Hotel group celebrates milestone birthday
Glenburn Lodge is blessed with staff members who are still with the company since the day it opened its doors.
Given the rather gloomy survival rate for small to medium sizes businesses, it is no small accomplishment for Glenburn Lodge to celebrate its 25th birthday this year.
Guvon Investments was established in 1978 by Gustav Pansegrouw. Oom Gustav, as he fondly is referred to, handed over reins to his four children who all are involved in the business. While Kosie Pansegrouw acts as managing director, Alta Thorpe heads HR, Yvette Alberts the financial side and Jannie Borman the estate and maintenance. The name Guvon originated from the combination of the names of its founder members Gustav and his late wife, Yvonne.
Involved in property development from inception, Guvon started development in the hotel industry with Glenburn Lodge as the first of now seven hotels/ properties in their portfolio. In 1990 Glenburn Lodge, situated in The Cradle of Humankind, was opened as an intimate family weekend getaway. Additions to the original buildings and facilities were made every year thereafter and Glenburn Lodge soon developed into one of the leading conference and country hotel venues in Gauteng today, with focused banqueting venues and facilities to cater for weddings and functions, as well as recreational activities for all age groups.
25 years later the lodge has 100 rooms, a magnificent spa and a tented camp.
Celebrations kicked off among start-up family members, previous general managers of the property, neighbours, staff who have worked at the lodge since day one, other businesses and local media.
During the festivities there were commemorative tree planting, delicious snacks by in-house Belgian chef Vincent Lauwers, great entertainment by singer George Meiring and of course unveiling Glenburn’s new logo by Kosie.
“We felt this is an opportune time to introduce a fresh logo.
“The majestic Zwartkops Mountain forms a focal point for the logo design. Throughout history, mountains have symbolised constancy, firmness and stillness. The Blaauwbank Spruit is pictured on the logo as it flows into the main dam,” Christa Badenhorst, group marketing and PR manager said.
Previous general managers Dave Atherstone and Leon Bosch were welcomed on the day by the current GM Nigel Peel.
Glenburn Lodge is blessed with staff members who are still with the company since the day it opened its doors to the public. Johannes Mashatola, Jechonia Zulu and Jabulani Mchunu have 25 years of service, and Sarah Phiri has 23 years of service.
After the unveiling Oom Gustav and actress Cindy Swanepoel (Ballade vir ’n Enkeling) got down and dirty with a tree planting ceremony. Wayne Otto, Guvon Hotels horticulturist and Wayne Stafford, finalist for Bachelor and Bachelorette of the Year 2015 offered a helping hand.
25 certificates were handed to celebrities, management and staff who assisted in the tree planting process.
Leon did the honours of cutting the 25th birthday cake, bringing the celebrations to a close.
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