Returning home – Trudie Delport: Conferencing and events executive
When Trudie Delport resumed her position as conferencing executive at Maropeng, one of the guides greeted her by saying, “Welcome home.”
And this, she says, is exactly what it’s like being back: “The staff at Maropeng is like one big family.”
Trudie worked at Maropeng for 18 months, from 2008 up until she left in 2009 to try something new. When the opportunity arose for her to return to the Cradle of Humankind, she jumped at the chance to be reunited with the Maropeng team.
With more than 12 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Trudie has been warmly welcomed on her return to Maropeng. Curator and human resources manager Lindsay Marshall says that Trudie’s bubbly personality and enthusiasm are a welcome return. “She’s learned a lot in her time away and we look forward to harnessing her gained experience and knowledge,” says Lindsay.
As conferencing executive, Trudie’s typical day involves a large range of activities. “There’s never a dull moment,” she says.
She adds that the story of Maropeng resonates with many companies that want to re-energise their teams and brainstorm new strategies: “Most companies theme their conferences ‘Back to Basics’ or ‘Evolution to Revolution’, and that is exactly what Maropeng and the Cradle of Humankind are all about. Where have we come from, where are we going and how will we be getting there? Not only as the entire human species, but also as companies and individuals.”
Trudie Delport, conferencing and events executive at the Maropeng Visitor Centre preparing for the arrival of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand
Irvine Ngara, Maropeng revenue accountant, says that Trudie is a great team member. “She’s always willing to assist, and her attention to detail plus her persistence in harassing everyone until she get what she wants makes sure she gets the job done.”
Having conference facilities set in the Cradle of Humankind is a real asset to Maropeng.
“The best selling point is the peace, quiet, tranquillity and obviously the view from Maropeng,” says Trudie. “There is nothing like it in the rest of Gauteng. Also, it doesn’t take you forever to get to Maropeng from Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it the perfect venue for a quick getaway from the rat-race.”
Trudie grew up in Kroonstad in the Free State, and is a self-confessed farm girl who loves the outdoors. And this is part of the reason she feels so at home at Maropeng. “You don’t do me ANY favours by taking me to the mall! Rather take me for a picnic or an adventurous outing like skydiving, river rafting, zip-lining or horse riding [all of which she’s done before],” she says.
Maropeng marketing assistant Ntlotleng Kobue says Trudie is great to work with. “She always finds ways to add that extra little something to the conference delegates who come to Maropeng. Plus I love all the delicious recipes she gives me for food.”
When not at work, Trudie loves spending time with family and friends.
“I am on cloud nine when I can cook a healthy, exciting meal for my loved ones. I love reading, listening to music and dancing,” she says. “When I am visiting my parents, I love taking out the sewing machine and making my own clothes.”
Trudie loves the fact that no two days are the same.
Her work motto is, “Use the talents you are blessed with to the best of your ability.” And this is ideal for the challenge at Maropeng, which, Trudie says, is like a “brand new adventure every day”.