Jul 24, 2018 | News, PH Q&A
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PH Almayne Hughes: A true man of the bush – with a wife to match!
African Hunting Gazette: Tell us when and where were you born, and about your family.
Almayne Hughes: I was born in Klerksdorp in 1989, but grew up in Centurion (Pretoria).
My wife, Natasha, and I are high school sweethearts and met at the tender age of 16. We were together for about 8 years when I proposed to her in 2013. We got married in September of 2014 and currently we don’t have any children. We have both always had a love for the bushveld and for working with people. Together we successfully manage game farms and lodges. Our families live in Centurion, and two of my sisters moved to New Zealand about three years ago.
AHG: How did you become a PH? How did it all begin?
AH: As a young boy our family always went on holiday in the bushveld and I loved every minute of it. I love the bushveld and have a passion for wildlife. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work in the bush. However, when I finished high school I went ahead to study IT. After about a year I realized, yet again, that sitting in an office or living in the city was not something that I wanted to do. I then changed, and went on to study Game Ranch Management and did many other courses including my Field Guide courses with FGASA. When I turned 21, I went on a Professional Hunting course with the legendary David Sutherland. It was only after a family hunt on my 21st birthday that I decided to focus my energy on the hunting industry instead of working as a Game Ranger. By 2011, I was a qualified and certified Professional Hunter, and started my career as a PH and Game Farm Manager.
AHG: Which countries have you hunted and where are you hunting these days?
AH: As a professional hunter I have only been guiding and hunting with clients in South Africa, mainly in the Limpopo province. However, I have personally been very blessed to hunt all over South Africa, Mauritius, as well as in the Bubye Valley Conservancy (BVC) in Zimbabwe. The hunt in Zimbabwe was my absolute favorite and most recent, where I hunted buffalo in the majestic mountains of the BVC.
AHG: If you could return to any time or place in Africa, where would it be?
AH: This is such a great question and my wife has asked me this question numerous times.
a. I would enjoy the opportunity to see the great migration, in all its natural splendor, in the Serengeti during the early nineteenth century.
b. I would also love to return to South Africa during the late eighteenth century / early nineteenth century, to be a part of the hunter-explorers that explored the Limpopo River Valley and hunted the abundance of wild game there. I can only imagine how exciting it must have been to hunt dangerous game in this lush and wild bushveld area.
AHG: Which guns and ammo are you using to back-up on dangerous or wounded game? AH: When hunting dangerous game, I have complete faith in my Merkel .470 Nitro Express. This is a fantastic working firearm for me as a PH and has saved my arse in many dangerous situations. I currently reload my own ammunition using Perigrine bullet heads. Perigrine is a relatively new brand on the market – however they are extremely reliable. The people at Perigrine are always happy to assist with new load developments and I would suggest their product to anyone who does their own reloading. They are also a South African company – so I hope more people will support them as home-grown is best!
AHG: What are your recommendations on guns and ammo – for dangerous game and for plains game – to your hunting clients?
AH: I would strongly suggest using the largest firearm that the client is comfortable with. In my opinion you can never have “too much gun”. Secondly, I always recommend using premium ammunition. I like to say that one can ‘skimp’ on the gun and ‘skimp’ on the optics, but never skimp on ammunition.
AHG: What is your favorite animal to hunt and why?
AH: I would definitely have to say that my favorite animal to hunt is Cape buffalo. I enjoy that it is such a thrilling hunt and the reward after a difficult day of hunting buffalo is my favorite by far!
AHG: Looking back, which was your greatest trophy and why?
AH: I believe that a trophy is not necessarily the size of the horns of the animal, but that the story behind the hunt is what makes the trophy so much more special. The solid-boss buffalo bull that I recently hunted in BVC, in Zimbabwe, is my greatest trophy and story thus far. The hunt was difficult and strenuous, but so rewarding. It was also my first time hunting in the BVC (Bubye Valley Conservancy) and this is, in my opinion, one of the greatest conservancies that I have ever had the pleasure of hunting in. Furthermore, we hunted with Pete Fick as our guide and PH, and just spending time with him and listening to his great stories made this an unforgettable trip overall.
AHG: What was your closest brush with death? And looking back: Anything you should have done differently?
