+27(0) 72 625 4709 or +27(0) 14 007 0621
MEET THE TEAM
OWNERS
LFGA is owned and managed by husband and wife team, Mark and Linky Stavrakis, a dynamic duo with many years of industry experience. Mark’s passion for training was the inspiration behind LFGA, while Linky has brought finesse and attention to detail to the product. Together they welcome new students to the industry and are always there to help before, during and after your stay at LFGA. Indeed they are the head of the Limpopo Family!
Mark
General Manager
Born in Namibia and raised in the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa, Mark was exposed to the bushveld at an early age by his geologist father. Regular field trips cemented the youngster’s dream of becoming a game ranger, and after completing University, that’s exactly what he did. Mark has been active in the guiding industry since 1996 and has spent most of that time involved in training and mentorship of guides.
Mark now focuses on General Operations for the company, yet is still active with specialist training and assessment.
Linky
Sales & Marketing Manager
Linky grew up on a farm in Mpumalanga, South Africa, where her father ran an animal rehabilitation centre. With many different indigenous and exotic animals as her companions growing up, Linky had no desire other than to work in the field with people and animals. She established a successful guiding career before joining LFGA in 2006.
Linky’s experience in the field, has enabled her to approach Sales and Marketing and student matters with inside knowledge. She is always available to assist with any student queries, before, during or after a course.
TRAINERS
Pioneer Moyo
Trainer
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Pines initially worked in the hospitality sector in that country, before moving to South Africa in 2008.
He attended the FGASA level 1 (now NQF2) course through LFGA and immediately began work as a guide and field ranger on a local game reserve in the Waterberg area. After several years of experience, Pines achieved the FGASA level 2 (NQF4) qualification, also through LFGA and at that point joined our company as a guide and apprentice trainer, in 2016.
Pioneer quickly leveled up and achieved many higher qualifications while at LFGA, including Professional Field Guide (old FGASA Level 3), Professional Trails Guide and TG Mentor, SKS Birding and CyberTracker Track and Sign Specialist to complement his Tracker level 3.
With guiding experience from the Lowveld, Kruger National Park region in subsequent years, Pines now works part-time at LFGA while remaining a FGASA ambassador in Zimbabwe, where he is involved in various developmental projects.
It is an honour to have Pines on our trainer team.
Wian van Zyl
Birding Specialist
Growing up on a Big 5 Game Reserve, Wian had amazing exposure to all things wild - and a father who was the reserve Manager.
He developed an early love and passion for birding and has never looked back.
Wian attended the entry level courses for FGASA at LFGA in 2013 and went on to work in mainstream game reserves in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Lowveld, and Waterberg, gaining excellent experience in guiding, monitoring of wildlife and of course, hands-on birding with guests.
Now one of the leading bird guides in Southern Africa and also with some international birding experience, Wian does freelance stints at LFGA on the birding component. He is also a FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide and is busy developing that qualification through intensive mentorship.
We Boast The Best Trainers In The Field – Their Impressive Qualifications Are:
Note: We also use FGASA qualified Field Guides and Trails Guides for field excursions.
SUPPORT STAFF
Theko Matlala
Theko is in charge of our camp kitchen and ensures that students and staff are well catered for at all times.
Theko has gained experience from various game lodges and guest houses in Southern Africa and puts her skills to work by running the kitchen efficiently throughout the course phases.
Students have the opportunity to learn and practice bush cooking skills under Theko's watchful eye.
Theko is also from our local community and part of our social investment commitment.
Jan Mathye
Jan is the mechanic and maintenance supervisor. He is in charge of running of the game viewers and general camp maintenance. With a wealth of experience from more than 30 years in the game lodge industry, Jan always has a smile on his face. Whether it is driving camp deliveries, servicing vehicles or fixing camp – Jan is always available.
He is from the local Hammanskraal community and part of our social investment.
FGASA Training Courses