Eighteen months ago, on that cold winter’s day, we packed up the Ulovane Campus for the last time. It still feels surreal to think about it. That place was our home, our heart, and the foundation of our dream. I’d love to say it was easy, but it wasn’t. Saying goodbye to something you built with your whole soul never is.

But to understand what this moment meant, I need to take you back to where it all began…

In March 2005, Schalk and I registered Ulovane Environmental Training. It was a leap of faith, the beginning of a completely unknown chapter. By June, we packed our lives into boxes and moved to the Eastern Cape.

We didn’t know anyone—well, except for the legendary Uncle Bill Fowlds, Dr. William Fowlds and the Gush Family. They welcomed us into their world; honestly, we wouldn’t have made it without their guidance and support.

By January 2006, we were juggling life in every sense of the word. Zavier, our youngest, was born that month. Ten days later, we welcomed our very first group of students. Life was chaos—a five-year-old (Tatum), a toddler (Josh), and a newborn—but somehow, amidst the sleepless nights and uncertainty, we found our rhythm.

It’s funny how vividly I can still picture those early days. We had no idea what we were doing (or so it felt at the time), but we poured our hearts into creating something special. And that effort paid off.

Ulovane grew into a beautiful beast—a well-oiled machine by 2020. We had a name, a brand, and a reputation for producing professional, ethical guides who went on to do incredible things. It felt like we had it all figured out.

But then COVID came.

March 2020 will forever be etched in my mind. Like everyone, we panicked, we stumbled, we rested. We did what we could to survive. And somehow, we did. But the toll it took on us—financially, emotionally, and physically—was immense.

Fast forward to March 2023, and reality caught up with us. The Ulovane Campus, our home for 18 years, couldn’t survive the storm. We were exhausted, burned out, and drained. It was time to let go.

Closing the campus broke something inside of us. Ulovane wasn’t just a business. It was a family. A home. A space that nurtured over 200 students—people who became part of our lives, our legacy. Saying goodbye wasn’t just hard—it was devastating.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it: the months that followed were rough. Schalk and I questioned everything—our choices, our abilities, and even our purpose. But, as we’ve always done, we held our heads high and pushed forward.

Eighteen months later, I look back on this time with a mix of emotions. It’s been a rollercoaster, no doubt about it. We’ve learned so much, met incredible people, and found new ways to make a difference.

From working at lodges to training marine guides, Community Guide Training, FGASA assessments, conservation work, East African guide training, a one-month road trip around South Africa, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Texas —it’s been a wild ride. We’ve traveled to amazing places, strengthened our skills, and reconnected with what truly matters.

Do we miss having a base? Absolutely. Ulovane was our anchor, our safe space. But sometimes life forces you to let go so you can grow. It’s been challenging—Schalk and I have spent more time apart than together this past year, ships in the night navigating our separate paths. But through it all, we’ve come out stronger. As a team, as a couple, and as a family.

We’ve proven to ourselves that we can adapt, like the chameleons we are. We can do hard things. And with determination, we’ll always find a way to make it work.

2025 feels like a new beginning. Our kids are all grown up, carving their own paths. Two are already thriving in hospitality—because, let’s be honest, it’s in their blood! Our youngest will likely break the mold entirely, and whatever he chooses, we’ll be right there, cheering him on

As for Schalk and me? It’s time to refocus. Ulovane has always been our fourth child, and its legacy means the world to us. Wherever we go, Ulovane goes with us.

We don’t have all the answers yet, but we know this:

• We want to continue Guide Training.
• Conservation work will remain at the heart of everything we do.
• We’ll keep traveling, connecting with incredible people, and finding new ways to make an impact.

Ulovane isn’t just a name. It’s a commitment. A legacy. A ripple in the world of conservation and education. For nearly two decades, we’ve poured our hearts into shaping guides, uplifting communities, and preserving our natural heritage. And we’re not done yet. So watch this space, stay in touch and who knows what the new year will hold.

To all of you who have supported us, believed in us, and walked this journey with us: thank you.

As we step into 2025, we wish for you all the things we’ve been working toward—peace, resilience, and joy. May you find light in the darkness, strength in your challenges, and moments of beauty in every day.

Hold your loved ones close. Celebrate the small wins. And no matter what, NEVER GIVE UP!

With all our love,