NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY - WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING

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Nelson Mandela University offers Tourism Management and we so enjoy having the young enthusiastic students work and train with us. 

Third Year Tourism Management students have to complete the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) module, known as TWI2001. (Previously referred to as Experiential Learning, but the name has changed to keep abreast with development in Vocational Education). For the WIL module, each student is expected to complete at least 816 hours during the first semester.

2024

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My name is Anathi Jessica Mdanelwa, a lot of people know me as Jessica here in Gqeberha(P.E). I am at Nelson Mandela University studying Tourism Management.

I was born and bred in a small town called Flagstaff, which means that the Marine life was almost nonexistent to me until now. The theory didn’t make much sense until now that I am doing my Work Integrated Learning at Raggy Charters. I must say that honestly you never know anything until you experience it. The Facts that I have read about and seen so far about different marine animals, Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s Whales, African Penguins and more is far from the word “amazing”. For me those were scary wild animals that I would never come close to, in fact they were all just scary big fish to me. I didn’t know there were so many different marine species, after seeing them up-close, I feel the need to protect them.

I never thought I would say this but can you believe the Dolphins are so friendly that they can swim very close to the boat? Not that scary afterall. The word “sustainability” finally makes sense to me as the Raggy Charters team keeps planting trees after every trip to cover the carbon footprints from the fuel burning. I wish my hometown schools would get a chance to be taught some of the things Raggy teaches the schools around PE, they are very privileged schools indeed.

I am looking forward to the upcoming beach cleanups, educational talks and being part of all that Raggy Charters does. Turns out all is not just about the sea and the marine life, but is meeting tourists from all over the world which you MUST talk and engage with. If you are the kind of person who needs to defrost before approaching people, trust me this is the place for you to learn how to speak with people. We are our guests entertainment and source of knowledge and it’s a lot of fun, as a result my communication skills are improving a lot. Thank you to the whole team,  Jake, Purity, Keith and Tertius, for pushing me to be better.  Looking forward to more trips, there’s more to see as the season changes and I cannot wait!

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My name is Thubalakhe Mbongo, and I am from East London. I am currently pursuing my diploma in Tourism Management at Nelson Mandela University.  My interests in tourism have always been centered on the aviation sector, but since meeting Raggy Charters, my interests have shifted in terms of my future goals. Raggy Charters has helped me realize what I want to accomplish with this qualification once finished.

Since there is always something new and fascinating to learn, Raggy Charters is like a home away from home to me. I constantly look forward to going to work. The crew at Raggy Charters is warm and inviting, the team make the work as fun and easy-going as possible, taking great pride in what they do and always encourage you to keep growing. They always ensure that the things you feel are insignificant, in fact, are accomplishments worthy of celebration.

It's amazing to think that in the few days I've been working with Raggy Charters, I even finished a short course on personal survival techniques, which will undoubtedly help me in a lot of ways.  Raggy Charters has introduced me to the islands and its avian and aquatic inhabitants, which are a different aspect of Port Elizabeth that I believe most people are unaware of. Raggy Charters is all about protecting and conserving these species, which have many fascinating facts about them. Although we always thought of some of these animals as hostile and frightening, the truth is quite the opposite.

I genuinely love and enjoy every second of working with Raggy Charters, even though it can be difficult at times, particularly when it comes to the communication skills component, because some other people do not speak English. Speaking with people from all over the world who speak different languages really excites me and eventually motivates me to actually learn other languages. Raggy Charters has my eternal gratitude for selecting me.

2023 NMU WIL STudents

 

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I am Zusiphe Ngalonkulu, I am from Mount Frere a student at Nelson Mandela University currently doing my final year in Diploma Tourism Management extended. I am doing my work integrated learning with Raggy Charters. I am learning how to understand and deal with different groups of people and how to communicate with them thus improving my communication skills.

I have learnt that there is much marine wildlife. I didn't know that there are different types of dolphins, I thought they are all the same, but I have learnt that there are Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins, long-beaked common dolphins and Indo-pacific humpback dolphins. And it's very exciting to see them. And it's not just dolphins but the many whales, endangered African Penguins, Cape fur seals and many pelagic birds.

