PERSONALITY PROFILE

Rendani Khorommbi — explores his tourism journey

Rendani Khorommbi, 37, deputy director: convention bureau, Johannesburg Tourism, has proven leadership skills involving managing, developing and motivating teams to achieve specific objectives. Community is important to him, having grown up in Venda.

Experienced, with a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, business events and tourism sector. Rendani is also skilled in customer service, management, strategic planning, event management, marketing and business events activities.

Mr Khorommbi said: “I’m an initiativetaking individual with a range of expertise and experience in the tourism sector — from administration, budget management, tourism research, analytical skills, negotiation and presentation skills to stakeholder and project management. I have the ability to work on my own initiative, as well as being a team player. I am always dedicated to maintaining high quality standards and have the ability to work under pressure, both where target and time are concerned. I possess excellent people skills and I’m able to relate well to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”

Where were you born and raised?

Being from rural Limpopo (Venda), I’ve had the best of both worlds. I engaged in subsistence and livestock farming from a very tender age. I was extremely fortunate to be encouraged to focus on my academic path too. I completed my primary education in the same rural area of Venda. I then moved to Gauteng province (city of Johannesburg) where I proceeded with my secondary and tertiary education, earning my BA degree in tourism development from RAU (now the University of Johannesburg). I have also enhanced my personal development through completing the Manager’s Development Programme at Wits Business School. Furthermore, I have completed training such as tour guiding to enhance my skills for the tourism sector.

Where did you your career begin?

While I was a student at University of Johannesburg, I enrolled for tourist guide training. I began my career as a site guide in Sophiatown. At the same time, I was employed on a part-time basis by a tour operator named Cultural Encounters, to assist with travel related administrative duties. Furthermore, I worked as a salesperson, selling soft skills programmes (most challenging, I must say) but worth the experience. My tourism journey took shape when I joined Johannesburg Tourism Company as an intern in 2007. I haven’t looked back since.

How long have you been in the sector?

It’s been thirteen solid years of working for Joburg Tourism. Interaction with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds has been one of the most exciting paths of this journey. Of course, I love the fact that, employment for people in the sector is forthcoming, if the sector keeps thriving.

Do you play any sports?

Yes, soccer… I will only quit it if my legs or health say otherwise!

What is your favourite sport?

Soccer is my favourite sport. Sadio Mane (Senegalese) and Percy Tau (South African) inspire me.

What do you do for leisure?

Soccer, soccer and more soccer! My leisure time revolves around soccer (boring right?), but I also do some casual jogging. anything or anyone else.

What is your pet hate?

Lack of cleanliness where food is involved.

What is your favourite city?

Johannesburg — it has the potential to be one of the world’s greatest powerhouses!

What is your favourite movie?

I find the Will Smith movie The Pursuit of Happyness motivating. I will watch it every now and again for inspiration when the going gets tough — such as during this Covid-19 pandemic.

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

Definitely Covid-19; the less said, the better. Our sector has been suffering and is one of the most impacted and affected to date.

Were you always involved in this sector?

I have always been involved in the sector. As a varsity student, I was involved in various tourism exhibitions as part of my career growth too.

What role does your family play in your life?

They play an extremely positive role – motivating me both directly and indirectly.

What would you change in your life if you could, when looking back?

Planning better for rainy days, especially when one considers the impact that Covid-19 is having on us all.

Do you have any hobbies?

I make sure that I am always directly involved in soccer on a personal level and from a youth development angle, in the township (Orange Farm and VAAL).

What is your secret to success?

Hard work, self-empowerment, perseverance and always work the same way you sold yourself in the interview!

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

Covid-19 tops the list because we are still struggling to adjust, even now, 18 months later.

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

Republic of Ireland, Dublin. The day and night Henry Street shopping experience inspires me to establish a similar concept at Small Street in Johannesburg.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

I experienced the most awful treatment on account of my skin colour in Russia. So, I will only go to Russia for professional reasons and never in a personal capacity.

If you could be anyone for the day, who would you be and why?

I wouldn’t swop places with anyone. I enjoy my life, have my personal principles and wouldn’t trade them for

How do you relax?

Anything to do with soccer and music.

What is your favourite food?

Pap and meat.

Who is your favourite movie star?

Liam Neeson.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

Shopping with family… it’s a weakness I fall prey to on an annual basis, unfortunately.

Who is your role model?

Strangely, I have no one specifically… I use my own life manual.

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

Clichéd as it may sound, do research and ask all the relevant questions from experienced people in the industry.

What is your dream for the future?

To be an employer at 45!