AH: While hunting plains game with a client, here in Limpopo, the client wounded a warthog. As we tracked the blood-trail into a dry riverbed, something felt very eerie about the situation. I instructed the client to rather head back and wait at the hunting vehicle, while I continued to follow the wounded warthog. As I came into the thickets surrounding the dried-up river bed, I was faced by a massive buffalo bull. This buffalo was just a few metres away from me. As I started to backtrack, to get out of there, the buffalo started charging. Luckily the sand slowed him down a bit, as I turned and ran back to the hunting vehicle. The buffalo bull chased me all the way to the vehicle, where he stopped the charge and turned away. If I could do things differently, I would have walked into that riverbed with my .470 Nitro Express, instead of my .30-06.
AHG: How has the hunting industry changed over the years? And the hunting clients themselves?
AH: I have found that the hunting outfitters have changed quite a lot over the years. It seems that some outfitters and PHs are more focused on the quantity of hunts that they book throughout a year, instead of quality. Some of these outfitters try to make sure that they book as many hunts as possible for the season, but then they don’t focus on offering their clients a good quality hunt and an original African hunting experience. Due to this, a lot of clients have become wary of new offers and outfitters, as there are so many “fly-by-night” outfitters out there, that have given clients some horrible experiences.
AHG: Which qualities go into making a successful PH and or a successful hunting company?
AH: There are many essential qualities to becoming a great or successful PH. Respect and passion for the wildlife; to be a “people’s person” as you have to work with many people from all walks of life; good social skills to entertain your guests, and determination as not all clients are going to be easy to work with and not all hunts will go down smoothly. But I would say the most important is to focus on ethical hunting practices and to not operate in any “grey areas”.
AHG: Which qualities go into making a good safari client?
AH: Importantly, a hunting client should be a good shot and have faith in their shooting ability and be an open-minded person. General good health and fitness is important as the bushveld terrain in South Africa can be difficult for some clients. Lastly, listen and trust your PH, as he is trying to give you a great hunting experience while doing his best to keep you out of dangerous situations.
AHG: If you should suggest one thing to your hunting clients to improve their experience of their safari, what would it be?
AH: First, I would suggest that they spend enough time practicing with their firearms, before coming to hunt in Africa. Spending a good amount of time on the shooting range and getting to know your firearm is very important. Secondly, I would say that the client that comes on safari with no expectations of specific horn lengths, will always walk away as a happy client. While I would always do my best to try and get the best trophies for my client, I believe that the story behind that hunt is what makes the hunt memorable.
AHG: Based on your recent experience in the field, do you think that any species should be upgraded to Appendix I or downgraded to Appendix II or closed all together?
AH: This is a difficult question to answer since I can really only refer to the area that I work and hunt in. Here in the Limpopo River valley, I can see a very healthy population of hippo and crocodile, and I would like to be able to hunt in the Limpopo River again. No permits are currently being issued for hippo or crocodile hunting in the Limpopo River. There is nothing else that I would upgrade to Appendix I or downgrade to Appendix II.
AHG: What can the hunting industry do to contribute to the long-term conservation of Africa’s wildlife?
AH: I always say that hunting is conservation and conservation is hunting. With this statement, I mean that hunting really is the largest contributor to conservation. Without hunting and private game farms, I think many species would be endangered. We would not have the quality of gene pool, that we currently have available. For example, there is a better quality of species available in private game farms, than in any national park in our country.
AHG: Ask your wife, if she could do it all over again, would she still? And what is her advice to future wives of PHs?
Natasha Hughes: I fell in love with Almayne when I was just a young teenager. I always knew that whatever he decided to do or wherever he decided to go, I would follow him and support his decisions. Being an independent woman came naturally to me, but it is also very important to trust your partner in their decisions and to support them in new endeavors. When Almayne was a freelance PH, it was difficult at times, as he would be away from home for weeks on end, for seven or eight months of the year. When I finished my diploma in Lodge Management, we decided to start working together in the bushveld. Working together is easy for us, as we are such great partners in business and in life. We both have a passion for the bushveld, for wildlife and to work with people. If I could do it all over again I would not change a thing. Everything works out as it should, and even difficult or bad times are necessary in our lives, so that we will appreciate the good things and great times even more.
The advice I have for future wives of PHs is to trust their partner. Be a supportive partner to them and treat each other as equals. Never forget who you are or give up your hobbies and interests. Stay true to yourself, but most importantly stay true to each other.
