A shareholder of Voetspore Safaris established in 2018 by her father, Johan, for self-drive 4X4 enthusiasts across Southern Africa and subsequently the first female member of the immensely popular Afrikaans TV-series, Voetspore, alumna Nina Badenhorst has found her niche. Responsible for hosting, logistics and meal planning during trips, she now has five of these tours across Southern Africa and beyond, as far afield as South America, under her belt. Additionally, she is now also managing the Voetspore online shop and currently explores product development for the brand.
Despite her reading disability, she defied naysayers who discouraged her to go to university, proving the adage, where there is a will, there is a way, by obtaining a BCom degree in Tourism in 2015. The 800 hours of practical work “equipped me with the essential skills and gave me insight into the industry and relationships. Not only could I apply the theory of my studies, but it also identified which field of the tourism industry I liked most. It also helped to build my CV by listing all my experiences. As a young girl it forced me out of my comfort zone, and I was immediately faced with the reality of a career and being independent,” she enthuses. Among other things, read more, below, about her inspirational career, her ultimate dream job, thoughts about AI and South Africa.
Nina Badenhorst, Voetspore dynamo
Q: Briefly summarise your studies (including the qualifications you obtained) and your professional career, with special mention of specific highlights/milestones.
A: I was diagnosed with a reading disability at the age of nine. With a world that revolves around reading and words, I realised that I had to work a bit harder to achieve my goals.
In grade 9, I was discouraged from setting my goals on going to university, but after obtaining three distinctions in grade 12, namely for Accounting, Life Orientation and Afrikaans, I applied to study at the University of Pretoria. Long story short: in 2015, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Tourism, majoring in Economics, Business Management and Tourism.
After my studies, I embarked on a new journey and moved to Stellenbosch. There I worked as an event coordinator and restaurant manager at a new, upcoming brewery, Wild Clover Breweries, for two years.
My time at the brewery ignited my passion for people, food and nature. In 2018, my father and I established Voetspore Safaris. This business offered 4×4 self-drive tours through South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola. I am one of four shareholders, and my role is to organise tours and attend as host and cook.
In 2020, I joined the Voetspore TV series as its first female member. I have now completed five Voetspore adventures. I have toured South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the whole of South America. My responsibilities were logistics and planning meals during these trips.
Additionally, I have started managing the Voetspore online shop and am currently exploring product development for the brand.
Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?
A: One of the main reasons why I decided to study BCom Tourism was not only to obtain a degree, but also to have 800 practical hours that formed part of the course. The UP also offered me the facilities and assistance by not letting my disadvantage stand in my way in obtaining my degree. The practical work also equipped me with the essential skills and insight in the industry and relationships. Not only could I apply the theory of my studies, but it also identified which field of the tourism industry I liked most. It also helped to build my CV, listing all my experiences. Moreover, as a young girl, it forced me out of my comfort zone to immediately face the reality of a career and being independent.
Q: Why did you choose your particular degree course/major(s), and did it meet your expectations…or, in hindsight, should you have opted for something else?
A: This degree really attracted my attention from the outset. Besides getting the opportunity to study the theoretical side of Tourism, it also allows you to put the theory into practice, thus acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge about the industry.
Looking back at my majors – Economics, Business Management and Tourism – there are two changes I would have made. In your final year of Tourism, you can decide to specialise in either Hospitality or Travel. With my passion for people and hosting, I thought Hospitality was the way to go. Looking back, I wish I had rather majored in Travel. I think it would have benefited me more and it would have added more value to my career today. Secondly, I wish I had majored in Marketing, to my mind one of the key elements of a successful business!
Q: As a UP and EMS alumna, what makes you proud to be associated with the UP?
A: Both my parents studied at the UP. Being the oldest of three children, this added to the honour of being a UP alumna. The University not only has a beautiful campus, but it also offers a wide range of courses, maintains a high reputation and is home to a diversity of students. All of this makes me really proud to be part of such an esteemed institution.
Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?
A: Being accepted by Tukkies despite my reading disadvantage, I felt that I had to prove to everyone, and me, that I was capable. This led me to putting too much pressure on myself to achieve these academic goals, instead of enjoying the whole process of being a student. How I wish that I had taken part in all the activities the university offered. Today, I realise that the university offers much more than just a degree: it is an enlightening and safe place for young adults to discover themselves before embarking on their individual careers.
Q: AI (ChatGPT-4/Generative AI/LLM) is expected to have a significant impact on both tertiary education and the workplace. What is your take on the advantages/disadvantages of AI for students and employees/employers?
A: AI should be seen as another tool that can be used to assist students in their studies, and employees/employers in their work. These tools will never be able to replace a person. This is especially true in the field of Tourism which is, and will remain, a very personal experience.
Q: Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals? What is you ultimate ‘dream job’?
A: Life has a strange way of giving you what you want. When I started studying Tourism, my dream job was to own my own little boutique hotel where I could host events. I love the creative side of event management and the customer satisfaction following successful events.
Now I do have my own events company, albeit just in a 4×4, hosting clients in different, beautiful destinations every day. This job gives me great satisfaction. Not only do I get the opportunity to travel, but to build strong personal relationships with my clients.
I am proud to have established this business with my dad. He has inspired me in so many ways. As the founder and creator of the TV Voetspore Series, and through all his adventures and expeditions, he has earned the reputation of being one of the country’s most well-travelled explorers. My professional and personal goal is to keep his brand alive through ways I know how, whether it entails taking clients on 4×4 safari tours or promoting the Voetspore logo on a T-shirt.
Q: Which business/trade-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc) do you enjoy reading?
A: None – I do not enjoy reading, but I do enjoy listening to the radio in the mornings.
I come from a dynamic family, all of whom have different and opposing perspectives, yet we all share mutual respect and understanding for each other. We often have productive and meaningful discussions that introduce and promote new viewpoints and issues.
Q: What really inspires and motivates you personally?
A: At this point in my life, there are three interchangeable factors that inspire and motivate me to be successful.
- My career – My dad’s passion for travelling and acquiring knowledge and his love for his country inspire me every day. It motivates me by keeping his legacy alive by developing his brand into other business industries. It also encourages me to be financially independent and stable. Being able to take care of yourself is an inspiration and motivation on its own. My career involves a lot of traveling, which brings me immense joy and pleasure, whether it is on a safari adventure, experimenting with a new meal, exchanging memories around the campfire or waking up to a sunrise. It adds value to the kind of life I want to lead.
- Connecting with people – The interaction I have with my clients on tour creates a sense of purpose and satisfaction. To take them to destinations and offer a service that contributes to their well-being is a powerful source of fulfilment. It is satisfying seeing them appreciating and enjoying what I have to offer. This, in turn, inspires me too. The support, quality time and love from my family and close friends create purpose and drive.
- Me – Focusing on my physical health, personal growth and well-being keeps me motivated. I have a great desire to be the best version of myself. My core values of kindness, determination and loyalty create purpose for who I am. Mostly, I am motivated and inspired by setting goals, creating something, feeling organised and being proud of my achievements.
Q: What is your ‘compass’ in life that keeps you ‘on track’?
A: My family is everything to me. They have helped me navigate life’s challenges by creating a safe space for me, through unconditional love, acceptance, emotional and practical support. My mom is my anchor, my sister shows me the impossible is possible, my brother inspires me to be positive and my dad motivates me by wanting more for myself. I am Nina today, because of them.
Besides my family, my work also keeps me grounded. There is just something about travelling that educates you, makes you grateful for what you have, inspires you to do more and keeps you humble.
Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person – in any domain – who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?
A: Lady Diana, the late Princess of Wales. Her name was regularly used in our household. When my sister and I were unsure about how to handle a situation or how to act, my mother would always say: What would lady Di do?
