We’re proud to announce that four members of the Destination Africa team have now joined the Skal International – Cape Winelands & Skål International Cape Town, carrying Niel’s legacy forward: Leana Louw, Tracy Bougard, Chris Thwala & Liana Walker. This moment is more than an induction. It is a tribute to Niel. A continuation of his vision. A celebration of what he stood for. “We lost a friend… but we gained a family.” To every Skål member who wrapped us in support when we needed it most. And to a future built on friendship, trust, and shared purpose. Skål.
A Word of thanks from Leana Louw
Dear Fellow Skålleagues,
If I may, I would like to take a moment to share a few thoughts with you.
I must be honest when I say that I never had any desire to join Skål. I had heard about Skål here and there, and Niel invited me to meetings, but I always thought it was just another thing that would take time out of my already overfull day. Seeing that Rune Engstrom, our fearless leader at Destination Africa, is from Norway, we always just said “Skål” (cheers) at every company lunch.
But then disaster struck when Niel Els passed away, and our lives were turned upside down. He was not just a colleague but a close friend who worked from my home almost every day.
After this happened, I received phone calls from strange people (not strangers) being so kind to me (us), People I had never met before: Carol, Dawn, Lavonne, Karen, René, and many more. Some called me daily to offer help, a shoulder, guidance, to share stories, or just to make sure I was okay. Then Tracy and I went to the funeral, and again I heard “Skål”—and all these people were giving me hugs and offering support, even though I didn’t know them. This feeling of genuine care filled me.
I started to talk to some of the people, and the more I spoke with them, the more I felt no judgment, just honest interest, care, a willingness to help, friendliness, and a spirit of lifting each other up. And I was a complete stranger to them. That day, I realised what Skål was all about and why Niel and Rune were, and are, so passionate about it.
In February 2025, Tracy and I lost a friend. But today, 24 June 2025, as we stand before you at our induction into the Skål Winelands Club, we have gained a family. There are no cliques, no angry faces. Every time you enter, you are greeted like a long-lost friend. You can walk up to any Skål member and immediately feel the unspoken bond, the genuine support—with no expectation.
I know you cannot choose your family, but this family—our Skål family—we did choose.
Leana Louw
Managing Director – Destination Africa
PS: Want to know more about Skål – South Africa , Head on over to Skål South Africa or find a club in your Country. Connecting travel and tourism professionals all around the world since 1934. Head on over to https://skalcapetown.org/