AHG: Anyone you want to say thanks to? Or to GTH (Go to Hell)?
AH: While there are many people that have let me down or disappointed me over the years, I cannot exactly say ‘go to hell’ to anyone in an article like this. ???? I would, however, like to thank my family, especially my wife, for standing by me from my ‘start up’ days of being a rookie PH, spending so much time away from home and for supporting me through all the decisions that I have made for myself and for us. Thank you for believing in me and helping me to become the man I am today, in my career as PH and in my personal life. I would not have been able to achieve many of the things I have, if it were not for her by my side. It is true what they say: “A man’s success has a lot to do with the kind of woman that he has in his life.”
AHG: Any Last Words of Wisdom?
AH: Throughout the years, I have met many aspiring PHs and the one piece of advice that I always give them is: Just keep your nose clean. Stay out of trouble! In this industry your reputation will precede you, so make sure you have a good reputation and uphold this. Don’t get involved in illegal practices as this type of behavior will get you in trouble sooner or later. You will have to start at the bottom, but pay your dues, put in the work and the hours, and it will all pay off in the end.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16460,16461,16462,16463,16464,16458,16459″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Jun 10, 2018 | News, PH Q&A
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]PH Johnny Thomson – A man with his heart in the right place.
African Hunting Gazette: Tell our readers about yourself and your family.
Johnny Thomson: I was born in Pietersburg (Polokwane) on 11 Feb 1982. My grandparents had a farm on Maasstroom and this is where my brother Alex Thomson spent most of our time as kids on the farm. I met my soulmate, Janeske, in 2007 and got married in 2010. She loves being on the farm as much as I do. We have two beautiful kids, Mieke aged six, and AJ who is three.
AHG: How did you become a PH? How did it all begin?
JT: As a small boy I was always on the farm loving the outdoors and playing in the bush, hunting small birds and antelopes, so I was hooked. When I finally finished school it was off back to the farm – I was never a guy for the city life. This is where I decided that I would like to pursue something in the outdoors, and decided to get my PH qualification with Kobus Schoeman. My brother and I are co-owners of Eland Safaris.
AHG: Which countries have you hunted and where are you hunting these days?
JT: I have done most of my hunting in South Africa in Limpopo Province on our family ranch. I have also hunted in Zimbabwe.
At the moment most of our hunts are in South Africa in the Limpopo Province.
AHG: If you could return to any time or place in Africa, where would it be?
JT: I would like to return to any time and place in Africa where you can hunt without any political involvement; to do sport hunting as it used to be in the old days.
AHG: Which guns and ammo are you using to back-up on dangerous or wounded game?
JT: I started of using my .375H&H, a gun that I love, but at the moment I am using my .458 Win. Mag. or a .470 NE. My favourite ammo is Barnes bullet.
AHG: What are your recommendations on guns and ammo – for dangerous game and for plains game – to your hunting clients?
JT: I will recommend for dangerous game a .416. If the client can handle a bigger gun, bigger is always better in my eys. For plains game I would suggest .30-06, or .338 and .375 is very good caliber for the bushveld.
AHG: What is your favorite animal to hunt and why?
JT: I love hunting buffalo. They always get the heart racing. They keep you on your toes and you have to expect the unexpeced. Something that also makes me crazy is a big old warthog male, I don’t know why, but is gets my heart racing every time I see one.
AHG: Looking back, which was your greatest trophy and why?
JT: It was in 2013 a big male lion. I hunted with my client Devinder Singh. It was a great adventure walking in the hot sun, and we ended up with a 25 yard shot. The whole experience for me, with the ups and downs, was one that I will never forget, and in the end we were rewarded with a great trophy.
AHG: What was your closest brush with death? Looking back: Anything you should have done differently?
JT: Thankfully, I’m fortunate to have had no close calls in my career as a PH.
AHG: How has the hunting industry changed over the years? And the hunting clients themselves?
JT: These days there is a lot of competition in the industry, and every hunting outfitter is trying to make a living out of it. The lifestyle is much more demanding now, and clients prefer a much shorter hunt then in earlier years.
AHG: Which qualities go into making a successful PH and or a successful hunting company?
JT: Respect, honesty and loyalty – that’s very important to me. Communicating with your clients will put then at ease, and that will give them the ultimate experience.
AHG: And which qualities go into making a good safari client?
