INSIDE THIS ISSUE - Orion Group

OrionStar
It’s happening!
GROUP
Orion acquires Coach House Hotel and Spa
and The Magoebaskloof Hotel
After many months of
bureaucratic challenges,
Magoebaskloof Hotel
was finally transferred to
one of the Orion Group
companies on 17 August.
I take this opportunity to
thank every member of
the Orion staff, plus
various service providers
(Banks, Bond Attorneys,
Transferring Attorneys,
Agents and deeds Office),
for their efforts in
executing a successful
transfer.
I also wish to welcome
the General Manager of
the Magoebaskloof Hotel
and all his staff members
to the Orion family.
We are confident that
this will be a smooth transition and
that this new team will engage
smoothly with the rest of the hotels
teams and other Orion colleagues.
Since Magoebaskloof Hotel is a
sectional title development, we are
also looking forward to establishing a
fruitful and mutually beneficial business
relationship with the unit of the 10
cottages on the property.
Magoebaskloof has breathtaking
scenery and is well renowned for
weekend getaways.
On 20 August, Orion Hotels is also
taking over the 5 Star Coach House
Hotel & Spa at Agatha near Tzaneen.
We also wish to welcome the Coach
House Hotel & Spa management team
and colleagues to the Orion fold.This
lovely property will be restored to its
rightful place as a glamorous country
hotel. Many of you will also know
the heavenly Coach House Nougat
produced on the property.The beautiful
health spa will be reconfigured as an
upmarket “Bakwena” African day spa
where decadent revitalization will be
the order of the day.Antoinette
(Human Capital Director) and Sandra
(OBS Director) will be heading the Spa
project and their excitement and
energy will most certainly rub off on
their colleagues at the Coach House
Spa.This will be the first in a chain of
spas to be established at a number
of our other Orion Hotels.
Rome was not built in a day and some
of the more elaborate and complex
renovations and enhancements will
take some time to execute.We do
know however that the final
product will be stunning.
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za
AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
•Orion aquires Coach House Hotel & Spa
and the Magoebaskloof Hotel 1
•Value per month - Honsety 2
•OFM on the move 2
•Training in Orion 2
•HIV/AIDS Counselling & Training 5
•From a GM’s heart 5
•Orion Star Colleagues 6
•Orion Social Responsibility 7
• Spring time at Safari Lodge 8
•Birthdays 8
Our hotel management team under
the leadership of Dino Urbani, have
been preparing for months for these
takeovers and we wish them well on a
smooth transition and all the success
in establishing the Orion culture at
the two lovely hotels.
The sales team under the leadership
of Desiree Thomas, have been
contacting various tour operators
(STO’s) and professional conference
organisers (PCO’s) to inform the
market that Orion is now involved
with the Coach House Hotel and
Magoebaskloof Hotel.We are confident
that Desiree and her team will find
many new clients and increase business
volume at the units.
Congratulations to all
and good luck with
your endeavours.
Franz Gmeiner
CEO of the Orion Group
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Orion Colleagues are being
HONEST when they:
• Act in a way that leads to trust in
each other
• Repsect company resources
(time and money)
• Are honest with themselves -
giving and accepting realistic and
constructive criticism
• Disclose instances of dishonesty
(whistle blowing)
•Never take anything from anyone
that does not belong to you
•Tell the truth, no matter what the
consequences
LAUNCHING
THIS AS A COMPETITION
The Month of September is “Honesty”
month. During the duration of this
month, Orion colleagues are
encouraged to find ways to noticeably
live out this Value.This value may
be applied in several ways e.g. Better
Ways,E-mail Signatures, Star Colleague
Awards, Competitions at Unit Level,
Newsletter Articles etc.Any photos
taken or articles written depicting
what your specific unit has done this
month to bring this value to “life”
must be submitted to HC.
From the HC Desk
Value per Month.
September is
“HONESTY MONTH”
Let us know what you are doing
and stand a chance to win a prize!!!
From the HC Team
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za

This month, Orion Facilities and
Property Management Team
members together with Franz
Gmeiner (CEO – Orion Group)
packed ourselves into the Vito and
set off to do our monthly Property
Site visit.
The main focus this month was
maximising the potential of the
properties in our Portfolio.
We viewed and visited various
sites, gaining valuable information
as to how this can be achieved.
It was an insightful and enjoyable
day all round, as we visited with
tenants, getting to know their
various business models, services
they offer and were even lucky
enough to enjoy a scrumptious
meal at very good rates in the
canteen at one of our properties -
296 Kent Avenue.
We will certainly use the information
gained, to enhance our Portfolio!
Shana Maree (Property Manager)
OFM ON THE MOVE
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za
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Johannesburg on Friday at 3 o’ clock
in the morning.The road trip was monotonous
until we hit Lesotho.After we crossed the
Maseru border, we had a lovely breakfast on
an ice field, 50km away from Maseru. Full of
energy, we continued to climb the road,
heading towards the mountain pass where
the altitude peaked at 3200 metres above
sea level (more than double Johannesburg’s
altitude).We were all fascinated by the
the frozen waterfalls and mindboggling
scenery.
