AHOY Crew
OCTOBER 2008
USHAKA’S PARK MAGAZINE
Marius Earl. “Be proud of what we have… something others can only dream of!”
FROM THE HELM
a hearty welcome from our new chief operating officer
Dear Crew, As I sit here writing this column of our first internal crew magazine “Ahoy Crew”, I can barely contain my excitement of being able to provide such a high quality staff magazine to our most valued assetyou as our staff! Although I have only been here for a couple of weeks, I have been able to meet most of you and look forward to meeting every single crew member as time would allow us. As this is our inaugural edition, specific attention and emphasis have been placed on what we as a team stand for, what we want to deliver and how we would like our valued patrons to experience us as a team and an iconic product. All of which is summed up in our values system!
I am sure you are wondering…who is this new person on our team and where does he come from….so I will give you a short summary of my career! I have been fortunate enough to have learned from some “Legends” in the hospitality sector as well as being exposed to many different elements of the hospitality business, which include several developments of properties including Sandton Convention Centre, Monte Casino, Suncoast Casino and many other great performing units across the country. In addition to this, through the 15 years of my career to date, I had great learning opportunities and experiences through the various hotel brands I worked in namely Resorts, Corporate business
units, Conference venues, Casino operations, a group Head Office environment, Lodges and Game lodges. Adding uShaka MARINE WORLD to my list of great experiences is something I am very proud of and it felt like I was part of the team the minute I entered the gates! In closing, I would like to make use of the opportunity to remind you of our “winning” formula…… a “winning” location…..a ”winning” product….and a “winning” team ! “Unmatched Superior Edutainment Experience for the enjoyment of all our guests”! Be proud of what we have… something others can only dream of! See you in the park! Marius AHOY CREW
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EDITORS NOTE
publishing team publisher Estate Press Media managing editor Lorinda Scott editor Justin Scott ushaka editor Andre van Wyk Sales and Promotions Manager advertising sales Cera-Jane Catton graphic design Daniel Rambaly
Suite 2A, Silverstone Way Douglas Crowe Road Ballito, Durban KZN 4418 Sales Contact 084 410 3056 cera@estatepress.co.za WEB SITE www.estatepress.co.za All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission from the Publisher or Ushaka Marine World. Every effort has been made to ensure that all the information contained in this publication is as accurate as possible and the Publisher nor uShaka Marine World can be held responsible for any inaccuracies, or claims arising there from, whatsoever.
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SCRIBES NOTE
It wasn’t that long ago that we met with Marius and his team at uShaka to discuss putting together a magazine for the amazing crew and tenants of the park. From that very first meeting with Marius and the team we understood that this project was going to be a great success. You ask how did we know? Well we knew because we could sense it in the passion and commitment that come across when ideas started flying for what we could include and how the mag could become a way to connect with everyone involved in the park. It’s been a great and rewarding process to finally get this copy to you, and we’re delighted to be in your hands, sharing with you about what’s going on around uShaka Marine World. This first edition really covers a lot of ground (I’m just getting used to how great one can play with words doing this mag!). We get to meet the executive and management team and now can put faces to the names we hear floating around the park everyday. Marketing have given us an idea about what’s going on with promotions and events which helps us understand what’s drawing people to the park like never before, we cover Halloween, Secretary’s Day and shows and we get to profile one of our great tenants from Village Walk. And that’s just the start of it….watch out for a great recipe, our Sharc Winner, training events, feedback on Durban Tourism, a double page spread on our values, mission and goals, we celebrate the Cargo Hold’s 3rd place at Hostex and more…..shew! Enough to leave you both breathless and yet wanting more…..just like everyone else who comes to uShaka! Ahoy Crew is your magazine and obviously we’d love to hear from you with ideas, photo’s or any news that you think is worth sharing with all other hands on deck so drop us email or give us a call and get in touch. We’d also like to that the executive and management team and uShaka for the opportunity to work with such an amazing bunch of people. We feel honoured to have partnered with you and look forward to great magazines in future.
Just in
Bon Voyage and God Bless
and the Estate Press Team justin@estatepress.co.za
MANAGEMENT PROFILE
NAVIGATORS OF THE SHIP MEET USHAKA’S EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT TEAM.
