Page 37 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

P hilisiwe Gumede

General Manager of The Oyster Box Hotel accommodation sector. “It was all about putting stars Oyster Box and for the Red Carnation Hotel Collection is
where they belong,” she says. “We did that through the a huge achievement,” she says. “It tells every black child
World Cup, ensuring our properties were graded and that it’s possible.” Philisiwe also fondly recalls meeting
hilisiwe Gumede is the general manager of ready for the global stage.” the late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
P The Oyster Box Hotel and her story begins Afterwards, Philisiwe joined Sun International, where she at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in
in Umlazi, Durban, where a simple career
day at her high school opened her eyes to a world of spent eight years managing casino operations before 2002. “He issued me with a service excellence award.
That was an iconic moment that helped shape the
possibilities. “When I was in high school, we were just taking an unexpected turn into hospital management. person I have become.”
fortunate around the nineties to have a career day. I “I ran a hospital for two years,” she notes. “Then in 2022, I
got to see opportunities that had not been tapped into was headhunted again by Peermont to oversee a casino OVERCOMING BARRIERS
growing up in the black community,” she recalls. “That’s as general manager in Limpopo.”
when I realised there are actually opportunities to travel Philisiwe’s path, though successful, has not been
and to work in different spheres, not just to become a Her latest career move came, as she puts it, “from a without challenges. “This industry is still predominantly
teacher or a nurse or a policeman.” nice little note on LinkedIn.” The message offered an male-driven,” she admits. “Sometimes you feel like you
opportunity at the Oyster Box in Durban. “I said, yes!” are not heard, like there is no space for you. But I never
After completing her matric in 1994, Philisiwe pursued she laughs. “The Oyster Box is so iconic. It’s known allowed that to control me. I stayed focused on my goal.”
studies in travel and tourism but soon discovered her throughout South Africa for its exceptional service, its
true calling in hospitality. By 1997, she was enrolled in view, its history, its heritage. To be part of this story is Her advice to young women is: “Believe in yourself. Stay
the International Hotel School, completing a three- truly special.” focused, even when people tell you that you won’t
year hospitality management diploma that launched make it. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It is built
through perseverance, authenticity and self-belief. And
a remarkable career spanning more than two decades. THE POWER OF PURPOSE
most importantly, support and build other women
Her first job came in 2000 with the Three Cities Group, Returning to Durban has been both a professional along the way.”
opening the Gold Reef City Casino in Johannesburg. milestone and a personal homecoming for Philisiwe.
Later that year, Philisiwe joined the opening team at “Growing up in Umlazi, the dream was simple: to study, Balancing her demanding career with family life is
Sandton Convention Centre as operations floor manager. get a job and live a good life,” she reflects. “When you another source of joy. “I was blessed very late with this
“I happened to be a woman spearheading the operations achieve that dream, you shift your dream for more. My bundle of joy,” she says, smiling. “She is five years old
floor,” she says with pride. “I ran all the events that came dream now is to leave a legacy.” and keeps me on my toes. Coming back to Durban has
through, meeting some of the most iconic industry She speaks passionately about her interest in mental been a ‘cherry on top’ because I am close to my big
leaders. That was an introduction to where I got to today.” family again. After work, I can just go back and enjoy
health and her long-term vision. “I would love to have a being with them.”
FROM UMLAZI TO THE WORLD wellness and rehabilitation centre one day,” she shares.
“Something that contributes to people’s wellbeing Philisiwe credits her professional success to the support
In 2003, Philisiwe’s lifelong dream of travelling became and leaves something meaningful for my family.” of the Red Carnation family. “I want to thank my leaders,
reality. Her first international role was in Abu Dhabi, Jonathan Raggett, the CEO, and Michael Nel, the
managing an elegant beach resort. “I was in charge For Philisiwe, impact goes far beyond technical skill. “My managing director, for entrusting me with such a huge
of the front office, housekeeping – everything in the impact is through passion, discipline and authenticity,” role,” she says. “They have been open to change and
rooms’ division.” After two years, she moved to Dubai she says. “One of my directors once told me, ‘How are transition within the company, and I’m proud to carry
to further her career, immersing herself in the global we going to find somebody who’s passionate, with forward the legacy of the Tollman family, who take such
hospitality scene. business instinct, who’s a mother and everything in pride in the industry and care deeply for their people.”
one?’ That resonated with me because we, as women,
By 2009, she was ready to return home. “I came back often try to fit into a male space. But it’s okay to bring For Philisiwe, leadership is not about titles or accolades
and joined South African Tourism within the Tourism but about nurturing others and honouring heritage.
motherly love into business – it works.”
Grading Council of South Africa,” Philisiwe explains. “Take care of your staff,” she concludes, “and they will
Based in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, she was Her achievements are many, but two moments stand take care of your guests. That is the secret to great
responsible for ensuring the credibility of the country’s out. “Being the first black African female to take over the hospitality – and to a lasting legacy.”

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