Fame

Ok, there is something I have to share, I think I am getting fameolistic(my own word for feeling famous), on Saturday when I was helping out at one of the company's function a lot of friendly people were greeting me with my name and I thought, "ok do all these people read my blog?" like it was the first time I came across this people. do you know what this means I am famous people know my name and ask me how I am. My friend Phatu likes saying, mokgotsi we have arrived, at that point I felt my writing has got me to reach all this charming people and on some level I have arrived.

So when the next friendly waiter came by, he said YEBO (means yes in zulu, generally used as a greeting substitute hello) and it just hit me that all those people were just greeting me and me and my insane vanity I thought they were saying Neo, sounds the same. Now all my fantasies of signing autographs and wearing my shades in doors were shattered.

I wanted to share this on Sunday but I was still contemplating the thought of fame and I realised I am a tourist guide and not an actor, singer or politician and if I wanted to be famous I should audition for a soapie or one of those pop star thingis.
I am looking forward to a laid back weekend, might drop by at the IFS(International Fashion Sale) and take advantage of a bargain or two.

shades in the dark

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The Job of getting to work

Guys I love working in events, but getting to and from work is not fun. I used to laugh at the other students when they shared stories about having to wake up at 04h00 in order to get to class by 08h00, at that point I was staying a stone throw away from Energy Guides. so I just woke up around 06h30.

Now I find myself waking up at 5h00 just to be in at 08h30, I leave my house at 06h00 to catch a taxi to town, when I get to town I am in a queue for about 45 minutes to an hour. from there I will be in traffic for another 40 minutes by the time I get to work, I am already tired from my journey. getting to work is a job on its own, and getting back home is like the overtime you don't want to take. I only manage to get home around 19h45 if I am lucky.

well I use the taxi option because it's cheaper, I tried out the bus and it was a little out of my price range, but when I have driving lessons in the morning, I catch a bus to Randburg then I drive the training truck to work.

One of my colleagues, ms. Laureen Venter, decided to help me out by picking me up on Tuesday mornings. and I was actually amazed at how quick we get to work , it takes about 25 minutes by car to get to work. Imagine and I take 2h30 by public transport, but anyway the day I run into funds to secure a car I can also take 25 minutes to get to work.

must get back to work see ya.

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NEO THE MACHINE

Back in my temporarily out of work (positive way of saying unemployed) days, I used to run around with my significant other to all sorts of exhibitions and expos and what not. I always
looked forward to the goodie bags. I always thought they were packed by machines the way everything was so in place and decent.

Well I have got news for you those cute envelopes and sticker thingies with your name on were actually done by humans, probably the temp or some of the extra staff that was hired to help in this peak season.

All the permanent staff are ticking their to do list which is longer than the Nile and with the help of motivated young people like myself and other t.o.w students taking over the small tasks like pasting a sticker on an envelope, so the recipient can feel that it was done by a robot in their honour.

I enjoy my time here, I now see that the event sector is not just glitz and glamour and that a whole lot of work goes into putting it together the glitz and glam only comes through if you are on the guest list , that reminds me I must get back to work to finalise the guest list for Monday's gig.
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Heita'da, my name is Tholakele Kasi

(Comment: This is Thola's first post which was somehow reposted by the blogging-software - so don't be surprised that it does not fit into order of the other posts)
I heard about the programm through a family friend. Coming to the interviews is what killed my excitement; being one of the youngest and fresh from high school in front of a panel of judges amongst my competitors was a very big challenge for me.

I applied because I was desperately looking for a job, I had just moved out my father’s lavish house and his budget thus I had to get me some cash. I did not really have any expectations except to tour and work for a German sponsor during the 2010 World cup.

I have learnt more than anything to tolerate people whether you like them or not. Working everyday closely with a small group like our continental-group can really get on one’s nerves. Just got to always remember the reason you are part of this group and strive for your goals.

OMG, my day ever since the programme began consists of lack of sleep (late nights and early morning to avoid traffic), that means waking up at 4h30am and sleeping at about 23h30 pm. If we are not in class working on how to be the perfect tourist guide, we out on the field applying all those skills. On the weekends I am usually with friends out somewhere or at home catching up on sleep.

Honestly speaking I only started watching soccer during the ConFed Cup only because they were hosted my by home country, though I use to watch it at the stadium with my dad during the good ‘ol days I was only there for the hype created by the fans.
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20th anniversary

Ja, you know it's true when they say time goes by fast, today is actually the 20th anniversary of the day that our former president Nelson Mandela was released from prison on 11 February 1990 after spending 27 years for his contribution in the fight for freedom in South Africa . Last night I saw the media frenzy that was caused by this event, everyone trying to get the exclusive feed for their channel or newspaper.