Execs: Left to Right Back Row Dale Maxwell: Director of Technical Services Marius Earle: Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Carlyle: Operations Executive Ntsako Mpenyana: Human Resources Executive Grant Adams: Director of Marketing Greg Jacobson: Retail Manager Front Row:Prakash van den Berg: Financial Manager Lynne Crouch: Executive Personal Assistant
Management Left to Right : Back Row - Pollen Zungu - Marchandising Manager, Robert Gumede - Water Park Superintendant, Bheki Mduli - Buildings Maintenance Superintendant ,Mark Enslin - Senior Food and Beverage Manager, Andre van Wyk - Sales and Promotions Manager Front Row: Arnold Mazibu - Guest Relations Manager, Yvonne Badenhorst - Safety Superintendant , Graham Basson - Mechanical Services Superintendant, Vijay Lazarus - Risk Superintendant, Zaheeda Deen - Sponsorship Manager, Joy Naidoo - Financial Controller, Lynne Crouch - Office Manager, Wayne Scott - Entertainment and Events Manager, Steve Anderson - Electrical Services Superintendant AHOY CREW
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AT A GLANCE
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USHAKA PROMO’S
Results 3009 recipients entered the “Win a Platinum Pass” competition online.
KIDS GET IN FREE !
USHAKA GETS ELECTRONIC AND ALMOST 5000 KIDS SIGN UP TO GET INTO THE PARK FOR FREE. On 22 August, we have introduced our first ever Viral-marketing campaign. The aim of this promo was to increase footfall to uShaka Marine World and database recruitment increasing our database members. Electronic communication (e-mailer) was sent to our original database consisting of 7000 members. By clicking on the “Kids get in FREE” icon, these members were encouraged to confirm their contact detail and a sms was sent to their cellphones confirming that they qualify for this promotion.
30,491 “referred friend”s were added to the database 4,873 guests requested the “Kids get in FREE” sms
Database members could also This bring a total amount stand a chance of winning a of new names added to the database (excluding original Platinum Pass which is FREE entry members) to 38,373 into uShaka Marine World for a whole year and by forwarding the e-mail to four of their friends, they received a half price combo 1,5m ticket. On arrival, the parents had to show the sms received on get in their cellphones, let the child fit under the Ray-cutout’s fin, complete data capture leaflet n they fit and enjoyed a whole day of fi under Ray's ...if fun at uShaka Marine World.
FREE!
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Halloween at Ushaka
Dust off those scary Halloween outfits and make your way to uShaka Marine World to experience Halloween like never before. On arrival at the main entrance of uShaka Marine World (arena 1), GUESTS are welcomed by our “scary hosts” handing goodie bags to kids containing small Halloween related toys (spiders, snakes etc.) as well as sweets. Follow the Halloween map past participating Village Walk tenants and play “trick or treat” as they add sweets to their goodie bags. Continue to the Wreck Aquarium of the Phantom ship decorated in a Halloween theme with spider webs, bats, and skeletons to name a few. The Dangerous Creatures exhibit with it’s various snakes, rattlesnakes, poisonous dart frogs, tarantulas and bird eating spiders will form part of this experience and make sure not to miss the fierce ragged tooth sharks. The evening dolphin show will comprise of artists (singers and dancers) performing themed songs from relating to Halloween and the Sea World dolphins‘ magical displays to various soundtracks. To name a few, the line-up includes (and is not restricted to) songs such as Ghostbusters, Thriller, and many more. Prizes for the best dressed and most scary outfits are given to GUESTS during the fancy dress competition which forms part of the evening. Adults: R70.00 and Kids under 12: R50.00 8
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CELEBRATIONS
Secretaries Day
We hosted yet another very successful secretaries day event on Wednesday, 3 September. The event was hosted in a draped marquee next to the moat at the new point development area. Over 300 bosses and secretaries attended the event and some of them really went out of their way by dressing up according to the theme; Razzle Dazzle. Congratulations to Renette Gilpin from Durban and Cindy Pretorius from Johannesburg chosen as best dressed boss and secretary winning them both two return tickets to Cape Town on British Airways, with two day AVIS car hire and two night stay in the presidential suite of the Cape Sun hotel courtesy of Southern Sun.
