Meet “The Family”
The Lodge is partly owned by Cobie and Muriel Els, who live on the premises with their children and meet and mingle daily with guests. The company has been in existence since 1985 but even longer in the family.
The following is an account (and perhaps a character analysis) of each family member.
The Dad (Level 1 Paramedic)
Cobie Els Snr.
Cobie Els Snr. He is a man in his mid-to-late 40s, dark hair with gray hair on the sides. He almost always wears his “kakies” to work. It is well known, however, throughout the company, that he runs the show, and calls the shots.
Son#1 (Our level 3 Paramedic)
Cobie Els Jnr.
Cobie Els SW born in 1985 - Cobie SW can change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, design a building, balance accounts, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve an equation, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly!
In a world of dogmatic specialists, it’s the GENERALIST who ends up running the show. “A jack of all trades?? Yes!!!
“Specialization is for insects”
Ok, so I’m not an executive chef in Sandton. Despite my lack of genius, being a Jack of all trades has worked well for me. I’ve always worked with small teams where being flexible and willing to learn was seen as a huge asset. I wouldn’t call myself a generalist, but I wouldn’t call myself a specialist either.” Look far and wide. There are worlds to conquer, and Hornbill is mine to conquer.
Son#3 (Level 1 Paramedic)
Lance Neo Els aka Bokkie
Lance Neo Els born in the year 2000 – Bekker School in Magaliesburg
“The best things in life are free
But you can keep them for the birds and bees
Now give me money
That's what I want”
Grandson
Benjamin Els aka Benjy
Benjamin Els born 2005 – Bekker School in Magaliesburg (son of Cobie SW and Storm Roux)
Mother Superior
Muriel Krogh-Els
“Need we say anything else?”
Son#2
D`Arcy Els
D'Arcy Els born in 1988 - Not currently working @ Hornbill lodge. He lives in Noordheuwel Krugersdorp with his wife Simone and 2 children Ulisa and Nikilaigh. Despite his young age and arrogance D'Arcy is a very talented chef. He is a highly motivated young man and very passionate about food, I am certain he will go on to be one of the shining stars of the future.
Granddaughter
Kaylene Kimiko Els
Kaylene Kimiko Els born 2004 – Florida in Roodepoort (daughter of D'Arcy and Rene)