Guide's love for nature sees him bag bronze medal

Jonny Motsieloa has been recognised as one of the top specialised guides in the world in the tourism industry.

The 45-year-old guide said he is ecstatic about the bronze award he received from the Wanderlust World Travel Awards.

He is the only South African on the list.

"I am very ecstatic and I am glad that my work has been recognised," he said. 

Motsieloa said he has loved nature all his life and never thought he would work in his dream job. "Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved being in the bush. I just love nature," he said.

Motsieloa, who grew up in the same area as the lodge which is located in the Madikwe Game Reserve, 90km north of Zeerust, North West, was raised by a stay-at-home mother and a farm worker father.

"I started working there [Madikwe Game Reserve] as a security guard in 1997 and then joined the Mafisa Training Programme to qualify as a guide," he said.

In 2002, he joined the Mosetlha Bush Camp and Eco Lodge, also in the North West, where he takes clients to see the Big Five around the reserve.  

He said one of the biggest challenges of the job is working with new people everyday, but recently the Covid-19 lockdown has seen less visitors on the reserve.

"Lockdown was very difficult, we felt that we were locked away since there were not many visitors," said Motsieloa.

The father of three said his family is proud of his achievements, more so his son. "My 12-year-old son is extremely proud," said Motsieloa.

His advice to young people who want to follow in his footsteps is to do it for the love of nature. "When I started myself, I was not looking towards the money. The money was a bonus, so for me it's about what I want to do and what I like. You need to start somewhere and with a positive mind, you will get there."

Owner of the lodge Caroline Lucas said they are proud of Motsieloa's achievements. "This is so special for Jonny and all of us at Mosetlha. We are so proud of him," she said.