Immigration Boutique Team
Johan Lubbe
Managing Director
I was born in Nelspruit 1969, grew up in Port Elizabeth and matriculated at Cilliers High School in 1987.
I felt the need to actively be involved in helping my fellow man and my country, and so I enrolled in the police academy in Pretoria. I proudly served my country to the best of my ability for 4 years. Discipline became a big part of my life. I saw an opportunity to be even more involved as a public servant and resigned from the Police in 1991 to join the Fire Department in Pretoria. Again, discipline played a massive role in forming my character regarding who and what I am today.
In 2006, I started my own Immigration business from scratch. The fact that I was venturing out of my comfort zone was a very big and difficult decision but I have never been afraid of taking risks. I worked alone for the first year, gaining valuable experience and knowledge. Going forward in my second year, I employed a Personal Assistant to help me with administraive duties and qualified myself as an Immigration Practitioner.
I enjoyed this new line of work immensely and saw it as a huge challenge. My focus on providing the best service imaginable to all my clients is rock solid and by being transparent in my business ethics, I was able to expand my business and employ more and more people, year by year.
Today, Immigration Boutique can hold its own against any of the large brand names, go head to head and emerge victorious. I am proud of the company I have created with the help of a stunning team and loads of hard work, dedication and perseverance.
My vision is not to stay in business, but to reach the absolute peak, shatter all limits, exceed all expectations but retain one very important element: To remain humble and continue to treat my clients – corporate or individual – with respect and dignity. After all, my clients – each and every one of them – are my business, my foundation, my strength.
Retha Lubbe
Manager
When I sit and think back on my employment history, I really thought that I gave my very best for each and every company I worked for. This was of course, until my husband, Johan Lubbe, offered me employment as one of the managers at Immigration Boutique.
Deciding to accept the offer of employment was one of the best decisions I made in my life (this is huge for me because I did not make very good personal decisions in my past).
I can without a doubt state that I have never worked this hard at any other company.
It is extremely rewarding to work side by side and see Immigration Boutique grow stronger and stronger.
Since January 2010, I was faced with various challenges as one of the managers at Immigration Boutique and it was those challenges that made me a stronger and wiser individual (maybe the wiser part is more to do with aging). I had to train my mind in managing every incident in a unique way in respect of clients and employees. I must admit that the (not very easy) unique way was always my secret to success - Positive thinking.
I am an individual that prefers to consider facts before making a decision. Sometimes I overthink a situation which leads me to feel that I am an antisocial and boring individual. I live by the following quote:
Work hard and play hard, but if you cannot do both, then just work hard”. Forgive me but I do not know who this quote belongs to.
I like to think of myself as an emotionally intelligent individual. I feel that I have worked too hard to realise what I like and dislike and I can confidently state that no person has the power to make me doubt myself. I do not take negative comments personally and I do not judge people.
I am a very confident and spontaneous individual and I live by my personal values:
• My faith
• My family
• My career
I love being an Immigration Practitioner at Immigration Boutique.
Eloise Lubbe
Personal Assistant to Managing Director
You’d think that talking about myself tirelessly comes naturally for a Leo. Well, not for this one. I am normally more of a listener… An observer. This enables me to be very aware and susceptible to what makes people happy. I am a people pleaser, and I will go out of my way to see people approve of and appreciate my efforts. It’s a pretty neat attribute to have - this level of self-discipline - but it’s one of those things that has the potential to be really good or really bad. I’m still working on making it a strength, rather than a weakness. I am a right brain dominant individual with a vibrant inner self. I enjoy keeping to myself by engaging in recreational activities such as reading, creative writing, sketching and beading. On a social level, I enjoy taking part in various outdoor activities, exploring good music and pretending to be a food- and wine connoisseur. Naturally, I am a very passionate, free-spirited person. When I want something bad enough, you better believe that I’ll get it. This is not because of the lessons I’ve learnt in school, but because of the examples that my parents are. I believe that life and the journey of finding yourself is more precious and enlightening than any amount of formal education could ever be. I don’t have much experience in life yet, but the most important lesson I have learnt thus far, is this: Life is like the ocean. Waves will try to knock you down and push you back to where you started, but once you fight through them… The entire ocean is yours. Some days are calm and others are rough, but in the end it’s always beautiful. Nothing is ever so bad that you can never recover from it, or gather up the courage to go on. Even the most unimaginable event or the worst pain, be it physical or emotional, is only temporary. People say Nothing lasts forever as if it’s a bad thing. It’s really the exact opposite! But until you decide to change your mind, try your best, do what makes YOU happy and go easy on yourself, nothing that anyone tells you will soothe any of your struggles. "You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf." – Jon Kabat-Zinn “
Adri Fourie
Accounts
Despite the fact that I have endured the darkest of times, rather than feeling sorry for myself I opted to change this experience into something positive and this experience made me a strong, independent and successful woman. Today I can proudly say, I now walk with the fearlessness and the bravery of a Lion.
