Meet the team: Jackson Dlatu
Spier is home to a diverse bunch of passionate people, doing what they love, and committed to making a difference every day. Jackson – the man expertly frying eggs each morning at the Spier Hotel’s breakfast buffet – hails from the Eastern Cape. He first learnt how to cook when he was a teenager, and has subsequently worked all over the Western Cape, joining Spier in 2006. He lives in Kayamandi, just outside of Stellenbosch.
What do you love most about your job?
I love working at the breakfast buffet’s Egg Station – because I get to talk to people from all over the world. I like to explain what’s happening at Spier, and assist them with any questions about the hotel they might have.
What’s the best thing about Spier?
We’ve got great management looking after us. There’s excellent communication with staff.
How do you make a positive difference to the environment?
We recycle as much as possible in the kitchen. Our food waste goes to the compost heap – or becomes food for Farmer Angus’s pigs! The eggs I cook at breakfast time are laid by free-roaming chickens in Spier’s pastures. These hens are not given any hormones or routine antibiotics and they just eat grass, bugs and laying mash – they’re very healthy. If you have an omlette of mine, you can taste how happy our chickens are!
How do you make a positive difference to your community?
I’m part of a church that is very active in the community; wherever there is need, we try and help.
What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
As soon as I’ve got home from work, I put on my training shoes and run. I used to run 25km every day, but because I’ve been getting tired lately, I do between 10 and 15km now instead.
Who inspires you?
President Mandela. He inspired people to look beyond colour, and encouraged people of all backgrounds to mix together and try to understand each other.
What’s your favourite season?
Summer: I like it when it’s hot – the hotel is busier, and people are in a chatty mood.
What are you proudest of having achieved?
I always have energy every day and give 100%. There’s not a single day when I feel tired and don’t feel like talking.
What advice do you have for someone trying to get into your line of work?
Be friendly and helpful. Follow your passion. Do what you love.