Proudly South African

Named “The Drinks Man” by colleagues, Zama Mthembu prides himself on knowing drinks from different countries and his own beloved South Africa. Zama started his training as a barman at Thonga Beach Lodge only one and a half years ago and did well to earn his title in a short space of time.

Let Zama serve you one of the local Thonga cocktails. This photograph was taken after having a Topsy Turtle, so it may be somewhat blurry…

With a hunger for information from all over the world, Zama loves his job as a barman. “I am passionate about my work” he explains, and he enjoys making guests feel comfortable at the lodge. “For my future, I want to go deeper into tourism. Now I am studying my driver’s licence. Then I would like to be a tour guide.”

I think it will be easy for Zama to absorb the vast amount of information needed to be a competent guide at the lodge, especially since one of his favourite activities is reading. “I find it relaxing” he says. “I even started a small library at home – small, but growing. I love South African books, especially about the history of our country.” His favourite? You guessed it ‘ former president Nelson Mandela’s ‘A Long Walk to Freedom.’ “I am very proud of being a South African” he explains “and I like to know everything about our country.” Sigh.

Proudly South Africa Zama Mthembu