Adapting, Growing, Thriving: Our Team During The Time Of Covid

COVID-19 significantly impacted travel (including, during the hard lockdown, the temporary closure of the Spier Hotel), which meant that it was important to figure out new roles for some of the members of our hospitality team.

We’d like to introduce you to a few of them:

• Crystal Joemath was previously a Reservationist for Spier Hotel. During the pandemic, she joined Spier Wines to assist them with admin and audits. She says: “A year ago, the auditing process was a total mystery — I have learned so much in such a short period of time! It’s really fulfilling to play a role in ensuring our company complies with legislation, standards and customer requirements.”
• Before the pandemic, Mduduzi Masilela was a houseman at the Spier Hotel. While the Hotel was temporarily closed, he helped in Spier’s food gardens where produce is grown for the community. “It was hard work!” he says. Today, he is part of our maintenance team. “I’ve learned how to handle challenges that we face in life and business,” he says. “It’s important to then come up with positive ideas on how to solve them.”
• William Roberts was previously a Spier Hotel porter. During the pandemic, he became a driver. He delivers delicious food and wine to customers of Spier’s online shop in the Winelands and the Greater Cape Town area. “This is a role that I was waiting for, for so many years — I really enjoy it,” he says. “I love delivering the best service possible to our clients.