The Ingwe Team
Tiaan and Jess Booysen: Lead Facilitators
Joining the team in March 2024 and bringing a fresh drive to our long-established business, we couldn't be happier to introduce and welcome Tiaan and Jess into our team. Here's a little blurb from each of them:
I'm Tiaan Booysen, your local guide on the stunning Garden Route. Ever since I moved to this breathtaking corner of the world in 2016 to pursue my studies, I've been captivated by its beauty and potential for adventure. It was here that I met my wife, Jess, and together, we've been on a mission to share our passion for nature, adventure, and personal growth with fellow enthusiasts like you.
I couldn't be more excited to announce our association with Ingwe Adventures, a team-building powerhouse nestled in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, established by Debbie Fermor in 2004. Together, we're on a mission to take your team-building experiences to new heights, quite literally!
For me, it's all about empowering people to discover their true potential by immersing themselves in nature, pushing boundaries, and embracing the unknown. Whether we're trekking through lush forests, tackling adrenaline-pumping challenges, or simply soaking in the serenity of our surroundings - you can count on me to lead the way with enthusiasm and expertise.
When I'm not guiding expeditions, you'll often find me indulging my love for sports, creating connections with fellow adventurers, or simply exploring the wonders of the great outdoors.
So, if you're ready to step out of your comfort zone and head-off on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, look no further. Together with Ingwe Adventures, we're here to turn your team-building dreams into reality.
Let's make some memories, shall we?
Adventure awaits! Tiaan Booysen
Hi there! I'm Jess Booysen, and I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the team with Ingwe Adventures in the picturesque Garden Route. As a proud Plett local, I've had the pleasure of experiencing the transformative power of Ingwe's team-building programmes firsthand during my youth. Those experiences ignited my passion for personal and team growth through adventure and education.
With a background in conservation and a deep-seated belief in the importance of environmental education, I'm eager to bring my expertise to the table as part of the Ingwe team. Together, we'll not only challenge individuals and teams to push themselves beyond their perceived limits but also establish a deeper connection with nature and a greater understanding of our impact on the world around us.
As we begin our journey on this exciting new chapter, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work together to inspire, educate, and uplift our community, one adventure at a time.
Let's explore, learn, and grow together.
With adventure as our guide, Jess Booysen
Debbie Fermor: Owner
Born in Cape Town and married with two sons, Debbie relocated in 1996 to Plettenberg Bay to open a family owned restaurant. Finding restaurant life was not fulfilling anymore and having worked for non-profit organisations in the marine mammal and environmental education fields to sales and marketing in the tourism industry, a solid foundation for a business of her own was born.
Using innate entrepreneurship skills and extensive experience in the development of youth, Ingwe Forest Adventures was established in 2004 and received endorsement from the Western Cape Education Department in 2009. In 2019 when the decision was made to go MOBILE, Ingwe Forest Adventures became Ingwe Adventures as there was so much more to offer.
Ingwe created such an impact, that the farm where they used to be located even named their farm 'Ingwe' when the business stopped trading from that venue. Despite some confusion, the lure of the leopard is strong! Debbie continues to be known locally as "Debbie Ingwe".
As a founding member of The Southern Crags Conservancy, which is part of the Eden to Addo Corridor, and since a child had a great love and appreciation of the outdoors, she looked at ways to conserve our natural environment and make a living. An unwavering belief in the potential of people to face and overcome challenging obstacles has culminated in her taking on the challenge of developing Ingwe Adventures into a business renowned for experiences that produce real learning results and promote conservation awareness for both youths and adults. Being a keen mountain biker and outdoor adventurer herself, has given her the opportunity to work and play at the same time. A very happy and fulfilling combination indeed!
Debbie has been an Environmental Educational Director of a non-profit organisation; actively involved in many other social and community upliftment projects, from the founding phase to serving on committees; volunteering on various projects and fundraising initiatives; to Secretary of the Crags Fire Management Unit; reflects her passion and dedication to her community. Her involvement at Ingwe Adventures extends beyond design of learning processes and facilitation, to the overall management and co-ordination of all things Ingwe! One of her mottos is, to find something to smile about, every single day.