JT: Trust between a client and a PH makes the job of the PH much easier.
AHG: If you should suggest one thing to your hunting clients to improve their experience of their safari, what would it be?
JT: Take your time and don’t rush things. Practice. And knowing your rifle and shooting off sticks is very important.
AHG: Based on your recent experience in the field, do you think that any species should be upgraded to Appendix I or downgraded to Appendix II or closed all together?
JT: I think brown hyena and leopard must be downgraded. We are seeing more sightings of them than ever before. Better research can be done on this species.
AHG: What can the hunting industry do to contribute to the long-term conservation of Africa’s wildlife?
JT: We need to get rid of the bad reputation around trophy hunting. We have to educate people that hunting is one of the best conservation methods.
AHG: Ask your wife, if she could do it all over again, would she still….? What is her advice to future wives of PHs? Are any of your children following in your footsteps?
Janeske: Yes I would. For Johnny it is a lifestyle and a passion, not a job. Working alongside him for the last seven years makes it easier. We are working towards the same goal. It’s fun, and I live for the experiences with him. A PH’s woman is one in the same boat – don’t rock it, go with it.
Mieke and AJ are still small, but I’m sure we won’t be able to keep AJ out of the bush for long.
AHG: Anyone you want to say thanks to? Or to GTH (Go to Hell)?
JT: Thanks to my family for all the support. My wife and kids especially, and to my brother thanks for being the cornerstone of the business. Thanks to the Lord for keeping us safe every day.
AHG: Any Last Words of Wisdom?
JT: Respect the animals and the bush, trust your equipment, and have fun. Enjoy.
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Dec 15, 2017 | News, PH Q&A
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hannes du Plessis – a genuine professional in every sense of the word.
African Hunting Gazette: When and where were you born?
Hannes du Plessis: I was born 6 February 1963 in Windhoek, Namibia.
AHG: Tell us about your family.
HdP: My wife, Geraldine, and I got married in 1990. Geraldine was born and raised in Namibia and also grew up on a farm. We have two daughters, Marie-Louise (25) and Caren (23).
AHG: How did you become a PH? How did it all begin?
HdP: Growing up on a farm in Namibia means that one gets exposed to hunting from a very young age. Since I can remember I went hunting with my father for meat purposes. Although he never was a professional hunter he taught me a lot about animals, their behavior, habits and mannerisms. Also, to respect the animals, even after you hunted them. I started off as a hunting guide and qualified as a PH in 1998.
AHG: Which countries have you hunted and where are you hunting these days?
HdP: I have only hunted in Namibia.
AHG: If you could return to any time or place in Africa, where would it be?
HdP: As a professional hunter, any place in Namibia. If I could return as a tourist to other African countries, I would most probably pick Vic Falls in Zimbabwe.
AHG: Which guns and ammo are you using to back-up wounded game?
HdP: I am making use of 7mm Magnum because it is a flat-shooting caliber, and the most common terrain where I am hunting is wide open spaces.
AHG: What are your recommendations on guns and ammo for plains game – to your hunting clients?
HdP: I would recommend any flat-shooting caliber between .270 through to .338.
AHG: What is your favorite animal to hunt and why?
HdP: My favorite would be the southern greater kudu. The Grey Ghost is always a challenge, and has the ability to elude one in no time.
AHG: Looking back, which was your greatest trophy and why?
HdP: For me, the greatest trophy does not necessarily appear in record books, but it is rather about the stalk with the client, finding a true trophy animal, and seeing the smile on the face of a satisfied client. I can remind myself of a lot of special moments like the one described. To me that is, after all, why we do what we do!
AHG: What was your closest brush with death?
HdP: Black mamba! A black mamba once crossed our path, or should I rather say we were in his way.
AHG: How has the hunting industry changed over the years? And the hunting clients themselves?
HdP: For trophy hunters, Namibia certainly became more popular the last 15 years. True hunters were, are, and will always portray the same kind of personality. However, it is noticeable that the number of younger hunters is decreasing. It is a problem all over the world, I would say, that the younger generation is hunting less probably due to increasing group pressure against hunting.
AHG: Which qualities go into making a successful PH and/or a successful hunting company?