I still feel that Nelson Mandela is South Africa's best export brand. as he is synonymous with peace, hope and respect. He is one of the most amazing human beings to walk this earth. today he is on the cover of most of the local newspapers and a whole lot of activity is taking place in commemoration of this historic day.

most of the t.v channels have also planned to air footage from the day as well as some latest info on the man and the whole saga behind it, the beautiful Winnie Madikizela-Mandela took a symbolic walk for Mandela at the prison gates this morning. and of course the ANC has a lot of other activities planned, on one of them the President Mr. Jacob Zuma is supposed to highlight on the importance of this day for South Africans and if South Africa lived up to expectations.

Almost every radio station I tune to has something on the story, this are just one of those days my pride for my country is elevated, if I wasn't working I'd probably be at one of the events but hey some body's gotta pay the bills so ya till next time.

"It was a day that promised the beginning of indignity" -former archbishop Desmond Tutu

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meet and greet

The past weekend I had another interesting weekend, my aunt asked me to accompany her to the airport to pick up a friend, so I tagged along and got a chance to see the different parking bays.(it took forever to get a spot) so eventually we find parking and head into the arrival hall. were we waited for Princess who insists that the name is only applicable on weekdays and she'd rather be called Phatu.

But before miss madam could join us we got a chance to walk the grounds and every second billboard or digital ad, has a 2010 soccer world cup influence to it, my cousin and I got to play table soccer at the MTN cubicle(for free papa) so ya we took advantage plus I have got the pic to prove that.

Honestly, I must say that all the revamps and upgrades at the airport are looking good and the country is becoming ready for all the soccer (football) fans that will be on our shores shortly.

waiting in the arrival hall I remembered a few pointers from Energy Guides on meet and greets,

• don't stand in the crowd
• stand were your guests can see you
• hold the name board up (she said we are making her shy by giving her the royal treatment)
  

So after Princess joined us we headed back to Pretoria and I gave a short tour of Pretoria, it felt good to get some practise and they were quite impressed, showed off Pretoria from an angle they have never viewed it from, and at that point it was easier to summarise the city tour.

Coming back to Johannesburg on Monday morning was equally interesting, I actually used the train, there are three different trains to choose from, metro rail(normal carriage), business express plus (better carriage and newspaper) business express(best carriage newspaper and coffee) so on my budget i took the better train and you are not squashed, we all sat properly I even got to read my book.(BE INSPIRED) must read I will tell you about it next time

free goal

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1st week in a REAL BIG office

New Business Development this is Tholakele speaking how can i help you?

You probably wondering why im not greeting you in one of our official languages like i always do, i have gotten so use to saying those lines at work its scary. I twang and roll my tongue, the person on the other line will always ask "who am i speaking to?" haha i love it.

Oh my what a long week this has been. With trying to fit in at work with all these big machines, huge men in power suites and extremely ambitious women,some whom i work closely with, big offices with just about everyone who has their own personal assistant, its scary. Oh my not forgetting the office lingo with their big words and acronyms, i sit there at my desk and im thinking..."cant they use simple english?"

haha ohk maybe im exgeratting just a little bit. The company that i work for has the most friendliest smiles and curious faces one has ever seen. I mean we were welcomed with breakfast on our first day, and im talking, fruit salad, yoghurt, fresh muffins, juice or coffe if you wish. The fisrt day went pretty well with the usual intro to the big guys and a tour around the building and ofcourse lunch,wow talk about a welcome.

Anyway i was sent the Sales Department, more like the New Business Development department and met my mentor Kim Parker who is the Regional Sales Manager, and boy is she on point.i love how organised she is, my computer and landline was gettng ready and i had my schedule waiting for me already. Had tons of filling to do, meetings to attend and business courses to participate in, i aint complaining.

Im getting use to strouting in heels all day and the big people with their big toys around the office, but getting to work is no joke. Neo my friend i used the taxi on the first day only and i was late having experienced a similar situation to yours with the taxi marshals soi switched to using the bus, i get to catch up on some sleep in the morning and i get to work early, so hows about you join me buddy?

i wont lie but the department i work in is crazy, the work gets so much, i forget i have to eat, i guess come 2010 FIFA World Cup i will be use to working myself to the bone. Im always typing i can now type without cutting my words like i would texting an sms hahaha. I do miss the rest of the crew from energy guides and even though im with '''Nomusa Ngubane i hardly see her. Its not just because we work in different departments but i have alot to do.