Debbie's husband Mike Fermor has added his skillset to the business on a part-time basis bringing fishing and foraging expeditions to the mix. Mike has been fishing and foraging since a young child and offers an insightful and ethical experience. Her son, James and his wife, Serena have also added their skills bringing in a series of Well-Beeing activities that work well under the Gifts of the Earth series. James has worked on numerous programmes since the start of Ingwe Adventures and has a natural skill for helping everyday people build their confidence within themselves. Serena's ethos in life is to help sensitive souls find peace and empowerment in their uniqueness. A family of diverse skills that work well together!
Siyabonga Sijila: Maintenance and Construction Supervisor
Siya was part of the workforce who helped construct the buildings where Ingwe Adventures was originally located and first started trading as a teambuilding operator. This long-time gardener had skills that were under-utilised, so when he was offered a part-time position in 2013 he soon became an integral part of the team.
In 2017 Siya became a full time member of the Ingwe Adventures team. His is a quiet and humble man who takes immense pride in his work, plus consistently being willing to assist wherever needed. Siya works on some of the programmes and is the one who keeps the obstacle course and equipment in prime condition. A man with ultimate gentleness of soft words of encouragement to get people to overcome their fears and tackle obstacles they perhaps thought they couldn’t. He truly is a rare find and is Debbie's extra right and left hand whenever she needs him. Apart from being an integral member of the team, he has became part of the Fermor family.
Local guides & freelancers:
We also employ other facilitators from the area to work with us on our programmes as needed. These facilitators are carefully chosen to be the best fit for our clients needs. Quite often these facilitators are working in the industry as freelancers, or are currently studying in the field.
Nature’s Valley Trust:
The Nature’s Valley Trust a registered NPO with Section 18A tax exemption has been facilitating an award winning environmental education and community outreach programmes since 2003, reaching more than 5 000 participants annually, with 2013 being an exceptional year reaching more than 8 000 participants. Ingwe Adventures and NVT have been working together since 2004 and in 2009 forged a stronger partnership, working together to enhance the skill and expertise of both organisations.
The resident interns and management staff of NVT have become an important part of the Ingwe Adventures team assisting on youth camps as facilitators bringing an excellent mix of multi-cultural and academic backgrounds; an aspect vitally important and greatly valued at Ingwe Adventures on their youth programmes. For corporates wishing to fulfill their CSI needs, this is an ideal opportunity to collaborate with NVT and Ingwe Adventures, to make this an easy process.
Volunteer Home Stay (VHS):
Community involvement organisation working with historically disadvantaged Kurland residents since 2003 and bringing volunteers from all over the world to gain some insight and to participate in service and/or study abroad programmes our beautiful country. Vocational breakaways for volunteers in variety different projects are on offer with them too. Ingwe Adventures is fortunate to have been chosen by this reputable organisation to collaborate and to provide volunteers to work with us when appropriate opportunities are available for their participation.
Kathy Terblanche: Programme Development
Kathy officially joined the Ingwe team during 2011, but has always been a part of what has been developing at Ingwe since the late 1990’s.
She has been teaching in one form or another since the early 1970’s. Raised in Minnesota USA, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Public Health Education. After receiving her Bachelor’s degrees she spent 10 years working for the YMCA. She then returned to school to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Science Education. After one year teaching for the St. Joseph, MO School District, Kathy moved to California and spent 7 years teaching in various capacities for the Orange County Department of Education in their Outdoor Science School programme.
While Kathy has always had a passion for the outdoors; it was while teaching in the OSS programme, that she discovered her talent in igniting a passion for the outdoors in others. At Ingwe, Kathy really enjoys using problem solving and decision-making activities to help people work as more cohesive teammates, as well as giving them skills to aid in making responsible decisions related to the environment.
Even though Kathy is no longer involved in the day to day operations of Ingwe Adventures, she is always willing to share her knowledge and assist when needed. Apart from her academic skills, her wonderful sense of humour and compassion for the environment and people makes her input truly valued in the continued development and improvement of programmes at Ingwe.
Doreen Rex & Joanie Korkee: Housekeeping, Catering and keeping us in order!
Sticking with the trend, even when no longer fully involved in the day to day operations, Doreen and Joanie have been with Ingwe since the beginning and are more than just employees, they have always been like the Mama's of Ingwe Adventures. They both retired in 2020 but still are part of the family and both of these ladies never fail to volunteer their services when called upon to assist with community emergencies such fire relief co-ordination or anything to do with the upliftment of disadvantaged youth.