The Inspiring SWIFT Journey: From Adversity to Innovation
Founding a Legacy:
In the wake of unprecedented challenges, a new story of resilience and determination emerged. SWIFT Kruger Shuttles was established in late July 2020 by a trio of visionary former employees of the erstwhile Ashtons Tours. This endeavour was driven by a collective ambition to redefine travel to and from the majestic landscapes of Kruger National Park and surrounds.
Pioneering Despite Adversity:
The backdrop against which SWIFT Kruger Shuttles emerged was one of adversity. The foundation of SWIFT was laid in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global crisis that profoundly impacted the tourism industry.
This marked a pivotal moment for these employees, who not only faced personal setbacks but also recognized the opportunity to create anew.
Birth of a Vision:
From the ashes a spark of innovation ignited the birth of SWIFT Kruger Shuttles. Guided by their collective experience of over 30 years in the shuttle market, the three former employees seized the chance to provide travellers with a seamless way to travel between Johannesburg and the Greater Kruger National Park Area.
Embracing Humble Beginnings:
With a determination to create a legacy, SWIFT Kruger Shuttles began with limited startup funds, drawn from the support of friends and family. In a testament to their commitment, the three founders undertook all responsibilities and tasks, from taking calls and bookings, driving to vehicle maintenance and marketing. The journey started humbly, driven by a deep-rooted aspiration to fill the void left in this market space.
Innovation Born from Resilience:
The story of SWIFT Kruger Shuttles exemplifies the indomitable human spirit. Through adversity and challenges, the founding team has carved a new path in the shuttle landscape – one where our customers enjoy service that is reliable, comfortable, affordable and convenient. SWIFT Kruger Shuttles sets a new benchmark in travel experiences, one that honours the past while embracing the future. At SWIFT we are SWIFTly at your service.
Seamless Booking Process:
Booking your SWIFT Kruger Shuttles experience is as effortless as the journey itself. We’ve designed a user-friendly system to cater to both individual clients and travel agents, ensuring that booking your shuttle seat is stress-free.
For Clients:
1. Online Booking:
Click HERE to access our intuitive online booking platform. Choose your preferred shuttle, select your travel dates, and secure your reservation with just a few clicks.
2. Customer Support
Our dedicated customer support team is available to assist you in making reservations and addressing any inquiries you might have. WhatsApp or call us on +27 (0)63 073 2570
For Travel Agents:
1. Agents:
We value our partnerships with travel agents. Click HERE for more on ways agents can book and market our services to their clients.
2. Tailored Experiences
Work closely with our team to tailor experiences that match the preferences and interests of your clients. WhatsApp or call us on +27 (0)78 210 0872
Conclusion:
As SWIFT Kruger Shuttles continues its journey forward, our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences remains unwavering. With a rich history of excellence, a fleet of modern shuttles, and a seamless booking process, we invite you to rely on us to be your link to creating unforgettable memories within the captivating embrace of Kruger National Park. We are SWIFTly at your service.
Meet the SWIFT Team:
David Harrison (LinkedIn) – Director: Operations & Accounting:
David served Articles of Clerkship and attained a Bachelor of Accountancy Degree at Natal University. He joined Ford Motor Company and occupied management positions in the Sales & Marketing and Finance offices, leaving to join Basil Green Ford as Financial Manager. Moving within Super Group, David became Chief Operating Officer of Super Group Trade Finance, which was sold off to a Mauritian Company; this business was a casualty of the financial contagion. . Returning to Pretoria in 2014, David was appointed Operations Manager at Ashtons Tours.
Corien Mitchell (LinkedIn) – Director: Reservations, Bookkeeping & Admin:
Corien started her career in the South African Police Service in 1993. She moved from being a Registration Clerk at National Registrations to an Admin Clerk at Criminal Investigations and finally as Senior Admin Clerk at Special Task Force Training when she left in 2008. In the SAPS, Corien gained extensive skills in admin, filing, photography, investigation, and training. In 2001, she obtained a National Certificate in Photography and, to date, she is a passionate photographer. From 2013, Corien joined Ashtons Tours and worked her way up to Reservations Manager honing her skills in bookkeeping, reservations, consulting, and general management.
