Maropeng is where the heart is for Khathu Negondeni

By Miliswa Sitshwele

Even though he has only been at Maropeng for the past four months, Khathu Negondeni is already part of the Maropeng “A Team”.

Khathu, who manages the Maropeng Hotel, has been in the hospitality industry for the past eight years – an experience he wouldn’t trade for anything in the world, he says.

Before he joined the Maropeng family, Khathu worked at River Stone Lodge as a Food and Beverage Manager: Operations.

What he loves most about Maropeng is the richness of culture and the collective minds that make up the staff. “The staff around here know where they are coming from and they know where they are going,” Khathu explains.

The Maropeng Sunday stir-fry also makes things special. “It’s the best in the world!” he says.

What makes Maropeng different from all the places he has worked is the human evolution angle – something Khathu previously knew little about.

“I have worked all over South Africa, including Durban and Cape Town, but Maropeng stands out for me. That is why I am willing to drive from Edenvale, Johannesburg, to Maropeng each day,” he says.

“The staff here are also really friendly; they make you feel at home – like you belong with them. The team spirit is awesome.

“We work like a family, we relate to each other as brothers. The support that we offer each other is unbelievable; we have a vision for Maropeng.”

Itumeleng Mtombeni, senior restaurant supervisor at the Tumulus restaurant, describes Khathu as friendly – someone who motivates others no matter the situation they find themselves in.

“Khathu is very friendly, he always has a smile on his face,” says Itumeleng.