WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

Successful Lindelwa Mthethwa continues to soar

Lindelwa Mthethwa, 41, regional director of sales and marketing for Minor Hotels, is a natural born leader who has been in the hospitality and tourism industry for 19 years.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, a National Diploma in Sales and Marketing, a Management Development Programme Certificate and is currently enrolled for a Master of Commerce qualification (MCom) with Witwatersrand University.

She began her career at the Sandton Convention Centre, then moving to various units within Tsogo Sun Group in sales. In 2010, Lindelwa was headhunted by African Sun Hotels as sales manager and, in 2012, was promoted to a senior role in the capacity of regional sales & reservations manager. She was the head of sales, marketing and central reservations team in South Africa for seven years, and her duties involved the implementation of group strategies and driving local and international sales and targets, revenue management, reservations and online channels. She went on to being appointed as the group sales director for BON Hotels in 2018 before joining Minor Hotels.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Johannesburg, grew up in Pimville, Soweto, moved to the East Rand in Leondale, then Kiblerpark. I went to Sandown Preparatory School, then Sunward Park High.

Where did your career begin?

My career began at the Sandton Convention Centre as events coordinator.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

Breaking the glass ceiling in a male-dominated director level position.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

The biggest change I saw was during Covid, how we had to stand together as an industry to fight for the survival of tourism. We had to quickly change our strategy during lockdown and focus on the domestic market, which responded with resounding support for our properties for leisure travel.

What role does your family play in your life?

My family is my life, they play a huge role! My parents, siblings, cousins and – most importantly – my children are my life.

Do you have any hobbies?

Yes, running.

What is your favourite sport?

Soccer.

Who is your favourite sporting person?

Serena Williams and Siya Kolisi. In the past, it was Lucas Radebe.

What do you do for leisure?

For leisure I travel, I love bush and beach destinations, to read and attend church.

What is your secret to success?

It is simple: “I believe …and do!”

What is your pet hate?

Dishonest people.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Maldives — it is a beautiful tropical paradise, with pure white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an amazing marine life experience.

What is your favourite city?

Cape Town, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Having travelled all over the world, there is no place like home.

How do you relax?

Run, read, swim.

What is your favourite food?

Seafood in Summer and Indian curries in Winter.

Who is your favourite movie star?

Denzel Washington.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

Bought an expensive car on the spot.

Who is your role model?

Basetsana Khumalo. She’s also a key player in the tourism industry through one of her businesses, Travel with Flair, which is one of our key partners.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

You need to be a strong, resilient, passionate and dedicated individual who is able to work well under pressure. You need to be service orientated, understand the importance of delivering excellent service to the clients and a heart to serve is key in this industry.

What is your dream for the future?

To own boutique hotels.

Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a diverse portfolio of over 530 properties, designed intelligently, to appeal to a variety of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Elewana, Oaks, NH Hotels, NH Collection, nhow and TIVOLI properties, Minor Hotels operates in 50+ countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and South America.

As an international hotel group, we passionately explore new possibilities in hospitality, with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to a variety of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs, through our Anantara, Avani, Elewana, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Hotels, NH Collection and nhow.

Minor Hotels’ African office is in Johannesburg, and manages Avani Hotels & Resorts as well as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana. These hotels are; The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort, Avani Pemba Beach Hotel, Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino, Avani Maseru Hotel, Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino and Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

Avani is a contemporary, upbeat brand that delivers the perfect balance. With a focus on good sleep, effective social spaces, locally sourced sustenance and genuine service. Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations.