From Butler to Visionary:

Andre Visser’s Journey to Elevate Butler Service Standards in Africa

Step into the world of hospitality, where André Visser went from being a skilled butler to a game-changing entrepreneur in Africa. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to top-notch service, Andre noticed something important—he saw that the training for butlers in Africa wasn’t quite up to par. This realization inspired him to start his own butler training academy, bringing a fresh approach to the industry, and raising the bar for professional service across the continent.

One day, while watching TV from his bed, André saw a show featuring a butler and thought, “How hard can it be to be a butler?” This sparked a decision—he wanted to become a butler. Research led him to a training academy in Cape Town, but during the training, he realized its standards were lacking. Determined, André became certified to train other butlers. Named Cape Town Butler, his academy is now the sole accredited one in Africa. Using European models and insights from the Butler Alliance (comprising the world’s top 10 academies setting global standards), André ensures his training produces top-notch butlers. Cape Town Butler stands as a testament to André’s dedication to excellence, offering a comprehensive training program that goes beyond the conventional.

Beyond skills, André prioritizes job security for his trainees. At Cape Town Butler, completion of training not only results in top-notch skills but also opens doors to potential employers such as lodges and hotels. André’s commitment is to guarantee success in the field for anyone graduating from his academy.

André points out that “butler” is a prestigious title not widely recognized in Africa, originating in Britain, and gaining global popularity over time. There are two tiers of butlers: Junior and Senior. Junior butlers typically work in restaurants, hotels, or on cruise ships, offering personalized services to high-profile guests. Responsibilities include organizing transportation, preparing beds, setting out clothes, and managing food and drinks.

Contrary to popular belief influenced by shows like “Downton Abbey,” being a butler is far from glamorous. André emphasizes the challenges, including long working hours—especially for senior butlers with 24/7 commitments while working on short-term contracts, unless otherwise specified by the household. Junior butlers may find the pay modest and the hours demanding. Attachment to the employing family is discouraged, as butler positions typically rotate every 2-3 years to prevent emotional entanglements. Despite exhaustion, maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor is a constant expectation in the butler profession.

For André, a harsh reality was the constant need to excel. In a competitive field where networking is key, showcasing your skills becomes imperative to secure jobs. Contrary to his expectations, the title of a butler did not always command the respect he anticipated; often, employers viewed him simply as a servant.

While working in households abroad may seem glamorous, it can challenge your values, as some employers may have expectations that don’t align with your principles.

On a positive note, accumulating experience as a butler can unlock opportunities for private contracts. Although these contracts are typically short-term, lasting a few months, the hard work invested brings substantial rewards. Such contracts often cater to high-profile clients, with payment structured on a salary basis. Additionally, it’s customary for clients to provide a tip at the end of the contract. André experienced this firsthand when he received a generous tip of nearly $2000 after a two-month contract for an Arabian Prince.

Don’t be discouraged if you’re a female aspiring to join the ranks of butlers. While the industry may appear male-dominated, the demand for female hostesses is on the rise. Particularly in South East Asia, dedicated and hardworking female professionals find ample opportunities to secure positions. The evolving landscape of the butler profession embraces diversity, ensuring that talent and dedication, irrespective of gender, are valued and rewarded.

André’s insights into the butler profession extend beyond the classroom. He shares key principles learned through his years as a butler—emphasizing effective communication, prompt conflict resolution, time management, and the utmost confidentiality. These principles offer a glimpse into the demands of the profession:

• Communication: Establish clear structures, such as morning and afternoon staff meetings, to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities at all times.
• Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts promptly and privately. Avoid singling out individuals; instead, engage in respectful discussions to find resolutions.
• Time Management: Create comprehensive lists for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to stay organized and on top of responsibilities.
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality during work hours—avoid discussing or photographing your employers. Discretion is paramount, but after completing a contract, you can share experiences if they involve interesting individuals.

As a butler, possessing a solid understanding of etiquette and protocols is essential. Emotion should be kept in check, and maintaining a polished appearance without visible tattoos or piercings is crucial. Fluent communication in English, coupled with impeccable personal hygiene, is a must. Striving for excellence is the cornerstone of this profession, where the motivation should be a consistent commitment to waking up every morning with the intention of delivering the best service. Let your positive attitude shine through in your work.

André’s journey as a senior butler has been graced by fascinating encounters with notable individuals, including Arabic princes, the Owner/President of Burger King, influential Russian parliament members, and the former president of Warner Bros. His experience working for high-profile clients has enriched him with valuable knowledge, all of which he now imparts in his training academy. This ensures that André remains at the forefront of the latest trends and rules for butlers. Motivated by a passion for providing top-notch training to aspiring butlers in Africa, André may soon grace the screens on the next season of Below Deck!