Marilyn & Jan


Jan & Marilyn van der Velden have owned and operated Zoete Inval Travellers Lodge since 1993. One of the only 5 accommodation establishments in the community at the time, the business has gone from strength to strength. But, it still offers the same "home from home" atmosphere, as it did when it opened.

Jan (former medical parcticioner, pilot & rock climber)...has a passion for the environment and conservation. He enjoys reading, writing, research, baboons and history.

Marilyn (a former teacher and Engrish language instructor ).... enjoys hiking, , gardening, sewing and sunrise swims in the sea. She has a passion for community empowerment and is the founder of the "Recycle Swop Shop for Kids". Also a founding member of the "Friends of the Hermanus Hospital" and "Yomelelani Pre-school" in the local township.

Staff


Let us introduce you to our Zoete "Family":

  • Roseline - Domestic manager and long time member of our "family". Mother of one adult son and Max the dog as well as surrogate mother to all the children in her neighbourhood. Her melodious whistled tunes and bright smile illuminates any dull day.

  • Luzuko - Part-time handyman.

  • Marianna - Bookings coordinator, bookkeeper and receptionist. Mother of 4, grandmother of 5 and wife of Andre. She works tirelessly for her church and enjoys swimming and walking.

  • Rina - Receptionist and chef. Mother of 3 adult sons and grandmother to 1... she knows how to feed a group. Her delicious meals are a feast for the eye as well as the tastebuds.

  • Vuvu - Domestic worker and breakfast service. Assist Rina with pre-booked evening meals for groups. Single mother with one child. Always eager to help

  • Thelma & Cynthia - Part- time domestic workers and breakfast service

  • Roy - Part-time gardener who keeps vehicles clean

Hermanus Map




Directions:


Come into Hermanus on the R43. Once you get to the traffic light with the Gateway Shopping Centre and Total Garage on your right start paying attention! Turn left into the second road after the traffic lights and park. We are on the corner on your right.







The 'Recycle Swop Shop' was established by Marilyn in 2003 in response to her experience working with children in Zwelihle township. The aim of the program is three-fold:

  • Help provide the basic needs of children
  • Teach environmental awareness, value & trading skills, responsiblity and ownership of the process
  • Keep our community clean & teach the value of recycling

Every Wednesday afternoon between 2:30 and 4 pm, children bring bags of tins, bottles and plastics from the streets to Hou Moed Centre (www.houmoed.org.za) in Zwelihle (Hermanus). In return for these, the children receive points relating to the amounts collected. The children, in turn, can "spend" or redeem their collection of points at the "swop shop" for things they need such as toiletries, school supplies, school uniforms and used clothing and shoes.

So far in excess of 120 tonnes of recycling have been collected to date and approximately 18,000 child visits have been recorded.

Various times during the year, children who attend regularly are invited to go on education and fun outings. These outings range from hikes in the nature reserve, beach visits and trips for ice cream.

The Swop Shop is completely dependent on donations to operate. Used clothing and shoes are most needed for children ages 4 to 14. Any financial donation is used to buy toiletries, school supplies or to pay the cost of the outings & the Christmas party for the children each year.

So please join us for a visit on a Wednesday. If you would like to know more about the "Recycle Swop Shop", go to: www.swop-shop.za.net