When I was younger, I always admired her lady-like manner and grace. But as I got older, I realised what a global icon she was, how she used her platform to advocate and draw attention to important causes such as social issues, mental health, children’s welfare and poverty. Her willingness and compassion to connect with people were inspiring world-wide.
I would love to know how she managed to navigate her royal duties and lifestyle, while remaining true to herself. What inspired her to use her platform to make a difference and use her voice for those in need? Being involved with such sensitive and emotional causes, how did she manage without it affecting her mental health? And lastly, what was it like dancing with John Travolta?
Q: Tell more about yourself, including your likes/dislikes; strengths/weaknesses, business/life philosophy.
A: I am my greatest and, alas, also worst supporter. By setting high personal standards, I ensure that I reach my goals through hard work and determination. I am only satisfied by giving my very best. Two of my biggest fears are failure and rejection.
Dishonesty, jealousy and being misunderstood are characteristics I dislike. I believe actions speak louder than words, therefore I try to set an example by being kind, humble and graceful. I take responsibility for my behaviour and always have the desire to grow and improve.
I enjoy being social and getting great satisfaction by doing something for someone else. However, I struggle to let go, demanding my alone time and expressing my feelings. I find it easy to trust people and respect their boundaries. In some way I feel responsible for the happiness of others, and I try to keep them out of harm’s way.
Q: The prevalence of corruption and mismanagement in government, significant unemployment, poverty, violent crime, insufficient infrastructure are the order of the day, South Africans find life in South Africa increasingly stressful. How do you handle stress/failure?
A: Firstly, I have a good cry, then I phone my mom and drink a cup of coffee. I am, above all, an emotional and sensitive person. Once it is all out of my system, I can address the topic. I am not ashamed to accept my failures. In fact, that is how I handle stress or failure: I will reassess a situation, reflect what went wrong, accept it, and try learning from it.
I also manage my stress by taking daily walks, and I try to live a healthy lifestyle. We are a very close-knit family and they form my innermost circle on whom I gratefully lean on in times of need.
Q: 2024 has set off against a backdrop of unprecedented devastation, division and instability as now no fewer than 27 world regions experience massive violence and political insecurity. If you could contribute to solving one/some of these problems, what would you like to tackle and why?
A: I really struggle to accept violence. In my opinion, violence is such an uncreative way of expressing oneself or making a point. It rarely resolves the issue, instead it aggravates the problem and prolongs a vicious cycle that leads to more conflict.
We live in a world with an intelligent human race. We should promote peaceful solutions and focus on building relationships with trust and communication.
Getting people to talk to each other is an excellent point of departure. But it should be followed by more actions and interactions. Understanding other people creates respect and appreciation.
Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for South Africa and its people?
A: Personally, I believe South Africa is well on its way. We might not be moving as quickly as we all hope or should, but slowly is the fastest way to achieve something significant and lasting.
Collectively, we must make a commitment to building a brighter future for all South Africans. Our focus should be on creating unity among diverse communities. Here education is key, and this will equip and empower the future generation. This, in turn, will generate mutual respect by bridging the divide and promote togetherness. We must just keep on being kind and believing in each other. We, the people, have made this country strong…and will continue to do so.
In 2023, I had the privilege to attend one of the Springbok Rugby World Cup tests in France. I will never forget being in a subway station on our way to the game and an African lady started singing Shosholoza. The next moment, there was a diverse group of South Africans everywhere joining in. No matter where, no matter the language, no matter the religion, we will always find a way to stand together and sing. I felt so proud of being a South African!
- Geplaas met die vergunning van die Fakulteit Ekonomiese en Bestuurswetenskappe aan die Universiteit van Pretoria.
Die menings vervat in WERD OM TE WEET is die van die outeur/bron en nie noodwendig die van die Noordelike Helpmekaar Studiefonds nie