May 13, 2009

By Miliswa Sitshwele

“Success is not about glitz and glamour, it’s about fulfilment. Not all of us will be rich, so achieving your goals and being happy, to me, is success. Being a guide here means I have succeeded,” says Kelebogile Mangole, a tour guide at Maropeng.

The 21-year-old has been a tour guide since 2008. She is also studying towards a marketing diploma with the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Working with people on a daily basis has changed her behaviour and developed her personality, she says.

“I know that I can’t bring my moods to work. I leave them at home and come to work cheerful. I have learnt to be more patient and am now more tolerant of others.

“I am more sociable and am able to explain a lot of ideas to people from different ethnic groups and backgrounds.”

Dealing with people from different age groups, religions and ethnic groups has taught Kelebogile many things. One of those lessons, she says, is that no matter how disruptive the group of tourists may be, she needs to be able to take the lead, stay calm and do her job professionally.

“I have dealt with students who think you are the same age as them and give you attitude when you explain things to them.

“That has taught me that they are students and I am the teacher, so they have to listen to me.”

But there is at least some glamour in the job. While working at Maropeng she has met some local celebrities, like businesswoman Gerry Rantseli, singer Thandiswa Mazwai, Muvhango actor Ndalamo and rapper Tuks.

And that can’t hurt, when she has her diploma in her hand and is making waves in the marketing industry one day.

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