour. Each woman who graced us with her presence was gifted with a make-up removal sponge accompanied by a sweet note.

Over at the Le Fera Restaurant, our guests were treated to a delectable, crispy quiche and a choice of three salad options – a meal truly fit for queens!

Spring Day

Spring is a season that embodies the spirit of renewal and the joy of a fresh start. After months of cold temperatures that often result in many of us feeling the winter blues, Spring breathes life back into both us and our beautiful surroundings. At the Reception, guests checking in arrived to hula hoops adorned with flowers gracefully hanging from the ceiling in celebration of our “Casual Day Spring Day” theme.

There was a “share a smile poster” on display at the Reception desks, radiating positivity and setting the tone for our guests' stays. While checking in, our guests were treated to some delicious vanilla and chocolate ice cream, providing a sweet respite on a scorching hot day.

Heritage Day Weekend

Heritage Day weekend was a time of joyous celebration at Ngwenya Lodge as South Africans from all walks of life gathered together to revel in our country’s rich cultural diversity. The Ngwenya Team embraced the occasion with much enthusiasm, wearing their splendid traditional attire and transforming the Reception into a patriotic spectacle with our national flag and colours. A braai set-up was on display to also commemorate the day as “National Braai Day”. Our guests were treated to a melktertjie shooter and refreshing soft-serve ice-cream to beat the scorching heat of the 40-degree day. Hilton Ross generously sponsored 15 cases of assorted beers, providing a thirst-quenching welcome for our guests during check-in, while the Le Fera Restaurant delighted taste buds with savoury roosterkoeke filled with curry.

Saturday was a day of pure fun and games with our Entertainment Team hosting all sorts of activities for the kiddies to enjoy, including cricket, sand art, musical chairs, and various water activities. Wrapping up the weekend on a delicious note, the Le Fera Team treated our guests to some traditional potjie, complemented by scrumptious sides and a dessert that left their taste buds tingling with satisfaction.

Engagement Proposal

We cherish the moments when our guests choose to create unforgettable memories and express their profound love for each other at our Resort. One of our hides was especially transformed for one such occasion. Here, against the backdrop of a breath-taking sunset over the Crocodile River, one of our guests orchestrated, with the assistance of the Ngwenya Team, a romantic proposal to his girlfriend. Picture this: yellow Chinese lanterns and bright sunflowers adding a touch of charm, a carefully selected bottle of wine, an enticing platter, and a delicious slice of chocolate cake to seal the deal.

Christmas 2023 Celebrations at Le Fera

Join us for a delightful lunch filled with festive flavours and good company. Come hungry, leave happy! Your presence will make our celebration complete.

Le Fera Christmas Lunch,
25 December 2023 @ 12:00
VIEW THE MENU HERE
For reservations call 013 793 7708

AN ENVIRONMENT FOR

Le Fera Restaurant

Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of meals and flavours, perfectly paired with unobstructed views of the Crocodile River. Savour the moment over a lazy afternoon lunch with a nibble basket or moreish burger; listen to the call of the bushveld while enjoying a delicious dinner or pop in for a thick milkshake as a well-deserved treat. A meal at Le Fera Ngwenya is the perfect way to enhance your bushveld breakaway.

Mbali Day Spa

Indulge in the epitome of relaxation during your next visit to Ngwenya Lodge by treating yourself to a rejuvenating Mbali Day Spa experience. Treat yourself to a world of pampering with our impressive range of treatments. After a day of adventure, unwind with us and let the soothing ambiance enhance your stay.

Boma Braais

Join us for a quintessential South African experience during your stay at Ngwenya Lodge! Every Wednesday, we invite you to join our Boma Braai, where the lingering smell of braais and an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie allow guests to come together and forge connections. The Entertainment Team also adds a touch of excitement to the night with some rounds of Bingo and the winner gets to walk away with a bottle of sparkling wine.

We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to our valued Shareholders and guests for entrusting us with the privilege of being a part of their holiday memories. It fills us with immense joy whenever we encounter the wonderful stories of your time spent at the 'Jewel of the Kruger.' Your continued sharing of these moments is deeply appreciated.

“Ngwenya has deservedly won the 'Resort of the Year' award more than once. It is exceptionally beautiful, ideally located, and the staff - from the entry gate to the housekeeper - are all incredibly friendly.”

“What a beautiful Lodge with very friendly staff as soon as you enter the gate. I proposed to my girlfriend on one of the deck hides overviewing the Crocodile River. There is so much to do at this Lodge and it’s extremely kid-friendly, too. What a beautiful place!”

“A beautiful lodge with amazing views. The staff's friendliness makes the first impression great. You feel so relaxed and rested after being at Ngwenya Lodge. Thank you very much for an excellent holiday.”

“We make a special effort to take a week every year to visit Ngwenya. Everything is just perfect and well-maintained. The Management and staff are just tops and we feel so welcome when we get to the gate and get greeted by the gentlemen on duty, as though we are long-standing friends. I highly recommend Ngwenya.”

TENDER WEEKS AVAILABLE!
Contact the VRS Property Admin team for more information.
propertyadmin@vrs.co.za

Deposit & Exchange your holiday on Holiday Options.
Giving you access to a multitude of availability! Holiday Options offers Ngwenya Lodge Shareholders access to the Holiday Options platform to exchange their timeshare for another holiday, place it up for rental, and have access to exclusive cash deals!
www.holidayoptions.co.za

Be part of the change. Join African Blessings on their journey to empower and uplift children in need.
Read more about African Blessings and all their projects.
www.africanblessings.org

Expand your Holiday Horizons.
Buy or Sell Holidays on Univate Properties. Visit the Uni-Vate Properties website to browse a wide range of holiday weeks available at a variety of destinations.
www.univateproperties.co.za

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Important Notices

Resort Calendars
2024

VRS Website
Visit here