A Note from Simone Lobetti
It has been a busy couple of months and I know that many of our housekeepers are trying to keep on top of the “load shedding”. I know it has been difficult for business but we have an obligation as good citizens to assist government where we can. It was very interesting walking around a couple of hotels over the past few weeks and noticing energy wasting. Eskom has a great website on energy saving tips, I strongly suggest that you have a look at them – we all need to pull together! www.eskom.co.za
I am currently working on a document on energy saving which I will place on the website for your perusal.
A HASA function has been arranged with our partners, Boston Launderers on the 25th February 2008. We will visit the Boston factory in Kempton Park followed by snacks and drinks. Transport will be provided for our members that have difficulty getting to the venue. This transport will leave from Southern Sun Grayston in Sandton at 14h15 and will return at 17h30. Please make every effort to attend and bring along your assistants, the more the merrier! See the website for the map and details of the function www.hasa.org.za.
We are coming to the last stretch of our current learners and have applied to Theta for 49 learners for 2008/2009. It is great that our usual partners have come on board again, namely City Lodge, Emperors Palace and Southern Sun and we welcome new participants to the programme for 2008/2009 - Indaba Hotel and Legacy Hotels. We would like our members to put forward names of potential learners – learners can send their curriculum vitae to myself – please note that a matric is a non-negotiable. Our facsimile number is 086 685 8344.
We have set aside dates for our continued learning functions for 2008 – the venues and topics of discussion at this stage are not finalised – should your hotel wish to host an event, we welcome the invite.
- March 19th – Centurion Lake Hotel with co-sponsors Hygiene Disposables
- May 28th
- July 16th
- September 18th
In June 2008 HASA will embark on a pilot Supervisory Development Programme focusing on Housekeeping Supervision. The Programme will take approximately 12 months with one day a month classroom learning and the balance distance learning. This pilot will be open to all housekeepers that are members of HASA. A minimum cost will be levied to cover the day conference package at various venues; the learning portion of the course will be free to members.
Who would like to go to Las Vegas! The International Housekeepers Association will have their annual housekeepers' conference in September in Las Vegas. The more names I get to attend the less the cost. I challenge you to twist your general managers’ arms! The conference will be held from the 8th to the 11th September 2008.
Continued learning workshops will be held on the following dates in the following cities. Course content will be pertinent to improving the skills of housekeepers and I would like members to let me know if they would be interested to attend:
- Mpumalanga – 9th April
- Cape Town – 23rd May
- Durban – 12th August
- Port Elizabeth – 26th September
Again, these courses will be at no cost to members of our association. Closer to the time I will mail details to the housekeepers in the regions.
We have a busy year ahead of us, already I am working on the conference for 2009 to be held in June – it is going to be bigger and better – watch the website and your inbox for details.
Till next time – save energy – walk the stairs instead of using the lift!
