OUR FOUNDERS
Jim MUSTO
Jim was born and raised in Zimbabwe. After completing a B.Sc. Agriculture at the Univeristy of Natal he took up a research post as a soil scientist at a Forestry Research institute and continued studying. After 6 years of flirting with an academic career the calling to return north of the Limpopo became too strong. He and his newly-wed wife, Sheila, got on their bicycles and headed north. Several punctures later and after some hair-raising traffic experiences in Nairobi, they decided that for the sake of their sanity and their marriage it would be a good idea to lay down the bicycles and find some employment in Kenya, which eventually transpired in a dairy farming job in the Rift Valley. Fours years later they returned to Zimbabwe to farm tobacco and coffee, but this was cut short after two years by Mugabe’s land plan, and resulted in a return to dairy farming – this time south of the Limpopo, near the village of Magaliesburg, west of Johannesburg. The Musto tribe, now numbering 6, moved further south in 2008 to the beautiful Kaba game farm. Jim has always been interested in livestock, game farming and veld management. He also shares his wife’s passion for educating youngsters in the exciting business of life. He has cycled, run and kayaked competitively for several years and has also spent most of his life involved with horses – for work and pleasure.
Sheila MUSTO
Sheila was born and raised in the farming areas west of Johannesburg. The daughter of exceptionally dynamic and innovative parents, Chippy and Cynthia Brand, Sheila has inherited that same contagious excitement for life and for people. After completing a two year diploma in Biblical studies followed by a BA at UCT, Sheila traveled and worked in the UK and Europe for a year before returning to enroll for her HDE (Higher Diploma in Education) at the University of Natal. She had been enjoying high school teaching at Epworth Girls College in Pietermaritzburg, when she was persuaded to join her husband on his north bound travels. She was recognised by both teachers and pupils as an inspiring and exciting teacher, and she has remained passionate about teaching young people. Sheila is also passionate about cooking and healthy eating and living – she thoroughly enjoys her sessions with the Quest students, inspiring them with the joys of growing and preparing food that is tasty and healthy. Her background in English and drama teaching have meant she can also have an important role in the development of public speaking skills. She often combines this with discussions on relationships and spiritual matters - subjects that are both very close to her heart, and form an important theme in the Quest experience.
Our GUIDES
Our Guides play a hands-on leadership role at Quest Ascent. They work closely as a team, bringing energy and structure to the program. Two guides live on campus at all times, making sure things run smoothly and that students have support whenever they need it.
They take responsibility for keeping standards high in every area of campus life and are the go-to people for day-to-day questions or issues.
Our INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors play a vital role in upskilling the students.
Each one teaches two skills drawn from their previous professional experience, ensuring competent guidance throughout the course.
Working closely with Jim and Sheila, they reinforce the teachings and standards taught at Quest.
UNCLE Dean
Dean Payne, known to all as ''Uncle'', has been with Quest Ascent Kaba for over a decade and has played an integral part in Quest becoming what it is. Questors enjoy his sense of humour and unique way of teaching and dealing with them.
Dean has extensive knowledge and a background in engineering but is also proficient in all the Quest Technical training areas; vehicle mechanics, welding and workshop tools, woodwork, building construction, plumbing and electrics. He has managed most of our construction projects from buildings to trailers to re-builds on vehicles and oversees our rapidly growing vehicle fleet. His practical ability and good humour are enjoyed by all on Quest trips to the Wild Coast and surrounds and being a keen fisherman, when not competing with his fellow instructors, he puts time into the young Questors who are keen to learn. Dean, like all of our instructors, is a loyal and hard-working member of the Quest family, putting into action the Quest values; high standards, timing, no wastage and working with energy and passion.
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Outside of Quest, Dean keeps busy fixing and building for those needing help - he is not good at sitting still or relaxing. But we are working on that. We still need him for many years to come!
Jaco PRINSLOO
Jaco has spent his career immersed in the African bush, building deep, practical experience in wildlife management, guiding, and professional hunting.
He studied forestry at Saasveld in George from 1997 to 2000 and qualified as a field guide through FGASA in 2001.
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He went on to work as a ranger at Mabula Game Lodge and Kariega Game Lodge, before spending five years at Shamwari Game Reserve.
In 2009, he obtained his Professional Hunter’s licence and worked as a freelance PH until joining QUEST in 2020.
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At QUEST, Jaco is responsible for game management, weapons and hunting training, and the management of the butchery — ensuring that students are trained with discipline, respect, and a deep understanding of the land and its resources.
Ryan REEVES
Ryan Reeves is an Eastern Cape local, born in Port Alfred and matriculated from Winterberg Agricultural High School.
His background includes military service, an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker, and experience in structural engineering and construction.
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A professional hunter and game capture specialist, Ryan is also an ardent fisherman and outdoorsman.
At QUEST, he serves as a Technical Instructor, teaching practical skills including plumbing, electrical work, building, and marine training.
Cameron SMITH
Cameron Smith has been part of the Quest Ascent team for over a decade and oversees all trip logistics, mountaineering training and day-to-day operations. His role includes preparing students for hiking, navigation and rock climbing, ensuring safety and technical competence in demanding outdoor environments.
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He has guided extensively in South Africa’s Cederberg, Elandsberg, and Drakensberg ranges, as well as internationally in Nepal, Borneo, and the Canadian Rocky Mountains, bringing broad expedition experience to every journey.
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Outside of work, Cameron enjoys rock climbing and fishing and spending time outdoors with his family—camping, fishing, and exploring nature together whenever he can.