The Power of Teamwork

The Foundation of Destination Africa’s Success

A Journey of Remembrance and Reflection

Today (7 March 2025), we are heading to Oudtshoorn. What is normally a beautiful road trip carries a bitter taste. Together with the team, we are on our way to pay our final respects and say goodbye to a dear friend and colleague, Niel Els.

Niel was a truly unique person—the kind of person who was always at the centre of things, bringing people together. Like myself, he believed deeply in the power of teamwork. He understood that no one is irreplaceable if a strong team has been built. It is never about a single individual but rather about the collective strength of the group. The team, when well-structured, is always greater than the sum of its parts.

As we reflect on Niel’s legacy, I am reminded once again why teamwork is at the heart of everything we do at Destination Africa.

The strenght of a team

From the very beginning, I have believed in treating everyone with the same level of respect, whether they are employees, partners, or suppliers. We operate as a family, where each member’s voice matters. This sense of unity creates an environment where people feel valued and invested in our mission. When individuals feel a sense of ownership over their work, they become more engaged, proactive, and willing to go the extra mile. That is what sets Destination Africa apart. I have worked with partners and managers who do not appreciate the hard work done by the team. That is not an environment I can or will be part of, and in the long run, most such businesses fail.

A strong team does not mean that we always agree. In fact, the ability to ask critical questions, challenge ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions is what makes us better. A healthy workplace encourages open dialogue, where no one is afraid to speak up or offer a different perspective. True progress happens when different viewpoints come together to create the best possible outcome. A successful team listens to each other and learns from one another. However, after gathering ideas and input, the final decision ultimately rests with the Managing Director and the owners. This ensures clear direction and accountability. In South Africa, our MD, Ms. Leana Louw, does a fantastic job of making those tough decisions while always considering the input of the team.

The Difference Between Fear and Respect

One of the greatest lessons I have learned as a leader is that respect cannot be demanded—it must be earned. Some leaders mistake fear for respect, failing to see that their team does not truly respect them, but rather fears them. Leadership is not about issuing orders or controlling people; it is about inspiring and guiding a team toward a shared vision. When employees feel respected and appreciated, they are happier, more motivated, and more productive. This positive energy extends beyond the workplace and directly impacts our relationships with suppliers, agents, and guests. A happy and motivated team leads to satisfied agents, which ultimately results in happy guests.

At Destination Africa, we do not just care about our bottom line; we care about our people. We care about our suppliers, our agents, and our guests. Everyone who interacts with us should feel that they are part of something bigger than just a business transaction. This culture of care and commitment has allowed us to build lasting relationships and establish a reputation for excellence in the industry.

The Legacy of teamwork

In the end, true success is not just about profits or expansion—it is about creating a workplace where people feel valued and inspired. It is about making decisions that everyone can stand behind, knowing they were made with fairness and collaboration. When everyone feels they can live with a decision, we know we have done a good job.

Niel believed in the power of teamwork, and I honor his legacy by continuing to build and strengthen the teams around me. Because at the end of the day, no single person can carry an organization alone. Success is built through the collective effort of people who share a vision, respect one another, and work together towards a common goal.

That is the power of teamwork. That is the secret to our success at Destination Africa.

Rest in peace Niel

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