Due to the many stops, we only arrived
at the Katse Lodge at noon.As the day was
still young, we went to explore the Katse
botanical gardens, filled with plants
representing the major ecosystems of
Lesotho.
The next day, we went hiking along the
river accompanied by Simon who is in charge
of security and various activities at Katse
Lodge. He managed to take us on a 3 hour
walk, seeing the dam wall and we finished
off our day by going to some extremes and
climbing down a 60 degree slope to get to
the ferry which locals use to cross the border.
On the way, we battled to support each other
and just managed to make it to the
boat safely.I would not recommend it for a
faint-hearted visitor.They should rather go
on a large ferry that offers less extreme
enjoyment of the dam and its surroundings.
On Sunday, we started our day by eating
a delicious and filling breakfast.We were later
assisted by GM Ian Williams to pack, and he
wished us a safe trip back to Johannesburg.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the many kilometers
of snaking road where I established the
driving limits of my little car.
I would like to thank Ian and Simon for helping
us enjoy our brilliant trip and stay at the Lodge.
I would recommend Katse Lodge to any car
or motorbike enthusiasts, nature and outdoor
lovers and anyone who wants to get away
from stress.
Egor Oussov
(Executive Assistant to Franz Gmeiner)
Weekend away @ Orion Katse LodgeWe left
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za

HIV/AIDS
TRAINING
On Tuesday the 20th of July, members
from the Human Capital team
presented HIV/AIDS and TB training
at the Devonshire Hotel.We were
joined by 12 eager participants, who
throughout the day, asked many
important questions.
HIV training is presented in a learning
environment that encourages questioning
and the support of our peers.
The training was an excellent
example of how learning can be
fun.
Andre vd Merwe and Lauren Gmeiner
Human Capital
FROM A GM’S HEART
One of the Most Contagious
Things on Earth.
As a General Manager of a
Hotel, I have learnt over the
years that virus, flu bugs and
many other things get spread
around due to contact with
other people, and there is not
very much we can do about
contracting these unfortunate
things.
However, one thing that we can
spread that is so contagious, it
is incredible… a smile, just try
it.Walk out of your office,
booth or work station and
smile at someone and watch
the reaction.They will smile
back…help us spread this one!
Laurence McGrath
General Manager,
Mont-Aux-Sources
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za
HIV / AIDS
Counselling and Testing
@ Orion Safari Lodge
The theme of the campaign is “I am
responsible, we are responsible and South
Africa is taking responsibility”.The theme
clearly indicates that tackling HIV and AIDS
is everybody’s responsibilty ie. individuals,
families, communities, Government,
business etc.
It is for the above reasons that Orion Safari
Lodge in Partnership with Office of the
Premier and Japhiego hosted an HIV Testing
and Counselling and Testing campaign.
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SAFARI LODGE
6
& Implemented Better Ways
Alex Vorster
(Assistant G&C Manager)
and Justice Kotela (Barman)
Star Colleague Award
Sakkie van der Mescht
(Security Manager) and
Alex Vorster (Assistant
G&C Manager)
Implemented “Better Way”
Alex Vorster
(Assistant G&C Manager)
and Andries Happy
Moseneke) Banqueting
Attendant) - Star Colleague
Sakkie van der Mescht
(Security Manager) and
Daleen Jooste (Financial
Controller) - Implemented
“Better Way”
Alex Vorster (Assistant
G&C Manager) and Christa
Marais (Juniour Sous Chef)
- Star Colleague Award
Star Colleague Award
awarded to Mary Moalusi
HUMAN CAPITAL
PIGGS PEAK
OFM
Shana Maree for
an implemented
“Better Way”
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za
Ensa Nethenzheni
receiving her Star
Colleague Award (March)
from Bongani Nhlabatsi
From left to right: Bongani
Nhlabatsi (Star Colleague
Award - May), Linda
Vermaak (“Better Way” -
May), and Andre van der
Merwe (Star Colleague -
April)
Happy Zulu from the
House Keeping department
who was nominated in July
for the “Colleague of the
Month”.
Anver Nagel for
an implemented
“Better Way”

Orion Facilities
Management Team
OFM decided to again support “The
Cradle of Hope Organisation” this year
as one of the charities we help and
contribute towards.We were very
excited to be able to assist them with
one of their projects - “House of
Restoration”. This project is aimed at
assisting the plight of women and
children who are in need and who want
to be helped, while at the same time
empowering them so that they may lead
meaningful and dignified lives.To this end,
they purchased a house in Krugersdorp
which we assisted in transforming into a
haven for these women and their children.
