Interviews
UNSUNG HEROES: YOLA HERRINGER, MS NEWLANDS
On a bustling match day at Newlands Cricket Ground, the excitement is palpable as fans gather to participate in the day’s festivities.
It’s a scene that ticket administrator Viola Herringer has cherished since her childhood, a bond that started with her father bringing her to cricket matches in the mid-1960s.
Today, Herringer embodies the spirit of dedication and family that makes Newlands more than just a cricket ground; it is a community.
“I am part of a team of 26 passionate individuals,” Herringer shares. “We’re like one big family, always looking out for each other. If someone is not feeling their best, another will step in to help.”
This camaraderie is central to the operations on match days, where friends come together to ensure a seamless experience for cricket fans.
As the clock strikes 5am on a match day, Herringer and her team spring into action. Depending on the start time, about 20% of the ticketing staff come in early to prepare the stadium.
Ticket sales commence as windows open, allowing dedicated cricket enthusiasts to buy any remaining tickets. “There’s always something available on match days. We have some tickets that come back into the system, and we make sure to work with that,” she explains.
Once the gates open, the rest of Herringer's team is on duty, ensuring smooth crowd management and ticket validation. They work tirelessly to assist fans whose tickets may not function properly, minimising frustration and maximising enjoyment.
“We strive to give everybody a good experience. Whether they call us or approach us in person, we make it our mission to assist them,” she emphasises.
Newlands ticket sales administrator Yola Herringer has been going to the ground since she was a girl with her father
With the introduction of the Betway SA20 series, Herringer has witnessed an invigorating atmosphere that has not only attracted young fans but has also breathed new life into traditional cricket.
“I myself am a traditionalist, so I’ve found it very difficult to adapt," she asserts before welcoming the energy SA20 brings to match days.
“SA20 has really put Newlands and a lot of other stadiums back on the market, where they should be.
"They've really brought T20 cricket to the fore. SA20 has added a lot. They've added a very big vibe."
For Herringer and her team, every ticket sold is not just an entry pass but an invitation into a beloved community.
