The Remarkable Journey of Evi Moller

In the journey of time, there are stories that shine as beacons of inspiration, narratives that traverse the depths of adversity and emerge triumphant, testaments to the power of passion and resilience. One such story originates in the quaint South African town of Pietersburg, now known as Polokwane. Born in 1974, a young girl arrived in this world, sister to three elder brothers a seemingly ordinary beginning that would eventually lead to extraordinary contributions in the Tourism and Travel Industry. The name etched upon this journey is Evi Moller.

Life’s tapestry is woven with challenges and triumphs, a sentiment resonating with countless souls who navigate the paths of existence. As a torchbearer of resilience, Evi’s life story mirrors the struggles and victories that unite us all. Her narrative is a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering capacity to overcome obstacles and embark on a journey fuelled by an unquenchable thirst for exploration.

The travel bug bit her at an early age, an infectious passion kindled by her father’s extensive voyages. In the wake of these shared adventures, Evi’s heart became a cauldron of wanderlust, igniting an adventure that would guide her future pursuits within the Tourism and Travel Industry.

Her educational journey was a symphony of exploration, marked by the transition from one school to another in different cities. Each new environment presented an opportunity for friendship and growth, nurturing an innate curiosity that would mould her future path. Evi’s experiences painted a vibrant tableau of life’s diverse landscapes, instilling a unique perspective that would later fuel her impact in the industry.

As her life unfolded, a significant chapter emerged—this part of her journey was written by a dear friend, Andrea van Geems Penrose. This collaboration encapsulated a pivotal juncture in Evi’s journey of life.

The silent scream that nobody hears….

Imagine facing the trauma of hospitalising a parent to save them from an addiction that’s eating them alive – I can’t.

Imagine arriving with an ambulance to take them to a place of care against their will, simply because you love them so much and won’t let them die by their own hand, consciously or otherwise – I can’t.

Today, I share a tiny, intimate piece of that story, that sadly, is only too familiar to a lot of people and more specifically, someone I call a dear friend. But that’s just the “once upon a time” to her story, and today, with her permission, I share it with you, in the hope that a victim somewhere reads it and knows, you will survive and not only will you survive, but you will also be victorious!

So, after putting your parent into the ambulance, they are heavily sedated. You sit beside them and do your best to comfort them while they have no real understanding of what is going on around them, and the very long journey from your outof-town home begins to a facility that will make “your person” whole again.

Little do you know, that while your heart is breaking, your world is about to be shattered because halfway through that journey, the driver switches with the paramedic that’s been in the back with you until now. And then, out of nowhere, your hell begins and sadly, at this point, so many, having lived through similar, can indeed imagine. The absolute violation that unfolds as a teenage girl is over-powered by an adult man twice her size and in front of her sedated parent, that teenager, whose only desire is to get her parent the care they need, is raped by the so-called man there to provide that help. With nobody to help her and a sedated parent powerless to do anything, that teenage girl is violated in the worst possible way and her silent screams go unheard.

And then, as quickly as it starts, it’s over. Followed by the all too common “if you tell anyone I’ll kill you and your parent” and “this is our secret” with a “nobody will believe you” thrown in for good measure. How, I ask you with tears in my eyes, from the bottom of my heart, how does this happen?

Fast-Track forward Evi’s life: from the bustling streets of Johannesburg to Cape Town, her life took an unexpected turn. In a twist, she found herself living with her best friend’s family while her parents’ navigated life in Jozi. However, this chapter proved challenging and an adventurous a time of life, learning each day, from feeding street children until the early hours of the morning, selling roses, learning about life’s challenges and singing in choirs with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra she had the best times ever BUT her academic struggles led her back to Johannesburg, specifically to the town of Heidelberg, where she completed her education.

Evi’s life unfurled in a tapestry interwoven with travel, culinary delights, adventures, laughter, tears, coastal retreats, and the vibrant pulse of city life. School gave way to globetrotting and travelling for 2 years internationally and leading her to Johannesburg, a city brimming with travel prospects and opportunities.

Time came to a halt as she received the news that her mother was on life support while she was stranded in Cyprus trying to get home, carrying the weight of her father’s ashes. Even though years had passed since cancer claimed him before she could share a dance, the opportunity slipped away. Carrying her own son within her, heavily pregnant, the urgent need to return to South Africa pressed upon her. One of the hardest decisions lay ahead – it was time to switch the life support off. With her mom’s hand in hers she witnessed her gradual transition into another realm.

Skipping forward to 2017, the tornado that ravaged South Africa tore through her home, dismantling it piece by piece. Amidst the destruction, she observed the profound loss experienced by families and witnessed the inspiring resilience of a small neighbourhood as it pieced itself back together.

Yet, destiny had more in store—a global pandemic struck, bringing the tourism industry to its knees and challenging Evi’s unwavering resolve.

At the onset of the pandemic-induced lockdown, the Travel, Hospitality, and Tourism sectors faced unprecedented hardships. In a bid to sustain the industry’s heartbeat, Evi Moller, a luminary with a robust background in the travel sector, spearheaded a Facebook platform with 2 Travel Woman. This initiative, named “Travel Knowledge is Power,” became a lifeline for suppliers, offering a space to showcase their offerings and engage in training sessions. This pivotal platform was the genesis of a remarkable journey.

Evi’s entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness, honed through years in retail travel, evolved to encompass an array of ventures. She transformed into a multi-faceted entrepreneur, recognized for her diverse product offerings. Yet, Evi’s true brilliance lay in her unwavering commitment to others’ success. Joined by two other dynamic women, they conceptualized a revolutionary space—the “We Support Group.” Conceived as a haven for individuals within the tourism sector, this Facebook group provided a platform to spotlight products and creations, fostering a community of support.

Amidst the turmoil of lockdown these pages impact grew exponentially. Their Woman’s Month initiative celebrated unsung travel heroes, sharing their stories and achievements, igniting hope within an industry grappling with adversity.

These efforts caught the eye of international organizations, leading to their designation of “We Support Gives Back” as their chosen charity. This recognition exemplified the far-reaching influence of their compassionate endeavours.

The “We Support” movement, a tapestry woven with compassion and resilience, extended its reach beyond financial aid. Understanding the profound need to cultivate sustainable income sources, the trio birthed “We Support Gives Back.” This platform aimed to provide not only financial assistance but also avenues for individuals to forge their own paths to self-sufficiency. Their initiatives ranged from supplying tools for woodworking to equipping individuals with baking skills and resources—a testament to their unwavering dedication to uplift communities.

The saga continued to unfold—”We Support All That’s Food” and “We Support Media” came to life, nurturing growth and progress within their respective domains. United by a shared vision, these initiatives have united over 21 000 followers across various platforms, offering unwavering assistance and inspiration to industries grappling with uncertainty.

In an ironic twist, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Evi found herself nominated for the Woman in Tourism Awards, a poignant recognition of her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. Her journey underscores the resilience of the human spirit, a beacon of hope for those navigating the abyss of uncertainty.

To those traversing a dark path, Evi’s story offers a glimmer of light, a reminder that even amidst adversity, resilience and determination can lead to renewed happiness. Her journey is a testament to the human potential, an embodiment of the idea that every individual possesses the strength to rise from the ashes and shine brighter than before.

And so, in unity, Evi’s tale of empowerment and compassion continues to inspire—a testament to the remarkable power of the human spirit.