Guests were treated to goodie bags filled with gifts, a buffet lunch, a sneak preview of “Let’s hear it for the Boys” great entertainment and lots of prizes during lucky draws. The ‘gals’ from Mince, Lilly Slaptsilly and Keiron Legacy’s flawless lipsinking and costumes had the crowd amazed with their talent and Damon Beard’s Man International dancers had the ladies screaming and shouting. A huge thank you to our Marketing, Events, Entertainment and Food & Beverage team making this event a huge success.
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USHAKA SHOWS
T
he Phantom Ship’s popular Upper Deck supper theatre continues providing world class entertainment with a nostalgic tribute to Boys Bands. The show which took us on a journey from the first boy’s band in the 60’s (The Beatles) till the new and popular Boy’s Band’s of the new millennium including Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Ildivo, Teatro, and even including well known South African Boys Band Eden. The show starred Jonothan Didlick (returning from his latest performance at the Barnyard in Johannesburg), Lyle Buxton (best known for his lead performance in Guys n Dolls at the Sneddon Theatre) Cavin Sewell (returning fresh from his lead performance on the cruise ship the “Melody” and Bradley Marshall (recently seen on the Phantom Ship’s performances of Tainted Love – A tribute to the 80’s as well as Luther Vandross – The Tribute).
The show also featured solo performances by artists who have left there Boys Band’s to go on and make a success of a solo career such as Ronan Keeting and Robbie Williams. With backing by the top-notch five-piece the uShaka Marine World Band, the Boy’s Band Tribute promised and delivered a night not to be missed. The show included hit numbers such as I Want it That Way, Bye,Bye,Bye, No Matter What, When you say nothing at all, I’ll make love to you/End of the road, Flying without wings and many more. The show was Produced by Wayne Scott and Directed by Charon Williams-Ros. A formidable team who have in partnership created the last few sensational hits on the Upper Deck (Diva’s on Deck, Motown on Deck, Feelin’ Good – A Tribute to Swing” and Tainted Love – A Tribute to the 80’s). Let’s hear it for the boys was staged from 4 September – 5 October on Thursday – Saturday evenings and was a great success. 10
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motown on deck USHAKA SHOWS
Take a walk down memory lane as the distinctive sounds of “Motown” music take you back to the soulful sixties and seventies. From Detroit, Michigan – the car construction capital of the world (known as motor town) – came music that was to influence almost every performer through the years. In a tribute to the “Motown Sound”, uShaka Marine World’s Upper Deck restaurant situated on the Phantom Ship is staging a musical featuring songs from top stars such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Otis Redding, Diana Ross and The Temptations. The show, from 9 October – 9 November boasts an impressive line-up of local stars, including Clive Gumede, Khaya Mthethwa and Pume Zondi. Seasoned performer Gumede
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has a number of hit shows to his credit including tributes to Joe Cocker and the Bee Gees. He also performed alongside Zondi in the Heritage Theatre production of Motown Magic and his most recent uShaka Marine World performance during “The Luther Vandross tribute” Former Idols finalist Zondi is well known on local stages as the lead singer in productions such as Feeling Good, A Twist of Broadway and the uShaka production, Divas on Deck. Completing the talented trio is Mthethwa, who was vocal director for Dolphins by Starlight and performed the opening number when uShaka Marine World first opened its doors. Providing musical back-up is an impressive eight-piece band, Solid Gold comprising top Durban
musicians. The show is produced by Wayne Scott, directed by Charon Williams-Ross and style guru reconstructavist, Kevin Ellis ensures that the artists and dancers are dressed “to take your breath away” with attention given to the smallest detail. The show will include hit numbers such as Stop In The Name Of Love, For Once In My Life, Dancing In The Street, Heard It Through The Grapevine, My Guy, In The Midnight Hour, Dancing in the Street, Reach Out, I’ll Be There, Where Did Our Love Go, Endless Love, Just my Imagination, Papa was a Rollin Stone and many more. The show is on every Thursday – Saturday evening at 20:00 and Sunday afternoons at 14:00. Friday . Tickets at R150 include our world class buffet meal.
