GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Victor Mokoena's mentor, Janssen Davies, has given a glowing overview of the career in conservation of the newly appointed regional general manager for the SANParks Garden Route region. 

Davies is the Wessa board chairperson and SANParks Honorary Rangers deputy chairperson.

"I met Victor in Clarens around 2000 when he was a student at Free State University and he was earning money as a waiter in a pizza restaurant. 

"He and his brother, David, both impressed me immediately with their sensitive customer orientation, relaxed friendliness, and efficiency. 

"They monitored their tables carefully from a distance and were at your table before one needed to beckon them over," Davies said.

Philosophical discussions

The relationship developed into long philosophical discussions about life, business, conservation and personal relationships.

"One thing led to another and it was not long before Victor made up a group of young people and we started Saturday morning entrepreneurship and business development discussions at my house," remembers Davies.

"I was on the advisory board of the Wits Business School and lectured on the MBA programme at the time, so it was easy to generate appropriate academic support material.

"Through this process we developed a life-long friendship and when he was appointed at Golden Gate National Park, the park manager at the time formally appointed me as Victor's coach and mentor."

Effective leader

Davies said 25 years later, Mokoena still amazes him by quoting, verbatim, the business and leadership principles that they discussed at the time.

"Victor has developed into a mature and effective leader and his stellar track record of achievements at SANParks is testament to this. 

"I have every confidence that he will continue to learn and grow and serve his employer and the conservation cause in very senior leadership capacities into the future."

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