Graceland’s Pieter de Villiers leaves Secunda for Scotland
Pieter said there is a couple of things he will not miss such as loadshedding, however, he will miss the South African sunshine, work and friends made on the golfing greens and the hospitality industry.
A well-known face on the golfing greens and in the entertainment and hospitality industry, Pieter de Villiers, bids farewell not only to Secunda but South Africa.
De Villiers, his wife Debi and his daughter Sydney (12) will be settling in Scotland. De Villiers’ hospitality career began at Sun International 30 years ago.
He was part of history in the making when South Africa’s first legal casino, Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club, opened its doors in 1997, with his employee number being 36.
The chance to leave the country crossed their path when Debi was offered a career opportunity to work abroad about two years ago.
The decision was not taken lightly, and with Debi being in Honeywell, Scotland, for a year the decision was made not to let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip through their fingers.
A long process of what is best for their daughter when it comes to schooling and university was the deciding factor.
“Debi went over for a year and I bit the bullet this side with our daughter. We are not sure if we will get this chance again soon. If something like this falls into your lap, you take it.
“We do this with a sore heart. It is not like I am leaving Graceland for another company, I am leaving for personal reasons.
“Time does not stand still, if I get too old I will not get this chance. I want to experience my daughter growing up,” said De Villiers.
There are a couple of things he will not miss, such as load-shedding, however, he will miss the South African sunshine, work and friends made on the golfing greens and in the hospitality industry.
“The part I will miss the most is my social life and the friends made over the years in this industry.”
It has taken about a year for the administration and applications to be approved. Arrangements also had to be made for their animals to be taken to Scotland. De Villiers and Sydney will be leaving to join Debbie on December 17.
“To my colleagues, remember the show must go on. There will always be someone else to motivate you and look after you. My golfing friends, you need to practice a bit more,” said a laughing De Villiers.
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He welcomes all his golfing friends to join him in Scotland and play the world-renowned St Andrews golf course.
“To my clients over the years, first and foremost, gamble responsibly. Make the best of who takes over from me and make friends with whoever it will be. I hope that the family we have created at Graceland continues to grow.”
De Villiers will be taking a sabbatical leave and does not intend to continue in the hospitality industry.
“Since I left school, I have always just worked. I never had a year where I did not have to work, apart from the normal holidays.
“I want to see that my daughter settles well into her new school and new environment. I will be what you call “Tony” from Who’s the boss running the household for a while.”
De Villiers will be keeping busy and will eventually look into a career, however, it will not be the hospitality industry due to the long hours.
“I am tired of always working when other people are on holiday. Now it is time for my family and to spend more time with them,” concluded De Villiers.