I would love to blogg all night but my mentor has me writting a test on Monday so i have to study the companys profile and major clients. I told you she was on point!

until next time...im signing offv



So istarted

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Magalies experience

Sanibonani

So finally i got a chance to settle in at home aswell as in the workplace.The week we spent in the mountains was an experience we all had been looking forward to. i will tell you my personal experience on every single day:

wednesday- Soweto: This is where i was born and spent a minute part of my life. The tour went very well, but i personally think the guides who come from soweto had agreat advantage to excell on their commentary because they could make their commentary a bit personal and add tell stories that can relate to the sites visted. The one fabulous thing about being a tour guide and visiting the same sites over and over again is that you actually learn new things evertime you go there.

Lunch at wandies was devine, reminded me of my moms cooking... oh how much i missed home. Wandies is one of the most famous restaurants in soweto, so when ever you come to South africa and visit Soweto, do go to Wandies, i promise your tummy will not regret what you eat. Daniel, one of our leaders from Germany, got to try wandies famous "mala Mogodu" (tripe) and if he said it was delicious, i suggest you make space in your tummy to stomach that. The rest of the tour went a bit sour as we had to change our driver, he wasnt feeling to well. the our went on and we visited the rest of the sites such as Soccer City ( biggest stadium in gauteng), apartheid museum and ellis park.

Back to Magalies, we had our 1st debrief from what i like to call them, "The Big Bosses". ask any of the learners but boy are we on point, just a few technical hiccups, but nothing the team from energy guides cannot perfect.

thursday-Pretoria: This is not only one fo the country's capital city but also the city of Jacarandas. Israel Malindi took us into the city of pretoria and i am defintly his biggest fan hahaha actually its a toss up between him and Lucky pitso, now those are guides to be recgond with. i kinda fell asleep on our way ther but as soon as i heard a few of the girls taking very deep breathes and screaming, i woke up to see some of our rugby boys running around loftus stadium without their tops on...Hmmm!!! Moving right along ladies.

after going to sammy marks museum we headed over to the Voortrekker monument, on the hills somewhere, we had this amaizing view of Pretoria, we could see the Union Buildings, Unisa (university of South africa), loftus Stadium and so many other great buildings. we had lunch at Moyo's restaurant, treated as if i really were the queen of africa, boy can africans cook. *check out the video on the blogg shot at moyo's*. Drove back to magalies and it was the debrief, a few pointers here and there and then Dinner. oh than one lady whom i like to call our "miss madam" (thats what Neo calls my little sister) , Anja gave us a few tips on table etiqutte- thank you "miss madam" :-)

Friday- Surroundings: The day i lost my "Vooma" (natural high). Ok i will tell you about that but not today,. Just know that all didnt go well with my commentary from the Rhino and Lion park to somewhere along the dusty roads of mogale city to Lanseria international airport. Percy- you forgiving, we have learnt to understand your different personality and leadership skills, and do tell me why you not a Nature guide? ask him anything about any animal or plant and he knows it- Good boy! and Neo my buddy 'o pal- steal my shine again and our frienship over ;-)

Apart from all the tours we did, we played vollyball (I broke my 1st nail and i was not happy, but that did not stop a big girl like me from playing with the big boys), we swam, had braai's abd played pool.

Thola's favourite day- ADVANCE DRVING!!!!
Again i broke two more nails holding on for dear life, while Wille (say Villi) was spining that car OOWEEE!!!!! i realy dont have many words but just to scream hahahah. Thank you Gerotek and Continental AG. oh and i got drive a 4x4 off road and my biggest fan Rebbeca, please blogg the video because nobody will belive me hahaha.

the week ended on a sad note when we had to say our goodbyes.

Patrik, the really BIGG BOSS could not be there with us but do know i personally dedicate the week to you! Cant wait to see you in May BIGG GUY!

until next time..im signing off!!!

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1st Day in the workplace

Today is my first day in the workplace, I have been placed at Thebe exhibitions and projects group. Since most of the guiding positions were already filled I opted for the events sector and so far I am not complaining. I now see all the planning and planning that goes into hosting a succesful event.

My mentor is Mrs. Sonja Walls, who is the operations manger for Decorex(the division in which I am placed) I think we are going to have a productive working relationship I have been learning about the different stages of the event and it feels good helping out.

Well my journey here wasn't as calm, my bus from my place was on time but when I got to Randburg I struggled to get the right taxi, every one of the taxi marshals sends you to a different lane only to be sent to another and another and finally when I got to one that was willing to take me in he took the opposite direction. so I had to get out and start searching again eventually I managed to get to the office just before 09h00.

I was a little nervous but now I am feeling a little settled. I wonder how the learners are feeling about their first day in the work place. I am looking forward to the next 4 months.

bye for now
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