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TENANT PROFILE
BUTIK ASIA PROFILE M
ichelle started operating Butik Asia from a hobby at a market stand in 1998 to a 30 m2 store at uShaka Village Walk and subsequently to the current 90 m2 store in the Village Walk. Owner, Michelle Vengtas, created a concept from zero base to a unique store with strong brand imagery. Butik Asia draws its own regular customer base by purchasing merchandise on a regular basis directly from overseas manufacturers. The store offers a colourful variety of merchandise which is in pace with international trends. Michelle’s passion for her store and customers is evident in her own as well as her staff’s exceptional treatment of their customers. Satisfying the customer is her passion and that she does, not only by offering friendly, helpful and caring customer service in store, but also through extended customer services. Special customer requests are brought in from especially Asia, and couriered to customers all over the world. Customers are also treated to a free special perfume exclusively made for Butik Asia. The shop’s unique décor, attention to detail and colourful merchandise displays offer a warm 14
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ambience which encourages a browsing atmosphere and ultimately a very pleasant shopping experience. Michelle’s biggest fan is the fashion editor of the Your Family Magazine, and she has already featured Butic Asia clothing in the last 3 issues. Another famous visitor when in Durban is our Deputy Minister of Finance S.Shbangu whose comments can be seen Butik Asia’s Guest Book. Michelle Vengtas is a pro-active tenant who participates in mall promotions and events. Management frequently receives positive reports from customers on Michelle’s delightful “Eastern Flair” outlet. With its colourful and well - stocked merchandise on display, shopping at Butik Asia is a truly pleasant experience, enhanced by exceptionally friendly and efficient customer service.
Some comments from customers in Butik Asia’s Guest Book “Fantastic service and awesome clothes and shoes!” “Wonderful colours and good service!” “I love your shoes!” “A wonderful shop full of surprises!” “Amazing and such a pleasure!”
VILLAGE WALK NEWS
September has been a great month for Village Walk as it has seen the opening of several new outlets.... Our multibrand surf wear store, Piranha Surf, has expanded their operation by 138m2, with an extended offering including the new brands Rip Curl, Bolcom, Fox and Hurley. This enhances the Village Walk’s reputation as an extreme fashion and activity destination. To further add to the variety, Calypso Dive opened a second outlet, featuring childrens’ swimwear and beach activity wear and accessories in a new outlet called Life’s a Beach. The Ninos outlet is completing their makeover and will emerge as a Balinese themed outlet called Javva Cafe. This will be a sophisticated coffee and food outlet under the ownership of Kim Shafto, who already has ambitions of extending the brand to several destinations.....but the first will be in Village Walk. LM Prawn and Grill, who have operated in Umhlanga, is soon to open a new outlet at uShaka featuring a deck overlooking the park, to take advantage of the fine weather. There will be a comfortable, ethnically themed indoor space for those who prefer to dine indoors Marijte Nell Art Studio, who has had a short term lease, will open formally in the next month. Marijte will paint her oil paintings on site. She will use her facilities to teach art, offer a framing service and sell art materials.
VILLAGE WALK NEWS NWJ has just quadrupled its size, to give us a flagship outlet that is already drawing special appreciation from our guests. It features a museum area featuring some of the history of jewellery making and precious material mining. A tourist delight. And finally we welcome the return of Sikhona Travel. After a year of waiting, the owner, Tariku Bogale, the owner, has finally managed to secure the rare rights, from the Reserve Bank of South Africa, to do foreign exchange for our overseas guests. This will assist all our tenants and guests alike.
All together, these are all outlets that will contribute toward giving the Village Walk its unique mix of tenants, and will ensure that our guests have the variety and excitement that they would anticipate from our special shopping destination. We wish all the new owners success in their new ventures.... and welcome them to our Village Walk family.
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ACHIEVEMENT
Name : Siyabonga Ngonya Position : Potbelly Attendant Age : 23 years Hobbies : Basket ball and socialising Price won: Bursary to value of R4000 Tell us about yourself: I was born in Mahlabathini Northern Kwazulu –Natal in a family of five. I have 1 brother and 1 sister. Later on we moved to Park gate (Mt Vernon) where I attended my primary school years at Parkgate Primary and proceeded to my secondary education in Mt view Secondary School. After completion of matric, I studied a course in Steel Welding. My first job was with the Breakers resort based at uMhlanga, I worked as the waiter. In 2007 June i was appointed as the potbelly attendant with uShaka.
SHARC WINNER !
