‘I am happy in Polokwane’ says Klaus Rabiega
He says he has no intention to exchange the friends he made here, or the warm sunny weather of Polokwane, for his home country.
POLOKWANE – German-born Klaus Rabiega, a well-known resident of Polokwane, says he has no intention to exchange the friends he made here, or the warm sunny weather of Polokwane, for his home country.
Rabiega is the owner and founder of Plumtree Lodge which was established in 1996 – at 71 years he is retired but says he is still actively involved in the business.
Arrived in South Africa in 1974
“I married my wife Brigitte in 1967 in Germany. We were young then and we thought of travelling the world, so we decided to start with South Africa.
“This was because my sister lived in Johannesburg at the time. We wanted to go to other countries like Australia as well, but South Africa just captured our hearts and we have lived here ever since. I have worked the hospitality sector since childhood and there were plenty of opportunities in this sector, so we decided to apply for South African citizenship,” Rabiega says.
Rabiega says after a year their documents were finally in order. His first job was for the Holiday Inn Group at a Holiday Inn in the then Potgietersrus, now known as Mokopane. From there they first moved to Port Elizabeth and then to Ermelo before finally settling in Polokwane.
He says permanently living in South Africa actually happened by coincidence, but he has no regrets.
“There are many beautiful places and establishments in South Africa, but to me nothing beats the weather and the people, especially my friends in Polokwane.
“Port Elizabeth and Cape Town are beautiful places, but in Polokwane I am happy and so is my wife.
“Reflecting on the past 45 years, my friends remain constant and are amazing. Jack Schofield and Ernie Kleingeld are friends I have had since 1971, just to name two.”
Family life
He says he enjoys good company with friends or family, and loves to entertain people.
“I really enjoy spending time with my family, many of whom are still residing in Europe. I try to go and visit them at least once a year, and they try to reciprocate. They love the weather we have here.”
The Rabiegas have three children and three grandchildren who, except for one of their children, all live in Europe.
“I love my wife Brigitte very much and wouldn’t exchange her for anything. She has stood by my side for the past 48 years and in two years’ time we will reach the 50-year milestone of our marriage,” Rabiega says.
“Our relationship is built on trust, patience and consideration for each other. Although I realise nothing is perfect, I manage to learn from the past. You never know what the future has in store for you. This is why it is important to live every day to the fullest.”
Annual Oktoberfest
Rabiega is one of the founding members of the Pietersburg 100 Rotary Club, established in the 1970’s, and is still active. Last year, Pietersburg 100 became involved with the annual Oktoberfest in Polokwane, at Rabiega’s request.
“I initiated the Oktoberfest here in 1980. It actually originated when we needed a project to raise money for a charity fund for a church. In 1986 the Oktoberfest really became popular when we brought in a live German band. We currently hold the festival at Bolivia Lodge. Thanks to the Oktoberfest’s popularity, we needed more space to accommodate everyone,” Rabiega explains.