Ian Mitchell (LinkedIn) – Consultant: Marketing, Systems & Strategy:
Ian joined the South African Police service in 1993 and attained a National Diploma in Government Finance (Cum Laude) in 1997 from the Tshwane University of Technology. Ian left the Police Service in 2003 with the rank of Captain (Senior State Accountant) having gained valuable financial, accounting, management and administration skills. In 2004, Ian qualified as a National Tourist Guide; and from 2004 to 2010, he freelanced as a tourist guide for several tourism companies gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the Tourism industry. From 2010, Ian assisted Ashtons Tours in starting a daily shuttle service and in building it into a profitable division of the Group. At Ashtons Tours, Ian started as a freelance Tour Guide, then Operations Assistant, Operations Manager, Operations Director & Shareholder and, finally, as Chief Operating Officer of the company.
Lynne Anne Harrison – Reservations, Bookkeeping & Admin:
During Lynne’s earlier career, she worked as a Secretary and Personnel Assistant for Nestle (SA) (Pty) Ltd, Samcor (Pretoria) (Pty) Ltd, Ford Motor Company of S.A. (Pty) Ltd, UPC Distributors (Distributing arm of Edgars Stores Limited) and Edgars Stores Limited. She gained extensive experience in Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Administration and Computer skills and attended additional courses in these fields. In recent times, Lynne worked in the Education system, and successfully ran two school libraries in Gauteng where she cultivated the love of reading in young students. Lynne loves photography and managed a Photography club as an extra mural activity for high school students. During the Covid pandemic she obtained an additional online Certificate in Photography from Shaw Academy. Her true passion is wildlife photography and her hobbies are art, reading and swimming.
Mzuvukile Peter – Driver:
Mzuvukile Peter, who is fondly known as Mzu, is originally from Bloemfontein where he matriculated in 2009. In 2011 he joined his mother who in Plettenburg Bay, where he studied Tourism at South Cape College. He joined Dunes Hotel in 2014 as a general worker, during this time he was encouraged to obtain his driver’s licence. In 2017 Mzu relocated to Pretoria as he was offered employment at Ashtons Tours as a general worker. After many hours of washing busses and doing odd jobs around the office, he showed a keen interest in becoming a Driver and obtained his PrDP where started driving for Ashtons Tours. Unfortunately, in 2020, the Covid pandemic struck and Mzu returned to his hometown. Early in 2022, Mzu was approached by Ian Mitchell who offered him a position at Swift Kruger Shuttles as a Driver. Mzu relocated back to Pretoria and has become a valuable part of our team. His passion for languages and tourism has stood him in good stead when dealing with customers. Mzu is a soccer enthusiast and proudly supports Kaizer Chiefs and Manchester City.
Tshivhase Thilivhali (Thili) – Driver:
Tshivhase Thilivhali (Thili), a member of the Venda royal family and a gentle giant, grew up in a village close to Thohoyandou in Limpopo province. After completing his schooling, Thili enrolled at a TVET college and attained his M6 in Human Resource Management. Thili gained employment at the department of Correctional Services, where he witnessed some harrowing scenes including the loss of a brother, also in the prison service. Thili was able to transfer within the government service to the department of Economic Development in Thohoyandou where he carried out the role of Abet (adult basic education and training) facilitator. Thili describes the joy, which he shared with elderly, illiterate, gogo’s (grandmothers) when they were able to write their own names for the first time. Needing a change, Thili moved to Pretoria and joined Compass Catering as a driver, Compass at that stage were catering for the CSIR, where Thili met his wife, Tebogo. The CSIR contract was lost to Tshebo, Thili moved within Tshebo to Absa and then to Ford. Following glowing reports, Thili was headhunted by SWIFT, where he has proved to be a quick learner and has already received many very positive reviews from Shuttle Passengers. Thili is a proud family man, with two young daughters, who are truly the apple of his eye. Braaing with the family and following boxing are two passions.
Andries Lesiba Hanyane: – Driver:
Johannes Themba Mabasa: – Driver:
