Back in May 2003, Minnie Bentley strolled into the former Helderberg Tourism Bureau in Somerset West, ready to rock the role of Bureau Manager. Hailing all the way from George Tourism, Minnie brought a mix of inspiration, laid-back vibes, and ‘a pinch’ of structure to the table, setting the stage for an unforgettable 20-year adventure with CTT!
Hold onto your hats, folks, because Minnie wasn’t just any ordinary employee. Oh no, she was the ultimate multitasker, rocking different roles and leaving their mark on CTT. As the interim Membership Coordinator (think Chrizanne’s current role), Minnie played a key part in the merger of multiple Tourism Bureaus, transforming them into a dynamic Destination Marketing Organization. Talk about making magic happen!
But that’s not all, colleagues. In July 2005, (that’s just two years later!) Minnie levelled up to become the Special Projects Coordinator (similar to Matonie’s role). Can you picture her coordinating staff training sessions like a boss (cue the epic SA Host program) and assisted in making the Annual General Meeting (AGM) a memorable affair. It’s no wonder she was considered the go-to person when things needed a touch of Minnie magic!
Then, in January 2009, Minnie joined the HR world, taking on the role of Training and Development Coordinator. Her expertise as a registered Skills Development Facilitator with CATHSSETA proved invaluable. She hustled hard, collating and submitting the first Workplace Skill Plan in 2006, and training volunteers for the mind-blowing 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. And then later received the the CEO’s Award in 2011. Who needs superheroes when Minnie is around, right?
But wait, there’s more to this remarkable journey! Minnie’s heart swelled with pride when she saw the impact of their Skills Development initiatives. Hosting internships, providing tuition for learnerships, and empowering unemployed, disabled youth—it was like watching dreams come true. Her dedication helped CTT achieve an impressive Level 3 score (110% compliant) in terms of the BBBEE Code of Good Governance. Talk about making a difference, one big boss move at a time!
As if that wasn’t enough, Minnie also took charge as the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Compliance Coordinator. She slayed the game, ensuring the well-being of the CTT community, especially during the wild ride that was the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety first, Minnie magic never goes out of style!
Last but absolutely not least, Minnie sprinkled her magic touch on the annual Achiever Awards. Nominations, certificates, and gift cards—she coordinated it all with flair. In 2016, she rightfully claimed the title of “Best Contribution to the Corporate Services Department.” Let’s just say her colleagues were in awe of her skills and dedication.
Fast forward to 1 May 2023, and Minnie celebrated an epic milestone — 20 years of dedication to CTT. She is one of the organisation’s longest-serving employees, and boy, does she wear it with deserving pride. Through her journey, Minnie has inspired the team with her determination, trustworthiness, and professionalism and is never afraid to take up space.
So here’s to Minnie Bentley, the ultimate CTT trailblazer. Her journey inspires us all to embrace our unique blend of inspiration and encouragement. Cheers to 20 years of making magic happen at CTT!