Virginia Matea
This is the story of 40 year-old Virginia Matea, who started out with Erin in 1998. It all began when Virginia’s husband worked as a barman at a lodge run by Erin and Dean Limbert. It was here that Virginia met Erin. Virginia had an 8 month old baby and was looking for a part time job to earn an extra income.
Longing to be involved in the “world of beauty”, Erin offered to assist Virginia in studying massage and physiology by borrowing books from the library for research on techniques for massage and also undertaking an Intec course. Virginia started experimenting on Erin’s family, friends and relatives and was well rewarded for her efforts.
Erin then moved to Schurveberg where she sent Virginia on a course to study head and body massage. It had always been Erin’s dream to open an African day spa where guests could be pampered and indulged in traditional African traditions. Virginia was well on her way to becoming one of Erin’s and Mangwanani’s first therapists.
Upon completion of her course, Mangwanani African Day Spa was born in 2002 catering for just 6 guests per day. With dedication and the hard work of Virginia and other staff members, this soon grew to 9 guests per day and eventually flourished to cater for 84 guests daily to date.
By being professional and always wearing a smile, Virginia starts her duties first thing in the morning by welcoming guests traveling on the Mangwanani bus from Montecasino with champagne and orange juice. Virginia, and her amazing spirit, sets the tone for the amazing day ahead for the guests with Mangwanani.
Her journey from 2002 opened so many doors for her, starting with building 4 years of work experience at River Valley and a further 4 years at Indaba. In March 2010 Virginia left Mangwanani with a R50 000 package to join her husband’s Takeaway Business.
Virginia has since returned to Mangwanani and is now the Royal Elephant Boutique Spa manager, in Centurion.
Nelson Telekisa
Nelson started with Mangwanani on 4 September 2002 and was employed as a driver. But with his indomitable work ethic, Nelson quickly moved up in the company. This former driver eventually had 6 people working below him.
In 2009 – Nelson requested funding to start his very own business venture, and Mangwanani was happy to oblige with a payment of R108 000 so that Nelson could start his Glass Glazing company.
His business is going really well again thanks to Nelson’s work ethic and Mangwanani for the initial funding back in 2002. Nelson now employs 3 staff members and is doing well.
Nelson is a successful entrepreneur, thanks to his Mangwanani start. And we’re happy to report that Nelson’s wife, Sarina, still works for Mangwanani at our Indaba Branch.
Christine Buthelezi
Christine grew up in Knoppieslaagte, just outside Pretoria. Christine was raised by her grandmother and lived in rather difficult circumstances. There was a little farm next door to her grandmother’s home – a chicken farm. Here they raised chickens specifically for retail and Christine managed to secure a job for R20 per day – killing chickens.
Christine was a church going girl and one Sunday, while walking to church, Christine was offered a lift by a lady named Maeve. Maeve introduced Christine to Mangwanani – by telling her about the business and that perhaps she would be interested in becoming a therapist at the River Valley Branch.
Christine started as a therapist and has worked her way up through the Company, and proudly purchased her brand new black Toyota Yaris (a favourite amongst Mangwanani therapists). Christine has managed every branch nationally & now fulfils the position of Customer Service Manager at the Head Office in Ballito.