We completed the finishing touches on
the project this month by painting a mural
on the walls on the inside of the children’s
play area, which we hope will brighten up
their days.We had loads of fun again,
braaing for all the residents, hearing the
squeals of delight as the children received
their lucky packets etc.
The “House of Restoration” officially
opened at the beginning of August - only a
couple of days after we completed our
mural - with a few mommies and
children already receiving much
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za
needed help and direction.
It truly was an exceptional privilege
for us to be part of this project.
We thank Melodie Van Brakel (founder)
for allowing us the opportunity to
contribute.We also need to thank
(once again) some of our contractors
and tenants who pitched in to make a
difference with the renovations and
contributions.
A special thank you to:
Prodec Paints for once again, pitching
in to supply us with all our painting
requirements. Mala Mogudu for again,
supplying us with the meat for the
residents of the house. NdlovuProjects
for the dry-walling requirements.
Top Crop for donating vegetables
and fruit to the residents of the house.
Please visit their website
www.the cradelofhope.org for more
information on this and some of their
other projects.
Mala Mogudu, our tenant in City Deep,
contributed cash towards the gutters
and roof , as well as 2 lambs for the
braai.Top Crop sponsored fruit and
vegetables.We thank them warm
heartedly for their generous
contributions to this project.
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Y
Our General
Management Team
The General Managers Team
chose to contribute towards a
very worthy cause for the month
of August, the plight of the
Twilight Children based in
Hillbrow.
We collected basic food items
and clothing as per the appeal list
which is on the Twilight Children
website www.twilightchildren.co.za
Seen in the photographs with
some of the children receiving the
DEVONSHIRE HOTEL
SIZWE MNCUBE 3
MMATHABO MAINE 7
FRANS NDLOVU 11
MORRIS NGULUBE 24
LEJALLA SEFADI (BALOYI) 29
HEAD OFFICE
EMILYN KNOESEN 7
BONIWE LANSGNI 19
KEVIN WILSON 28
SAFARI LODGE
WENDY DOUGALL 8
MOGOPE MOGATWE 9
REBECCA MASIKE 9
MARISSA CLAASSEN 18
SAMUEL PHATLHANE 22
JOHANNES VORSTER 23
GODFREY MOIMA 24
NORAH RAKOENA 25
GLADYS KOLO 28
ANTOINETTE BOTES 29
MONT-AUX-SOURCES
BONGUMUSA MKHIZE 9
STHABISO MAZIBUKO 10
SIFISO DLAMINI 15
PATRICIA MIYA 18
ANDRIAS NGCOBO 23
CHARITY MABASO 23
BUYISIWE MATHABA 24
MANDLA MOLOI 24
NAMILE MABASO 29
PROMENADE
BRIAN MKHONDO 29
WILLEM VIVIERS 29
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donation is Yolande
Meades - Deputy
General Manager,
Orion Safari Lodge
and Astrid
Dressler - General
Manager, Orion
Hotel Devonshire.
Twilight Children
was formed in
1983 and provides
shelter and
support to about 90 boys aged between 8 and 20 years
who, due to various circumstances, find themselves living
on the street and other public places without adequate
SWAZILAND
SIHLE MNISI 1
CHRISTINAH SHONGWE 6
LINDIWE DLAMINI 6
NONHLANHLA DLAMINI 8
SIBUSISO SHONGWE 12
SETSABILE TSELA 13
PAULOS DLAMINI 14
PHILEMON DLAMINI 22
SIPHO NKAMBULE 24
SIZAKELE DLAMINI 25
RICHARD DLAMINI 26
KATSE LODGE
LILLO MONAHENG 3
ANGELINA LEOTA 22
ELIZE MONA 22
MOHALE LODGE
SIMON MAKHOTHI 8
CECELIA LEKAU 20
SUSAN MATSEMELA 22
JACOB NTHUNYA 23
WARTBURG
NONKULULEKO THAVER 18
ORION SECURITY SERVICES
MBUYISENI DLAMINI 2
VUSUMZI MADIKAZI 2
SAYINA THWALA 5
PATIENCE DUBE 9
ALFRED KGASU 10
LEONARD NGUBANE 13
TSHIDIVHANO KHUNWANA 15
PENUEL NOBELA 16
THANDISIZWE MCENCE 23
PHILEMON DLADLA 24
Our Business is getting better every day in every way.
www.oriongroup.co.za
or apparent adult or
family support.The boy’s
family circumstances are
assessed and the boys
are encouraged to
return home where
possible. In cases where
boys are unwilling to
return home, alternative
accommodation and support is
provided.The boys are limited to
the exposure of street life, drugs,
petty crime etc.
Boys with socially unacceptable
behavior are re-socialised.
Accommodation is provided and
the boys are enrolled in local
schools, are involved in training
or undertake some kind of
employment.An outreach
programme also provides support
services to boys who are living
on the streets.The Twilight
Children have pottery and
beadwork projects on the go
and will make items on order
with logos.All contributions and
donations are sincerely welcomed.