The Black Oystercatcher Wines has beefed up its team with two new appointments. Salmon Becker has joined the team as Front of House Manager. Elmarie Swart has been appointed as Administration Assistant.
Salmon grew up on a farm in Upington, in the Northern Cape. He studied BA Languages and Literature at the University of Potchefstroom. He then worked as an assistant at the Journalism Department at the University, and followed that studying photography at the Potchefstroom Academy.
Salmon has also honed his photography and writing skills, working at various literature festivals such as the Aardklop National Arts Festival in Potchefstroom and the University of Stellenbosch ‘Woordfees’.
With his family having recently moved to the Overberg, Salmon opted for a new challenge, taking on the role of Front of House Manager. His love for meeting new people and learning about their stories made Salmon the perfect addition to the Black Oystercatcher Restaurant’s team.
According to Salmon, “I enjoy working under pressure. Owner Sandra (Human) has very high standards in the restaurant, so I am learning a lot from her. It’s a great working environment and we support each other.
“The Black Oystercatcher is all about the values of old: enjoying and spending time with friends and family.”
Elmarie brings a wealth of tourism experience and knowledge to the Black Oystercatcher. She received a Diploma in Tourism from the South Cape College in Oudtshoorn in 2002. She travelled to England, and spent the next two years working for the Bristol Plaza Hotel as Assistant Restaurant Manager, and as Front of House Manager at the Ramada in Gloucester.
Once back in South Africa, Elmarie worked as a travel agent in Malmesbury and Worcester for the following seven years. Before joining the Black Oystercatcher Wines, she worked at Bon Cap Cellar in Robertson, taking on an administration and functions coordinator role.
Elmarie will offer administrative and other support at the Black Oystercatcher. She will also fill in for Annemarie Geldenhuys, who is taking maternity leave until end-February 2016.
Elmarie says she is enjoying the new challenges provided by the Black Oystercatcher team. “I am learning a lot, and of course am enjoying the beautiful farm setting.”