If there was any authority other than travel agents on where to fly and why, then it would be flight crew members, who travel to the best destinations in the world regularly.
We pulled together some travel advice on must-see African and international destinations from South African Airways’ amazing crew members – and here are their recommendations:
From ballet to the blue skies, Jacob Tebogo Mosehla is all about a stellar performance. He said the following about his favourite local highlights:
“They include the Kruger National Park, Oudtshoorn, Nelspruit, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Kimberley. There are many local gems to unearth and I love finding them and sharing them with international tourists.”
Jeremy Anton Pearce, Senior Purser for Cabin Services, was a professional ice skater in Spain when he joined SAA an impressive 37 years ago, and he’s never looked back. Mauritius is his favourite destination – this is why:
“I love the relaxed atmosphere, the easy three-and-a-half-hour travel time, the people and their hospitality. Mauritians are very service-centric, which is touching. There’s quite a bit to do there, but I prefer doing nothing when I’m on holiday.”
Cabin crew member Lebogang Maepa joined the team in 2017, but she’s already covered a lot of ground. This is what she shared when asked about her favourite international cities:
“Washington DC, as I enjoy the atmosphere and its shopping and food options. Holiday-wise, I’d love to visit Paris. I studied French in high school and remember how my teacher would describe Paris and talk about it being the City of Love. I’ve always hoped it will be where I spend my first international vacation with my husband.”
Part of team SAA since 1993, Purser Frieda Makoba is also a part-time actress and Cape Town’s biggest fan. This bubbly, dedicated cabin crew member chatted to us about her favourite destination:
“New York, because I get to do all the things I want to and it’s a beautiful city. However, I also love Germany. I spent 10 months in Munich (I flew in once a week), rehearsing for a musical theatre project called This New Ocean, performed by flight crews from different airlines, such as SAA, Lufthansa, ANA and Siberian Airlines. The scenery in Germany is very beautiful, the people are great and I love the beer festivals. Visit even if you don’t drink beer as there’s a wonderful vibe and energy at these festivals.”
Since joining the team in 2003, Senior Cabin Crew Member Nonhlanhla Gail Ngwenyama has personified teamwork and servant leadership. She said the following about her favourite destinations:
“I have three on my list: home being the first, because as the saying goes, home is where the heart is. My heart is with my kids who inspire me every day. Next is the City that Never Sleeps – New York – because it’s beautiful, and finally Hong Kong, because my son loves Chinese culture and that’s where we went to Disneyland.”