I consider myself to be creative, positive and warm-hearted. I do not like to let myself down or anyone else.
I’ve got 4 beautiful children and a loving, supportive husband who means the world to me.
My career focus has been on the legal industry almost my entire professional life, which I believe is a strong foundation.
I am very determined, believe in myself and not only love to give my very best in everything I do, but I always aim to go above and beyond the goals I have set for myself or what is expected. I believe I will not grow without tough obstacles. Instead of trying to avoid obstacles I rather find a way to change the obstacle in an inspiring experience. I love a challenge.
I am accustomed in working in a fast pace environment where accuracy and detail are essential. I am a highly motivated and organized individual. My biggest competition is myself.
What I have learned in life is that when things go wrong, you need to take a step back, evaluate the situation, formulate a solution and follow through with the plan you have created. Always work hard and move forward to get the job done, never hesitate and never give up.
Bottom line is I am very honored to be part of Immigration Boutique and for the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to this company.
The decision I made to work at Immigration Boutique was easy because I desired to enhance my skills in order to become a valuable team member. I have been seeking this opportunity for a long time where I can continue to develop my expertise.
Gert Coetzee
Assistant Manager
Like most people, you sometimes stumble upon something you fell in love with, without really planning on doing so. Well, this is what happened to me after I finished my High School year in 2005 and didn’t know how I was going to merge my passion for working with people and the electrical background I had from school.
Working as a junior administration assistant at an immigration firm, I immediately fell in love with Immigration.
Throughout my career in immigration, my passion grew stronger day by day. I have the opportunity to meet new people, expand my networking skills and learn something new about myself each day. Luckily, shyness wasn’t one of the characteristics I received. Patience, positivity and being outspoken defines me.
I believe that the glass is half full, rather than half empty, and perfection is my aim. Accuracy, Efficiency and Excellency is what I strive for!
I am confident in what I do and have the capacity to work successfully under pressure. I believe each challenge is an opportunity to learn something new. I regard myself as a hard working individual that takes pride in my work. Although the professional side sometimes get the better of me, I am spontaneous and outgoing as well.
My motivation in life, is my two daughters. I will strive to be the best that I can be, in order for them to be able to follow my example.
My aim in life, to become the best that there is…
Izette Riekert
Immigration Case Coordinator
Born in Potgietersrus in 1975 is where my life began.
I grew up in a small town in the Kalahari, Hotazel, where my father was the Mine Overseer at one of the biggest Manganese Mines in the world.
I matriculated in 1993 from High School Kalahari and left the small towns for better opportunities in the city of Pretoria.
I did the first-year Bachelor of Psychology at UNISA and decide that it was not my passion.
I have done various short courses, the most interesting one was the diploma course from the South African College of Natural Medicine. Pastel Accounting was the last on my list of short courses.
I spent some years working in different industries, but never felt the satisfaction that I have since I started a career in the immigration industry at Immigration Boutique.
I enjoy my work and strive to be exceptional in everything I do and strive to provide excellent service to every client that cross my path.
I will endeavor to be the type of employee that makes Immigration Boutique the industry leaders they are.
As a Sagittarius, I value freedom and independence but also have passion for my family and career.
I would describe myself as a very independent, determined and highly motivated person. I do take my job seriously but I’m able to see things in perspective and believe I’m quite easy-going to work with. I’m an optimist rather than a pessimist – but I’m also a realist and I cope well when the going gets tough; I am extremely cautious and an over thinker. Above all, I would say I’m a positive and enthusiastic person.
I pride myself by doing my best possible in all aspects in life.
Words build bridges into unexplored regions – Adolf Hitler
Bijanka van der Westhuizen
Assistant Manager
My life began with having the two best mentors MY PARENTS. They brought me up with the knowledge that hard work and loyalty pays off.
I started working at a young age, however I decided that I wanted to study towards obtaining my N3 in Business Studies.
Within 2 years, I completed my N2 and N3 in Business Studies, with a distinction. It took a lot of self-determination and discipline to study whilst working. I did it and I have the pleasure in hearing my parents say that they are proud of me.
In 2007, I was given the opportunity to become a Trainee Immigration Consultant and study towards becoming a registered Immigration Practitioner. I could not resist the challenge.
Within a year, I became a Registered Immigration Practitioner and cannot imagine being employed in any other field. I love the rush and there is never a dull moment.
