Since joining SAA Cabin Crew in 2006, ZANELE SANGWENI has flown all over South Africa and the globe, picking up some great travel tips
I GOT INTO THIS CAREER BECAUSE…
I’m an outgoing, vivacious person, so working as a Crew Member suits me perfectly. Before this I was working at a local newspaper in Tembisa as an admin receptionist, but then saw the opportunity being advertised for crew. I’ve never looked back!
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB IS…
That it builds one’s character. Over the last 12 years I’ve met so many different kinds of people.This job also teaches one how to handle different situations.
AND I GET TO TRAVEL WITH MY BESTIE!
SAA introduced a Fly With programme that allows you to choose one colleague to do all your flights with. It’s the best thing. It means you can have a close friend with you to share those special moments wherever you go. Mine is Lovington Sibisi – they always book us together.
MY MOST MEMORABLE PASSENGER WAS ONE WHO SAID…
I should “eat smiling, talk smiling and sleep smiling”.What a great piece of advice! I admit, at first I didn’t quite understand what she meant but when I applied this advice, I found that having that permanent smile on your face allows you to handle every situation that you come across.A smile goes a long way and whenever I step onto that plane, whenever I see the passengers and colleagues, I have that smile.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ENRICHED MY LIFE BECAUSE…
I’ve really learned to respect different cultures and beliefs; to respect and understand their back- grounds and learn from them.We are all different and we have to respect and love each other.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION
It has to be Ghana, without a doubt! It’s the warmest, friendliest place I’ve ever been too. They are so welcoming and the food is wonderful – the plantains and jollof rice – it feels like home away from home.
A suburb of the capital, Accra, and close to the city centre. It’s like the Maboneng Precinct in Joburg. There’s a creative vibe with people of all ages flocking to its streets for the shops, restaurants, cafes, street food and clubs.
Zanele’s top travel tips
I never travel without:
HAND SANITISER Not everywhere is as clean and hygienic as it is back home.
MOISTURISER There are many climates that really dehydrate your skin.
DRINK WATER Lots of it. Long-haul flights dehydrate you unless you keep drinking water.
SUN LOTION AND A HAT Again… take care of that skin.
MEDICATION Don’t forget some basic medicines – something to combat nausea is always good and some painkillers.
AND SOMETHING FAMILIAR I always pack a familiar object from home. It could be a toy – just something that comforts you.