HdP: A successful PH in my opinion is not the one who shoots record-book trophies, but should be a conservationist in the first instance. The PH should be prepared to shoot an older animal with his client instead of shooting an animal in his prime, even though the latter might be a more desirable option. A PH should have lots of patience, ensuring he gets his client in the best possible shooting position, and also be prepared to turn around if it is not a true trophy animal despite a tough stalk, lots of sweat and major effort. Walk back and find another opportunity to stalk the correct animal is all part of the game.
In my opinion the number of returning clients you have will always be a good testimonial as to whether you do most things correctly. If you are doing it for the money, rather stop today – business is business, and it will always be about the client and what satisfies him.
A successful outfitting company is a company that can ensure that all the aspects regarding a pleasant stay, such as accommodation, food, laundry service, hunting vehicles and a few others, are top-notch. The hunting component does not always go according to plan, but true hunters will know that it is about hunting, and not having another trophy in the truck at the end of the day.
AHG: Which qualities go into making a good safari client?
HdP: It’s a well-prepared client who has already done some research about the animals he / she would like to hunt, knows about shot placement, and has practiced at home to shoot.
AHG: If you should suggest one thing to your hunting clients to improve their experience of their safari, what would it be?
HdP: To keep a diary and take as many photos as possible, not only of the trophies, but also about nature, birds, live animals, sunrises and sunsets. These will be the memories to cherish for a long time after the safari. Take in every moment this beautiful African nature offers, because the safari will be over way too soon.
AHG: Based on your recent experience in the field, do you think that any species should be upgraded to Appendix I or downgraded to Appendix II or closed all together?
HdP: I believe that in Namibia cheetahs are not endangered any more, and there is really justification to open USA for the import of cheetah trophies.
AHG: What can the hunting industry do to contribute to the long-term conservation of Africa’s wildlife?
HdP: Please continue ethical hunting, because if trophy hunting stops there is no value to the animals, and poaching will take over, and eventually most species will be wiped out.
AHG: Ask your wife, if she could do it all over again, would she still…?
HdP: Yes, no doubt she would do it again!
AHG: What is her advice to future wives of PHs?
Geraldine: Be prepared for long hours of work – sometimes (many times actually) before sunrise, and so often until just before midnight. Remember, it is a lifestyle choice. It isn’t really a family-friendly lifestyle (in the sense of Mom having to attend most school activities of kids all by herself while Dad is out hunting in the bush).
AHG: Are any of your children following in your footsteps?
HdP: Yes, Caren is also a qualified PH.
AHG: Anyone you want to say thanks to? Or to GTH (Go to Hell)?
HdP: Thanks to a few people who taught me a lot, namely my Dad, Dirk de Bod and Dawid Muller.
GTH to all the anti-hunters who so easily and quickly condemn trophy hunting based on false perceptions. Most of them don’t have any proof of how much they have contributed financially to the conservation of wildlife. Personally, I doubt it if they ever contribute financially at all. All bark but no bite.
AHG: Any Last Words of Wisdom?
HdP: Always remember that it is a privilege to be part of nature, wildlife and helping to contribute to conservation. The areas you hunt, the animals you hunt do not really belong to you, but to the next generation. Treat nature with respect and ensure you give it back to the next generation in better shape than you received it.
That basically to me sums up what our ethos as Professional Hunters should be.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”12625,12626,12627,12628,12629″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Aug 22, 2017 | News, PH Q&A
• AFRICAN HUNTING GAZETTE: When and where were you born?
Phlllip Mafuta: My name is Phillip Mafuta. I was born on 5 May 1985, on Humani Ranch (now Save Valley Concervancy) Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. I was born right on the farm and not in a hospital!
• AHG: Tell us all ‘about your family.
PM: I have two beautiful daughters, Leona 7 and Lorraine 4.
• AHG: How did you become a PH? How did it all begin
PM: Hunting runs in the family. It started with my father, Hama Mafuta, who was the head tracker and later PH for “Svikesvike” Whittal, father of Roger Whittal. My big brothers, Madya, Gadzira and Edmore were all Zimbabwe PHs and I would go with each of them every school holiday to hunt. This inspired to become a PH myself.
• AHG: Which countries have you hunted and where are you hunting these days?
PM: Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa. I am now hunting in the Eastern Cape at Kuduskop Safaris.
• AHG: If you could return to any time or place in Africa, where would it be?
PM: If Botswana was open to elephant hunting I would love to go back there. I hunted there for four years, mainly in the Okavango and Thuli Block which proved to be my most challenging elephant hunts.
