Livingstone
Ladies of
Writer: Sarah Kingdom
L
ivingstone is definitely one of the ‘jewels in the crown’ of Zambian tourism, and it must be said that a number of women working in the industry there are certainly the ‘power behind the throne’. On recent visits to Livingstone I was impressed with the professionalism, innovation, charisma and motivation of so many of the women working there. I chatted with a few of them…
Aggie Maseko Banda
Lodge Manager, Royal Chundu
Aggie is proof that hard work and a bubbly personality are a winning combination. Initially training as a personal assistant and working with the Zambian Government, Aggie has earned her position in the hospitality industry through hard work and ‘on-the-job’ experience. After marrying and following her husband to South Africa where he was working as a chef, a job opportunity as a receptionist at her husband’s workplace started her on the hospitality ladder. Climbing the ladder rapidly she found herself assistant lodge manager after just two years. A fortuitous meeting with the owner/director of Royal Chundu resulted in a job offer back home in Zambia. Before accepting the job, Aggie and her husband flew up to see Royal Chundu. ‘It was love at first sight; I told myself that there was no way I could not work at this beautiful place,’ she tells me.
Initially starting as Island Lodge Supervisor, Aggie is now Lodge Manager at Royal Chundu. ‘This is my passion,’ she says. ‘I wake up every morning to do what I love. To say I love my job is an understatement. I am living my dream, doing what makes me happy.’
Joyce Sikabubba
Public Relations Manager, Royal Livingstone Hotel By Anantara And Avani Victoria Falls Resort Born, raised and educated in Zambia, Joyce is a force to be reckoned with in her chosen career. ‘From a very young age, I have been passionate about my dream career: hospitality,’ she states.
Graduating from Evelyn Home College, Joyce started her hospitality career with Mosi-oa-Tunya Intercontinental Hotels in Livingstone. After the privatisation of the Intercontinental, she joined Sun International, working in both the Zambezi Sun and Royal Livingstone. ‘It was such an exciting journey to be part of the opening team for Sun International Zambia,’ she enthuses.
When Minor Hotel Group acquired ownership of the two Sun International properties, Joyce continued working as public relations manager for both hotels. Joyce, one of the hotel’s longest serving employees, has worked in senior management positions in Front Office, Rooms, Sales and Marketing and Public Relations. ‘My passion for hospitality drives my success. I love my job, am passionate about service excellence and perfecting the art of hospitality throughout my career journey,’ she says.
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Joyce is a strong believer in maintaining strong, long-term relationships with both clients and colleagues; after sharing high tea with her at the Royal Livingstone, I certainly came away feeling I had made a friend. TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
Currently pursuing her studies in tourism and hospitality through the London School of Planning and Management, Joyce is clearly as passionate about her chosen profession as ever.