What are you going to study: Fortunately I’m currently doing my first year in Mechanical engineering and I’m going to use this bursary towards the completion of my studies. What are your future goals: To become a mechanical engineer. I believe in positive thinking
Motivate your peers: I always believe that one must be always optimistic, treat everyday as brand new, strive towards success and live and believe on uShaka values. That what keeps me going.
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MEALS ON BOARD
Red Thai Chicken Curry with Cinnamon Scented Basmati Rice Ingredients Serves 4 1kg 1tsp 1tsp 2tsp 1bunch 1tin 50ml 1 Pinch 2cups 4
Chicken breast fillets (cubed) Crushed Garlic Crushed Ginger Thai curry paste Dhania Coconut Cream Oil Onion (finely chopped) Salt Basmati Rice Cinnamon whole
Method Curry 1.In a heavy based medium pot, heat the oil 2.Once the oil is hot add the onion, crushed ginger and garlic. 3.When the onion is transparent, add the cubed chicken breast and brown. 4.While the chicken is browning, add the red thai curry paste and mix well. 5.Add the coconut cream and half the Dhania then bring to a simmer on low heat for about 10mins
Rice 1.In a pot bring 2 litre of water with salt to a boil. 2.Add the Cinnamon stickes 3.Once the water is boiling, add the rice 4.Constintly check the rice. 5.When cooked, strain and set aside
To Finish Present curry in a desired bowl and topped with the rest of the Dhania and rice on the side
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USHAKA RETAIL DIRECTORY Restaurants & Entertainment
Shop Telephone
Cape Town Fish Market
031 337 0625 / 031 337 0598
Emperor Kitchen - Chinese Restaurant
031 332 5126
Joyland - Kids Amusement Centre
082 565 3220
moyo uShaka Pier
031 332 0606
Java Cafe
031 337 3069
Ocean Basket
031 337 0356
Panarotti’s
031 337 1111
Silverspear Spur
031 337 7601
T-rifik Family Entertainment Village
0861 874 345
T-rifik River Café
0861 874 345
Wimpy
031 337 0566
Fast Foods & Delicatessens
Shop Telephone
Chip ‘n Dip
082 565 3220
Gorima’s
031 337 3269
Just Donuts
031 337 9983
KFC
031 337 7638
Game Zone
031 337 0897
Made in SA - Biltong and Nuts
083 651 5405
Mozart Ice Cream Classics
031 332 9855
Olá Milky Lane
031 337 9863
Steers
031 337 4465
Sweets from Heaven
031 337 7669
Sweet Kingdom
031 312 6979
The Fudge Factory
031 337 9737
Jewellery, Gifts & Specialty Stores
Shop Telephone
Bushwillow
031 337 7641
Crystals Toy Shop
031 337 8433
Gifts & Collectibles
031 337 7653
Health & Beauty on Point
031 337 8477
Honeywheel Gifts
031 337 7664
Hummingbird Studios
031 572 4889 / 082 803 1368
KZN Exclusive Wine Cellar
031 337 0475
NWJ Quality Jewellery
031 337 7603
SA Flag & Supporters Store
031 337 8126
Simplex Radio
031 337 7587
Spitfire - Sunglasses
031 337 0613
Swatch
031 337 0369
Time Flies
031 337 7634
U - Design
083 398 2290
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USHAKA RETAIL DIRECTORY uShaka Trading
031 328 8056
Windsong Kites
031 337 3057
Fashion
Shop Telephone
Butik Asia
031 337 9331
Clothesline
031 337 0983
Collections
031 337 7579
Hang Ten
031 337 2018
Jeep
031 337 0281
Just Cruizin
031 337 0083
Liaison - Lingerie
083 679 0017
Manock Naturals
031 337 1999
Pirana Surf
031 337 6666
Sequinz
031 337 0786
Sooz
031 337 7637
Wicked Clothing
083 354 0416
Curios, Arts & Crafts
Shop Telephone
Curio Africa
031 337 0419
Forest Village
031 337 7631
Heritage Afrika Gallery
031 337 0188
Tribal Expressions Art Gallery
031 337 0419
Umcebo Trust - Eclectic Wire & Bead Work
083 793 3408
Services, Adventure, Travel & Tourism
Shop Telephone
Alpha Pharm Marine World Pharmacy
031 368 2569
Calypso Dive & Adventure
031 332 0905
Eagle Eye Tattoos & Body Piercing
031 337 7583
Kodak Express
031 368 4267
Letsema Massaging Services
083 325 0782 / 011 642 4387
M.J’s Xclusive Hair
031 337 9983
Lifes A Beach
031 337 8555
Sikhona Travel, Tourism & Foreign Exchange
031 337 8425
Tyson Properties
031 332 3458
uShaka Surf and Adventures
031 313 3333 / 43
Vodacom 4 U
031 337 8110
Zulu Kingdom - Tourism KwaZulu - Natal
031 337 8099
Banking ATM’s ABSA ATM FNB ATM Nedbank ATM Standard Bank ATM
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STAFF UPDATE
ushaka welcomes
