Linda Steenekamp, well-known travel consultant of 35 years’ experience, died suddenly on Sunday, July 4, at the age of 57.
Linda distinguished herself in the industry as a fount of information. She was well-known among her peers for her in-depth and detailed knowledge of every aspect of travel consulting and was generous in sharing that knowledge with her colleagues and others in the industry.
Linda, who was gm of XL Rosebank Travel, had a 16-year career with that company, from 2004 until 2020.
Allan Wolman, ceo of XL Rosebank Travel said Linda was devoted to her children. He also said she was more than an integral part of the team as gm of the company. “Over the years many staff members benefited immensely from her guidance and tutelage. She had a substantial client following who trusted her implicitly. She also enjoyed a healthy relationship with suppliers,” said Allan.
“Linda’s work ethic was amazing and she was always the last person to leave the office and would work solidly the whole day long without taking a break,” he said.
Linda joined XL Turners Travel in December 2020. Linda Edwards, operations director of XL Turners Travel said: “Linda was a team player and she helped everyone. She went above and beyond for her clients, and was always ready to talk to them, day or night. She could turn around a difficult situation. I had the utmost admiration for her.”
Linda Edwards went on to explain that Turners Travel had been working with Sportsnation on Rugby World Cup 2023, and this had been a project Linda Steenekamp had been working on intensively. Charlie Newell of Sportsnation, who is an ex-national sales manager of BA/Comair and who did all his bookings through Linda, said: “It has been a sad day for our team receiving the heart-breaking news that one of our team members is no longer with us. The loss of Linda is felt by many.”
Linda leaves three adult children, Nadia, Monique and Liaan.
