RESORT NEWSLETTER MAY 2020
The Bushveld Bulletin
COVID-19 Notice   |   Sightings   |   Guest Comments  |   Awards   |   Events   |   Upgrades   |   Notices
2020 has been a whirl-wind of a year thus far, but what it has done is force us all to pause and take care of all the inimitable details of our lives. As the colder season settles in, we consider it a true blessing that we will be able to enjoy an African winter in the heart of the bushveld - with its amber hues and the crisp cool air. We are so grateful that we are able look back in
 
appreciation for our dedicated team, this amazing Resort we call home and in the unwavering support we have received from you, our valued shareholders. Snuggle up with a warm blanket and allow us to look back and reflect on the memories, that have been forged over the past six months at your Monateng; your home-away-from-home…
VRS Covid-19 Shareholder Notice
COVID-19

We would like to extend our gratitude to every shareholder, as well as to South Africa as a nation, for heeding the call of President Cyril Ramaphosa on the eve of the nation address in relation to the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions. We, as the Managing Agent of your preferred holiday destination, would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to navigate this pandemic.

 

A message from Marjorie Forssman, Managing Director of Vacation Recreational Services:

“Our commitment to providing an environment to create everlasting memories for all our shareholders and guests remains at the forefront of our mission. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, VRS is implementing viable management solutions for your home-away-from-home to ensure the health and safety of you and your families for when you can enjoy your holidays once more. The VRS Team extends their heartfelt empathy for all who have been affected, direct- or indirectly, by this outbreak. Our faith lies firmly that South Africa will emerge from this situation stronger than before and with a heightened appreciation for this beautiful country; let us remain united as a nation.”

 

Kindly note, in compliance with government regulations and our own policies and procedures that Monateng Safari Lodge will remain closed to the public until it is deemed appropriate, by government, to return to normal operations. That being said, we want you to know that we are missing the sight of all your lovely families arriving in Reception and the happy sounds of your holidays unfolding! We are eagerly awaiting, and we know you are too, the day when we are able to open our gates once more; returning to a time where you may relish every moment at your 'peaceful bushveld retreat' in a safe and relaxing environment.

 

Click here to view relevant COVID-19-related news and information

 

As our further commitment to you during these trying times as we are sure you are looking forward
to being able to visit your home-away-from-home:

 

VRS Options
 

DON'T LOSE YOUR WEEK

VRS Options has been made available to our shareholders to deposit the week(s) which have been lost, due to the nationwide lockdown and/or the extended closure of Monateng Safari Lodge in return for tokens to the full value of the respective week.

Please visit VRS Options, bank the stay you can no longer occupy and retrieve your tokens, to be used for a future Resort-stay. A small Exchange Fee is the only payment required to open the possibilities of a multitude of Resorts to you. While we understand this means you might not receive an equivalent stay at Monateng Safari Lodge for a future date, we are sure this gesture, of an alternative holiday for your family, will result in many cherished holiday memories.

Visit VRS Options
 
 

Our thoughts and prayers are with each shareholder, as you manoeuvre through these trying times. Please do not hesitate to reach out to VRS Property Admin, should you require further information.

All emails can be directed to propertyadmin@vrs.co.za


Monateng Safari Lodge
– A Legacy worth taking good care of
Monateng Safari Lodge

We are well aware of and sensitive to the impact of the current state of national disaster, but in our role as ‘caretaker’ of your Resort, we understand that our monthly obligations – such as municipal charges, rates and taxes, administration, Resort maintenance – remain payable; and are necessary in order for us to ensure that we are able to welcome you back to your beautiful Resort as soon as possible.

 

We would like to thank all those shareholders who have continued to pay their levies, especially those who have paid even though they, sadly, lost the use of their week this year, due to the COVID-19 situation. 

 

This is a Team-Monateng match
and we need each one of our shareholders,
at our side, in the line-up.

We thank all shareholders for your continued support in ensuring the upkeep of the Resort at this time.