Lisa Vainikainen Corporate Sales Executive “Isabella is by far our greatest blessing.” Lisa was born in Pretoria and grew up in Durban. She has five brothers, one of which is her twin. Lisa comes from a big family, her parents raised them in a loving home environment and always taught them to respect one another, whether young or old. Lisa explains that one would think growing up with brothers, sometimes difficult, on the contrary, they always had closeness and to this day still maintain this. . Lisa has been married for eight years to her husband Risto from Finland and they are blessed with a beautiful daughter, Isabella of 15 months. Before Lisa joined uShaka Marine World, she worked at Goodersons Leisure Corporation for 5 years. Starting as a Corporate Sales representative, promoted to their International Sales division and moved up a further step within the company as Reservations Manager. During this time she learnt that she had great interest in the hospitality and tourism industry.
FACT
“I am very pleased to have joined uShaka Marine World as Corporate Sales Executive and I believe that I will grow to greater heights within the industry representing such a beautiful theme park.”
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Staff achievements and other info Promoted staff
Jabulisile Khumalo Transferred from Waste (Waste Attendant) to Cleaner position eff. 1 August 2008 Snethemba Ngcobo Transferred from Waste (Waste Attendant) to Cleaner position eff. 1 August 2008 Listing of staff “movers” leaving uShaka Marine World & we wish them well in their new positions Londiwe Gumede from Marketing, Sandile Khayile from Ticketing and Simiso Ndiyaza from Accounts New staff joining uShaka Marine World Marius Earle – Acting COO Lisa Vainikainen – Corporate Sales Executive
"Congratulations to Cyril Cabe" who has been promoted from Receptionist to Marketing Assistant on 1 October.
WHY ARE PENGUINS BLACK AND WHITE It is known as counter shading. With the white on the underside blending in with the water surface when seen from below, and the black on the back helps to camouflage these birds when seen from above.
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Training interventions for the month of October
We currently have the following training project that will be taking place during the moth of October; If you are interested you can book through Dineo Msomi (Skills development and training officer).
Date 7 – 10 October 2008 Course Occupational health and safety Target group All the health and safety representatives Course content The responsibilities of the OHS rep
Date 14 – 31 October 2008 Course Customer care course Target group all customer service custodians Course content Servicing guest with world class standard. After completion a leaner will receive SA Host certificates.
Date 14 – 31 October 2008 Course Computer skills Target group Team leaders, Supervisors and coordinators Course content This will cover MS word, Excel and PowerPoint.
DURBANTOURISM
RUSH HOUR Durban Tourism’s current marketing strategy is based on three strategies; Leisure, Business, and Culture destination experience. The execution of the strategy for Leisure Tourism is mainly in the form of four seasonal campaigns, targeting the domestic holiday makers that plan their holidays during the school holidays. This market is considered important and must be constantly managed if Durban is to maintain its position as the leading Domestic destination in the country. Our objective is to increase volume, length of stay, spend and geographic spread to all. Durban Tourism leverages the key events by activating them further to gain more media hype for the city. December/ January- Main Events Spirit Of Summer, Beach Experience Umhlanga Summer Carnival Hansa PowerAde Dusi 2008 Roxy Wahine Cup Young designers Lab MTN Jazz Festival Amazimtoti Beach Festival Umgababa Beach Festival Durban Tourism capitalizes on the opportunities offered by events and sport, as well as meetings, conferences/ exhibitions and incentives to drive tourism and make it a key contributor to the local economy, thereby promoting economic up-liftment for all it’s communities. Major conference in Durban e.g. International Statistics- 2500 delegates, International Council of Nurses- 5000 delegates and SATB- 5000 delegates. AHOY CREW 23
Recently, the existing uShaka Marine World delight card was re-introduced with a new look and feel.