• AHG: Which guns and ammo are you using to back-up on dangerous or wounded game?
PM: I like the CZ .375 H&H Magnum. PMP Super Solid (386gr)
• AHG: And what are your recommendations on guns and ammo – for dangerous game and for plains game – to your hunting clients?
PM: For me, it’s .the .300 Win Mag for plains game. It does the job all round.
And even though a .375 and upwards is suitable, for dangerous game, I have come to favor the .500 Nitro Express. The double barrel gives the client the speed and ammo gives the power to get the animal down.
• AHG: What is your favorite animal to hunt and why?
PM: Definitely elephant. I have my most experiences with this animal. I get excited when I find a fresh track, and use the telltale signs an elephant leaves behind to achieve a successful hunt. Most of my clients shoot the animal within 25m.
• AHG: Looking back, which was your greatest trophy and why?
PM: Until now I have never hunted nor even seen a 66” kudu bull, and so the one that I hunted in the Limpopo floodplain with my brother, Edmore, would be the greatest.
• AHG: What was your closest brush with death? Looking back: Anything you should have done differently?
PM: I was a tracker for my father, hunting leopard. From the blind we thought the client made a good shot, as the animal came falling out the tree, but it turned out that he had broken both back legs. Coming out from the blind, the second shot put the animal down in tall grass. Slowly we approached, and as I was in front I was the one to be attacked. The second shot only managed to break one of the front legs, and luckily for me he now only had one leg and his jaws with which to fight. The animal’s mouth was around my upper right arm looking for my neck. At the same time the remaining leg had enough power to cut open both my upper legs. With my left hand I was trying to push the head off me, and we tussled for what felt like forever. My father was standing right next to the scene ready with his rifle to shoot. Eventually the shot came and the animal collapsed on top of me. My father grabbed the leopard’s tail and pulled him off me. With the power of adrenalin I rolled away and then the shock set in. I couldn’t stop the tears. I was rushed to hospital and spent two weeks recovering.
We should never have been so sure of the shot, especially with leopard. We knew it was hit and that it would not survive, and we should have not followed immediately – perhaps even take track the next day to be sure it was dead.
• AHG: How has the hunting industry changed over the years? And the hunting clients themselves?
PM: There is now a lot of competition in the hunting industry, and trophies are harder to come by.
• AHG: Which qualities go into making a successful PH and or a successful hunting company?
PM: To be successful you need to work hard and be trustworthy. You need to work as a team with a tracker, the outfitter and lodge staff. Serve each client as if they were your first.
• AHG: And which qualities go into making a good safari client?
PM:Those that listen to their PH!
• AHG: If you should suggest one thing to your hunting clients to improve their experience of their safari, what would it be?
PM: Don’t rush it. Rather take more time off. The more time you have, the better the trophy and, just simply, the all-round experience.
• AHG: Based on your recent experience in the field, do you think that any species should be upgraded to Appendix I or downgraded to Appendix II or closed all together?
PM: Perhaps leopard for certain areas can be downgraded to Appendix II
• AHG: What, in your opinion, can the hunting industry do to contribute to the long-term conservation of Africa’s wildlife?
PM: The hunting industry brings in foreign currency and contributes a great deal to the GDP of a country. The more money government has, HOPEFULLY, the more money they will set aside for conservation.
• AHG: Ask your wife, if she could do it all over again, would she still?
PM: Yes! We get to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures.
• AHG: What is her advice to future wives of PHs? Are any of your children following in your footsteps?
PM: Her advice is to be patient if he is away and pray for him to come back. It is not only animals that kill, accidents can happen too. Only God is in control. My first daughter says she wants to be a huntress. She wears safari gear, too, while the second wants nothing to do with hunting.
• AHG: Anyone you want to say thanks to? Or to GTH (Go to Hell)?
PM: I would like to thank God for the talent. Secondly, my father for starting it all, and my late brother Edmore Mafuta who was the one to teach me all I know. Also thanks to my younger brother Aleck Mafuta, who supports me emotionally and financially. And lastly, a special thanks to all at Kuduskop Safaris, my manager Richard Strydom, and Luc and Isabelle Escoute who I feel took me from zero to hero.
• AHG: Any Last Words of Wisdom?
PM: There is no substitute for knowledge.