I love learning something new every day. I have worked hard and have gone through a lot, but it didn’t get me under. I learnt from my mistakes and it has changed me as a person, in the best way possible. I know what I want, I am a go getter. I don’t take NO for an answer. Perseverance pays off.
I am a happy person, I love to laugh and make people laugh. I am organized and well driven. I am very open minded and easy to talk to. I love to learn new things and I am not scared of a challenge. I believe I am a quick thinker and I am good at resolving issues.
My current position as an assistant manager I am required to be a mentor, a trainer and a leader.
Immigration is not only my job, it’s my career and I love it.
Bianca Coetzee
Assistant Manager
During my school years, I didn’t know where I wanted to be or what I wanted to become in future. My passion for becoming a professional softball player was prominent from a very young age; however growing up wasn’t easy and I realized that my passions and dreams changed as I matured.
After graduating from high school, I started looking for a job - most common thing to do after school, I’d say… I was offered employment at Immigration Boutique on 24 January 2011 and I have not looked back since (which I will always be grateful for).
We have a saying in the office that, only the toughest will survive. Those words mean so much to me in so many ways that they have become a badge that I put on each morning before I take on the day. I can without any doubt say that, I am happy where I am.
During my employment here, I have come to understand the meaning of life and appreciating the little things, while I still can. Life happens so fast and with a blink of an eye - everything can change. I have a positive outlook on life and my Aim-To-Please attitude is a huge contribution to our company.
When we look back at where we were to where we are, a few things are undeniable - Together we have made leaps and bounds, grown in ways that only people united with a common goal can achieve. The fulfillment that each day brings to my life has no limits.
I am an honest hardworking individual, who believes that honesty and loyalty is the best policy. I always lead with my best foot, treating everyone as my equal. I feel that poor planning leads to poor performance. With this I make each and everything I do a reflection of myself by striving to improve in all aspects in my life. I live by the values that accountability and ethics will always prevail allowing me to have open cards in all that I do, from the boardroom to my home life.
I have recently had the opportunity to travel abroad, it was amazing coming into contact
with the very people that I support on a day to day basis. I found the Thai people warm
and inviting, despite the language barrier the trip was a success and I felt very proud to
be a representative of South Africa. Upon my return I was offered the opportunity to
study the Thai language that I have seized it with both hands.
I’m still growing as an individual every day and with every challenge thrown at me is a
challenge accepted. I truly feel that with the values instilled in me and the desire to
continuously improve on all that I do, I can accomplish anything. The greater the
challenge the greater the benefit to all that are involved. This is the key to my success
and an inherent part of my life.
Always under promise and over deliver.
Willem Lubbe
Consultant
I was born in Nelspruit, Eastern Transvaal in December 1967. Our family lived in the scenic Lowveld, as it is known, until I was 5 years old. Thereafter, we moved to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, where I grew up and completed my school years. Port Elizabeth is known as the Friendly City and anybody that has been there before will vouch for that. In high school, my brothers and I started doing body building as a sport, we were extremely committed to training and also did well in competitions. When I left high school, my passion was to go and do military service. I do have to mention that we as a family are very adventurous in spirit and love nature. I went to do my national 2 years military service starting in January 1986 until January 1988.
I was in the Maintenance Unit of the Military, we supplied the whole military across the country of all supplies used, it was a very important job to do for our country.
Our training was to the extreme and there we were taught the value of self-discipline.
I was a driver and storeman, which laid a foundation for work in future. I enjoyed those 2 years serving my country very much.
I have a lot of working experience, especially in long distance driving, which I enjoy most of all. Over the years following my military service, I was given the opportunity to truly practice the self-discipline I had been taught prior. I pride myself on always being very punctual with all my appointments and deliveries. It is my passion working for Immigration Boutique and always seeing the happy, satisfied, smiling faces of all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis. It makes me happy when our clients get the service they deserve.
Each and every one of us deserves the best life has to offer us....
I work out my daily routine in such a way to insure that I am able to meet all my appointments in time, especially if it is a designated time that cannot be shifted. I will make sure to be in the area at the desired time – sharp! If there is not a specific time, I will work out my routine to do area by area, so as not to go up and down to the same area without good reason. This has never failed to ensure all round functionality.
I know the staff of all the institutions I work with well and have a professional relationship with them. These include Dirco , all the Embassies of the various countries, the High Court, the Criminal Record Centre, the South African Qualifications Authority, as well as various public notaries.
This certainly does ensure that the best service is always delivered to- and received from both parties that we work together on a professional basis.
I always treat all documents with the utmost care and confidentiality and it is my guarantee that all documentation will always be safely returned.
Professional service is what I will deliver at all times.