 

Good News Upon our Horizon

RCI Gold Crown

RCI

We are pleased to remind you that Monateng Safari Lodge retained Gold Crown status at the prestigious RCI OSCAS Awards held in March 2020. Gold Crown status is the highest grading a Resort can attain; and to maintain this grading is such a wonderful accomplishment.

 
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

TripAdvisor

We are excited to share that we were also awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently receiving ‘Very Good’ and ‘Excellent’ reviews. 

Thank you to our guests for sharing their experiences with us online!

New Sightings on our Bushveld Radar:

This year has brought along with it some special blessings for the Resort. In January, the Monateng Safari Lodge team welcomed the birth of three giraffe calves. It does not take long for a baby giraffe to stand firm on their long legs and start walking. In fact, healthy giraffe calves can stand and walk after only a few minutes of being born into the world. At almost 2 meters tall, it is no wonder the calves were spotted strutting around!

Monateng giraffes
 

The team has also welcomed another giraffe, named Jakes, who had to be removed from another reserve. The team describe Jakes as a friendly, yet still fiery, fellow who took no time in adapting and blending right in with the rest of his new family.

Being able to provide a safe home for these majestic animals and other amazing wildlife, remains a true privilege.

Monateng giraffes

Guest Comments

Read what some of our guests had to say about their favourite moments at Monateng:

“This was our second visit to Monateng and it was fantastic. I would recommend this to all people looking for a fun-filled holiday. The staff are extremely friendly and the facilities are 5 star value.”

Pieter Wiese

“The best staff ever. Comfortable digs with sufficient amenities for a good break away from home. A neat and clean Resort where night time relaxation and day time fun are the keys that make this a fantastic holiday. Thank you for a great stay.”
Lilia O
“A lovely resort - so close to Johannesburg, yet feels as though you are in the bush. Well maintained, friendly, happy staff. Great for walking; running; cycling; tennis or guided game drives. Excellent air conditioning!”
annic2013
“An amazing weekend! We all needed a restful, relaxed weekend away and Monateng was perfect. Throughout our stay the entire staff were friendly, helpful, and quick to respond. The unit was perfectly clean and spacious, coupled with air-con, comfy beds and all the necessities we needed. The lodge facilities are well thought out and organised. We loved the pebble painting and spent most of our time reading and swimming at the pool. Would highly recommend for a family getaway.”
necam27

The new and improved

We are excited to share with you the facilities upgrades and refurbishments we have made at your home-away-from-home during the first six months of the year:

Interior unit upgrades

Interior unit upgrades

Out with the old, in with the new. All of the sleeper couches in every unit have been replaced. The lounge suites in the Bush Units have been replaced with new corner suites; all for your comfort and pleasure.

 
Insect management upgrades

Insect management upgrades

UV fly catchers have also been placed in each of the units to manage the seasonal influx of flies.

 

In an effort to further mitigate the seasonal fly issue, “Bol-n-Vlieg” fly catches have been installed on the perimeters of the property.

 
Exterior unit upgrades

Exterior unit upgrades

The unit exteriors have been given a facelift! The broken heat pumps have been replaced; the unit barge boards have been painted white, the window sills have been painted charcoal and the exterior walls have been repainted to match the Cape fynbos.

 
Facility upgrades

Facility upgrades

Our common areas have also received some tender love and care! The thatch roofs of the lapas at the swimming pool have been re-thatched with new grass and additional arcade games have been added to the games room.

 

The restaurant has been converted into a take-away outlet, allowing for guests to enjoy delicious meals at the bar area or in the comfort of their chalets.

 
Signage upgrades

Signage upgrades

The signage at our Resort is also getting a much-needed facelift. We are replacing the existing signage with new and improved signage with an updated look and feel.

We have a new Monateng family member!

Nthabiseng Kanyane - FNB
 
Nthabiseng Kanyane - FNB

Nthabiseng Kanyane joined Monateng on the 1st of February 2020 as the new FNB Manager. You’ll find her cooking up some of your favourite take-away meals.

 

Welcome to the team, Nthabiseng. We wish you a rewarding and successful journey on the road to creating the environment for guests to make everlasting memories right here, at Monateng!

Events at Monateng

At Monateng Safari Lodge, holidays and special occasions are a real treat. Here is a look at how we celebrated with you, our valued shareholders, and other special guests:

December / January Holidays
 
December / January Holidays

The festive holiday season is one filled with contagious cheer and joyful smiles all round. Every guest who checked in was gifted hot chocolate and mini marshmallows so that they could make their own ‘choco-mellow’ drinks. With a jam packed holiday programme for the children, there was lot to do at Monateng; kids could participate in a fun game of laser tag, go on a lovely hiking trail and even have their faces painted. The marshmallow braai and a unanimous favourite, the Monateng ‘Bring and Braai’, are treats for both young and old to enjoy!

Christmas Day
 
Christmas Day

To spread the merry spirit, Santa made an appearance on Christmas Day. One of our staff members got into costume and went door-to-door to hand out treats to every child. Guests who were checking in during that time were also greeted by Santa at reception.

Valentine’s Day
 
Valentine’s Day

Love was in the air at Monateng on Valentine’s Day. To celebrate the romantic day, guests were treated to chocolate-coated ice-cream treats and a beautiful rose in each unit.

Birthdays and Anniversaries
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries

We love making our guests’ special occasions memorable. For every guest who celebrated their birthday with us; and for each couple who commemorated their union, a thoughtful card, some bubbly, delectable chocolates and vibrant bouquets of flowers were placed in the respective guests’ units.

Customer Service Excellence

We strive to ensure that we provide our guests with excellent service. In order to ensure that we are consistently delivering on those intentions, guests who visit our Resort are given an opportunity to nominate a staff member who they feel provides A-grade customer-centric service. We would like to acknowledge one of our Housekeeping team members, Mimi Mdluli, for her hard work and consistent commitment.

Mimi Mdluli
 

Mimi Mdluli

Mimi has received the most nominations for the outstanding service she provides to guests at Monateng. We would like to extend a huge thank you for her dedication and contribution to making sure that guests feel comfortable and have a pleasant stay.

A Little More Information...
African Blessings

AFRICAN BLESSINGS
Did you know that we support African Blessings?
This Non-Profit and Public Benefit Company cares for its community, children, animals and the environment. Check out their website for their latest projects and developments.

 

More info...
VRS Options

VRS OPTIONS
VRS Options allows you to exchange your fixed holiday for availability at various Resorts, for alternative dates or unit sizes. We’ve secured you a multitude of destinations through some of our partners to give you more holiday options.
(Please note that the exchange fee will increase in 2021)

More info...

UniVate Properties

Uni-Vate Properties is your one stop portal for all residential, vacation ownership and commercial property.

Univate Properties
 
HOLIDAY TIMESHARE
 
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
 
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

The Uni-Vate Properties portal not only allows you to buy weeks at your favourite Resort but you can also sell your Vacation Ownership week in a few simple steps.

 

Click here to view our latest stock

Take the pressure out of planning the journey to your favourite home-away-from-home: our partners at ACT Travel are here to plan your flights, car hire and so much more to ensure you have the most relaxing vacation.

ACT Travel
Important Notices
Timeshare Calendars >
2020
| 2021
 
Instruction Letter >
2020| 2021
 
VRS Website >
Click here
 
2019 ASM Minutes >
Click here
Other Documents >
Download here
 
Covid-19 Notice >
Download here
 
VRS Property Admin >
Click here
 

Stay in touch with us on social media

Monateng Facebook   Monateng TripAdvisor   Monateng website
In Closing...
We have enjoyed making incredible memories with you, our valued shareholders, and we look forward to the many more exciting times ahead of us as we conquer the rest of this year. We hope that your bushveld adventure
 

continues to bring you wonderful memories that have surpassed your wildest dreams! Until next time, remember: “life is all about enjoying every sunset and looking forward for the next sunrise!”

Happy holidaying,

Marjorie Forssman
VRS – Managing Director 
VRS logo