I would say I have meet people who have such a good heart, I am enjoying learning everything through their love and support not to mention how they are helping me. To mention them: Jake, Purity, Keith, and Thembi, I thank them all for introducing me to the marine wildlife and am more thankful to be working with Raggy Charters team I am learning so much.

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Zusiphe showing guests pictures and information on the marine life from our educational posters kept on board

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Hello all Raggy Charters Supporters. My name is Hishaam Langson and I'm from the beautiful city, Port Elizabeth. Where do I begin? My story with Raggy started off with me going on a cruise with them. I grew very fond of what Raggy taught me on that day of the cruise, I learnt a bit about the Marine life that made me very inquisitive and made me want to know more, who would've thought a year later I'd be a part of their very special crew.

Here's a bit on my background : I matriculated at a government funded school and never in my wildest dreams could I picture myself getting this opportunity to be involved with one of the most intriguing marine life and tourism companies, I consider myself truly blessed when I think about this opportunity. Coming from a background where marine life was never even a topic of discussion or going on a boat was merely just a dream, joining Raggy Charters made this possible for me. Yes, it took me 21 years of living in Port Elizabeth only to find the pure beauty that lies on my doorstop. With that, I would like to say it wasn't easy to get here but with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

I'm currently a 3rd Year student at Nelson Mandela University and my hobbies include going on hikes, photography and I can't forget, cars!

Last but not least, my time with Raggy Charters while completing my WIL has been one of the most joyous times I've experienced in my life. It all came naturally, the process of being a part of their crew and learning every day has been very motivating for what my future holds.

Meeting people from different backgrounds, from different countries (when I say different countries I mean maaaany countries) and cultures, it all makes you realise what a precious country we live in. While working with all guests I was able to research more about animals and also learnt a lot about the marine life from Raggy crew. I'd like to end off with this, it doesn't matter where you come from but it matters where you go! So to all who think their future seems impossible, you can do it.

Thank you Raggy Charters, this has been an experience of a lifetime. As I've said to the crew, Raggy Charters will forever be near my heart, no matter how far I go, I am so grateful to have completed my WIL with Raggy Charters.

2022 NMU WIL

We are very happy to have 3 young ladies. Lilitha Tyali, Nosihle Mgubu and Unathi Msupu join us for the first intake for 2022.

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                                        Lilitha, Thembisa (WESSA Steward), Nosihle and Unathi

          Jake and Purity with Nosi and Unathi on interview day

Each student has written a brief note about how their time with Raggy Charters is going:

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I am Lilitha Tyali, a student from Nelson Mandela University. I am currently pursuing my national diploma in Tourism Management. I am doing an experiential learning with Raggy Charters, which is introducing me to the marine wildlife. It has been 3 months now, and I am getting the best experience in my life. I am having the best time with Raggy Charters.

Nothing quite like seeing whales, dolphins, penguins and other birds frolicking in their natural habitat. I am impressed with the conservation work that the company is doing. Raggy Charters is very conservation conscious and sets an example that many others should follow. Thoroughly, I am enjoying the experience of being in that environment.

Lloyd, Jake, Purity are absolutely fantastic, they are so friendly and nice, they really make everyone feel like they want to make the day as good as possible. They are incredibly knowledgeable and aim to make every cruise an educational experience.  They do such a great job at inspiring people to make a difference as well as educating people with their knowledge and passion about marine life. Each and every time I spend my time with them, they make sure that I learn something. Trips are so much fun, and educational at the same time.

By doing an experiential learning with Raggy Charters educates me about the marine environment and the need to conserve it. I am learning so much about marine wildlife. It also gives me an opportunity to interact with people from different countries, to meet and mingle with people from great variety of cultural backgrounds.  I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to do an experiential learning with Raggy Charters.

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My name is Nosihle Mgubu from Bizana.  First I would like to thank Raggy Charters and the team for granting me the opportunity to do my 6 months training with them, I really appreciate it and loving it there on the Marine.

Personally, I  would say my experience is quite good so far because it gave me an opportunity  to get used to doing public speaking which was very challenging as I was very shy, but now I'm proud to say everyday, it gets better and better. Articulation must be good when addressing something to the guests such as the Safety Briefing.  However, as Marine guide or Tour guide I have learnt  that first thing we have to do is make our guests feel comfortable  by being approachable and friendly. Chatting with them makes the trip nice and enjoyable. We have to give them the chance to ask us questions in that way we are learning, especially about the species that we encounter every day on our trips and as an intern I need to also pay attention when my Supervisor is telling the guests about each species. I also have learnt that I have to show dedication in what I am doing, I have to be eager to learn and be active.

