Meet one of our resident maintenance men, Masingita whose story is one of resilience, dedication and compassion. Raised in a small village, just outside of the Sabi Sand, Utah, he grew up where unemployment was and is high and opportunities are scarce. Despite these challenges, he looked up to his mother, who managed to provide for their whole family with the little she had.
My journey has shown me that there is always something new to learn every day.
Masingita Phanuel Machavi
Masingita was drawn to hands-on work, learning technical skills from the community of people around him. Being a natural self-taught problem solver and taking pride in his ability to fix and create led him to a career in maintenance, and for the past three and a half years, he has been a vital part of the team at Cheetah Plains. To him, each new task is an opportunity to learn something new, and he takes pride in finding solutions that benefit both the lodge and our guests.
Masingita has a deep connection to his cultural roots. As a traditional healer, he wears bangles made from sheep skin, these are worn for a specific period and allow him to connect with his ancestors, guiding him in his role. His spiritual practice is equally important to him, offering him a sense of purpose and fulfilment while providing for members of his community.
Masingita’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contracted the virus, a difficult experience that tested both his physical and emotional strength. He is grateful for the support and generosity from the Cheetah Plains management team, who assisted him with medication and were supportive on his journey back to recovery.
At home, Masingita is driven by the desire to provide a better life for his children, just as his mother did for him. He is the breadwinner, and this responsibility motivates him to work hard every day, ensuring his family has the opportunities he didn’t. When he’s not working, Masingita enjoys watching football and is known as “seven” from his time playing soccer.
As he looks to the future, Masingita hopes to continue growing in his field, with aspirations of receiving formal training in maintenance. From his roots in the village of Utah to his role in the Cheetah Plains maintenance team, Masingita’s dedication and deep connection to his cultural heritage shine through his every day work and bring joy to the team and environment at Cheetah Plains.
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