Women’s Month: Belinda Rakoma

Belinda Rakoma is one of Rovos Rail’s unsung heroes working behind the scenes for 31 years! From humble beginnings as a casual cleaner at Pretoria Train Station in 1993, her journey with Rovos has carried her to the current position of Store Supervisor, a testament to her ambition.

Belinda’s primary responsibility is to prepare the beverage stock for all trips. Every Monday, she checks the schedule to determine the number of journeys, how many carriages are on each one and how many passengers are travelling. She also accounts for the menus, special requests and the guests’ nationalities because, for example, Germans often consume more beer. She is proud of this attention to detail.

Belinda and her strong team load a full bar onto each train for every trip. The carefully curated selection of local and international beverages – with a proud focus on South African offerings – includes wine, brandy, gin, rum, vodka, whisky, spirits, digestifs, grappa, liqueur, beer, cider, non-alcoholic options, mixers and a cocktail menu. Rovos Rail maintains its commitment to sustainability by sourcing water from Cape Town using plant-based bottles. All beverages on board are included while special requests may be ordered at an additional cost.

Belinda’s time with Rovos has not only taught her practical skills such as mixing drinks and understanding wines, she credits the company with invaluable lessons in communication and teamwork. She believes in letting go of grudges, avoiding gossip and communicating honestly, which is reflected in her grounded approach.

The highlights of her job extend beyond the bar from her first trip outside South Africa to the experiences of meeting new people and exploring new places. Her favourite Rovos destination is Victoria Falls.

Belinda lives in Soshanguve but her heritage is Eswatini where her mother was born, and Lesotho, her father’s origins. She enjoys cooking, walking and spring cleaning but her priorities lie with her three children and three grandchildren. Her goal is to ensure they all receive a quality education and can take care of themselves.

In Belinda Rakoma, Rovos Rail has a dedicated team player. Her passion, attention to detail and commitment to customer service are qualities that contribute to the company’s mission to provide luxury train travel.

So, the next time you’re on board, raise a glass to the hard work and dedication of Belinda and her team.

Written by Linda Sparks • Edited by Bianca Vos-Lynch