Coming to Raggy Charters I would say is a great beginning for me because it has given me the opportunity to meet people from different countries, it has always been my wish to meet people from different places and I would still love to travel and see other places when the opportunity comes. Working with Raggy  Charters and with the groups is amazing, their staff are very nice people, anyone would love to work with them because working with them is easy meaning that they are approachable.

To sum all up. I can say communication is key when dealing with guests and make sure that you deliver what they asked off in order to fulfil their expectations and more.

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I am Unathi Msupu. I will be turning 23 in July, and I am from Port St, Johns.

Being with Raggy Charters has been an exciting experience. I am loving it. It’s more fun for me because, one, it was my first time on a boat with and two, it was my first time seeing all the marine animals we’ve been seeing.

I have learnt so much within this short period of time, and I am still learning. I mean, I knew there was a dolphin, whale, penguin and all the other animals that we come across but what I didn’t know prior to being with Raggy Charters is that there are different kinds of each animal. Like Dolphins, there are Indo-Pacific, Common Dolphins and Humpback Dolphins. There are different kinds of whales, penguins and each marine animal. I got to know about all that now. There are many other marine animals we haven’t seen yet, but we are reading and learning about them.

It is super exciting when you read about an animal and then you see it, to put the picture behind what you’ve read about.

I am honestly, genuinely enjoying my training so far. I hope to enjoy it for the duration of my training. Everyone is nice. Purity and Jake made us so comfortable and are always willing to educate us. Because we obviously don’t know everything during trips we ask them questions as well and they tell us without making us feel like maybe we’re dumb. Everyone is really nice, they make the experience more fun and I am always looking forward to work.

Second Intake for 2022: we have Sesona Bavuma and Siviwe Sikrweqe

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My name is Sesonasipho Bavuma, but you can call me Sesona. I am born and bred in Port Elizabeth, mostly known as the friendly and windy city. I’m a very optimistic person that focuses mainly on things that make me happy and strongly brings peace in and to my life. I enjoy swimming, jogging and hiking. I am a third year student at the Nelson Mandela University studying Diploma in Tourism Management. A career I am fully and genuinely excited for. Being at Raggy Charters has expanded my love for the sea and water in general, it has been a wonderful experience thus far. It’s friendly and loving employees have made my mornings so pleasing and easy. I’ve learnt a lot with regards to the boats and the different type of sea animals. The trips are also very refreshing, meeting new people from different countries is indeed a lifetime experience. I honestly cannot wait to explore more with Raggy Charters.  

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My name is Siviwe and I am currently doing my in-service training as part of my NMU Tourism Management Course. I believe I am ready to explore the tourism field as a third-year student.  I try to deliver high quality work consistently, am dedicated and confident about the skills obtained in my experience. I am highly organized and would value the opportunity to work with Raggy Charters to enhance my knowledge. Working with Raggy chatters is eye opening as you get to learn a lot about the marine life species in the ocean and the boats. Sight seeing whales, dolphins, penguins and the many pelagic birds is an adventure in itself. I am learning to work with guests from all over the world and to proudly showcase Algoa Bay. 

 

 

When there are no cruises there is always plenty to do. if not on the boats then on one of our many projects currently running.  Jake, Thembisa, Unathi, Liltha and Nosihle went into the bush and did some alien thicket clearing, part of our Coastal Thicket Restoration Project.  Some back breaking work but all done with smiles and good intentions for conservation.  

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There is much work that goes unseen - the behind the scenes preparation that is on going and keeps all very busy: cleaning boats before every cruise, assisting Jake with engine services, learning safety brieings, preparing educational material, making chum etc, the list goes on... but all done with enthusiasm and smiles!  Thank you

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21 & 22 June: Nosi and Amoré (currently studying Marine Science through Two Oceans Aquarium) attended the Siyaloba Training Academy Pre-Sea Course.  Here they learn the basic safety at sea and emergency procedures. The learners complete a practical life raft drill for this SAMSA certificate. 

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