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CARGODOESHOLD IT AGAIN
The South African tourism and hospitality industries are booming on both domestic and international levels. South Africans are exploring their country more than ever and the international market continues to grow, especially with the promise of 2010 on the horizon. Our hospitality industry knows that it needs to prepare itself so that it can be ready and waiting. Congratulations to our Cargo Hold head Chef, Preshantan Pillay who came third in the Restaurant Showcase Challenge of The SA Chefs Association during the HOSTEX exhibition held in September. A total of 17 restaurant competed during this challenge.
The Cargo Hold signature dish prepared by Preshantan Pillay which secured Cargo Hold third place during the HOSTEX Restaurant Showcase Challenge
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CONSERVATION
THE PROUD HISTORY OF SAAMBR MARINE CONVERSATION RUNS STRONG 57 YEARS AFTER SAAMBR WAS ESTABLISHED IN kzn It started under a Milkwood tree along the Tongaland coast, just south of the Mozambique border. A group of pioneering conservationists on a scientific expedition organised by the Natal Society for the Preservation of Wildlife, identified the need to find out more about the extraordinary diversity of marine creatures, their fragile ecosystems and their ability to nourish a poor and growing population. Discussions long the night debated the merits and viability of establishing a marine biological station in Kwa Zulu –Natal. On 30 January 1951, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) was established, followed successively by its three operational divisions. In 1958 the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) was founded as the research wing of SAAMBER, and in June 1959 the Durban Centenary Aquarium was officially opened. It was later renamed Sea World. The first education courses were run in 1976. SAAMBER strives for marine conservation through the operation of its three divisions: The Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) promotes sustainable development and wise use of the marine and coastal resources, including capacity building through training and 28
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tertiary education. These are achieved through research projects, long term environmental monitoring and scientific decision support on the challenging marine environmental issues. Sea World is a top rate tourist attraction which provides a “window” into the Western Indian Ocean. It is home to a large and diverse collection of marine life, representative of local seas. The underground wreck aquarium, dolphin stadium, seal stadium and penguin rockery are open throughout the year to promote conservation awareness amongst guests as they experience close contact with some of nature’s most amazing marine creatures . The Sea World Education Centre, with its extensive marine environmental education programmes, reaches learners, teachers as well as managers and users of marine resources from all sectors of the community. The tailor-made programmes ensure the each group leaves Sea World Marine with a better understanding of our marine environment and of the role that each of us can play in its conservation. After 45 years the old Duran Sea World aquarium closed its doors to the public on the 11 January 2004, and now enjoys its new home at uShaka Marine World.
FACILITIES
SHIP BUILDING
NEWS AND UPDATES ABOUT UPGRADES TO AROUND THE PARK. TECHNICAL
In the ongoing development of the Upper Deck as an entertainment venue, the need was identified some time back, that the requirement existed for a dedicated Sound Room to house the sound technician and his equipment. Up to this time , the sound technician and his equipment were forced to be positioned outside and open to the elements. This was an unsatisfactory situation, as not only did it look unsightly, but the equipment was prone to damage from the elements. We have recently completed a dedicated sound room for the technician and his equipment, and it is now fully operational. The sound room has been constructed of the same materials, and in the same style as the rest of the ship, so as to blend in and not spoil the structures looks.
LANDSCAPING We have increase the levelled bathing areas at the mound next to Wahoo’s and the Kiddies Pool. The mound next to Wahoo’s was flattened by cutting the top by approximately 350mm and extending the level platform area. The palms were transplanted to create a circle framing the seating space. This has provided an additional level area of about 155m². The lawn was measured at 515m² prior to the work and we consequently laid 670m² of cynodon lawn. The mound will still offer protection from the wind. The mound at the Kiddies Pool area was cut to a depth of 500mm-600mm at its highest point and this fill was used to increase the level surface from the transformer end to the Bell street side. In addition the lawn area was extended at the rear by between 2,5m and tapering to 1m at the Bell street end. Four palms were relocated to open up the lawn. Nevertheless, this levelled lawn area has increased by about 185m². This was achieved by levelling the top over the entire length, extending the lawn into the flower bed at the rear and by extending the lawn down the Bell street side.
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