NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH: RECOGNISING INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZERS
As South Africa marked National Woman’s Day on August 8th with the theme Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience, the importance of investing in career advancement and development for women remains to be high on the agenda and a priority across all industries, including tourism.
In fact, the recent Global Report on Women in Tourism reported that while 54% of people employed in the tourism industry are women, they are often under-represented at senior management level and continue to face obstacles in their career progression.
To support women to thrive in the workplace, organisations have introduced female leadership programmes and initiatives to increase the presence of women in the highest levels of management and in key decision-making positions.
Marriott International is proud to highlight three exceptional associates and industry trailblazers who exemplify determination, passion, and success:
Bosele Mogamisi
Bosele is the Hotel Manager of at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott® Melrose Arch. She was promoted as an Asstistant General Manager of the property to her new role in 2022. Ms Mogamisi is a successful candidate from the Khulanathi Programme.
Khulanathi candidates attend a five-month management development programme with the University of Stellenbosch Business School on full bursaries from Marriott International. Candidates also follow an internal course that includes formal education, cross-exposure, and job shadowing to horn their skills and equip them with the right leadership competencies to successfully lead the ever-growing travel company into the future.
Moizyll Baatjies
Hailing from the hidden corners of South Africa’s west coast in Atlantis, found her love for cooking rooted in her grandmother’s kitchen. From humble beginnings, she defied norms, leaving behind a town where hope seemed elusive. Relocating to the Garden Route, she honed her skills at 34 South Bakery before stepping into the culinary world. Without formal qualifications, Moizyll’s talent caught Chef Christian Campbell’s eye at Plettenberg Bay Hotel, leading to a transformative five years from kitchenhand to senior chef de partie. Her journey encompassed Silwood School of Cookery, the Table Bay, and now the Arabella Hotel. A devoted single mother of three, Moizyll thrives, embodying humility and perseverance.
Refilwe Nkadimeng
Refilwe Nkadimeng – General Manager – Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Landmark | LinkedIn
Refilwe, General Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Landmark, embarked on her hospitality path with a National Diploma in Tourism Management in 2004. Starting as a Reservations Agent at Protea Nelspruit, she ascended through roles like Reservations Manager, Sales Executive, and Deputy GM, culminating in her current role.
Her career boasts accolades such as Sales Executive of the Quarter, completion of the e Cornell Finance 360 course, and recognition as a 2022 Khulanathi Graduate. Nkadimeng’s impact extends to event management in the Polokwane Tourism Association and the Capricorn District Woman in Tourism initiative.
Navigating the challenges of the pandemic as Landmark’s GM, Nkadimeng showcased resilience, underscoring the power of teamwork. A devoted mother and advocate of others, her journey reflects Marriott’s ethos and her dedication to hospitality’s dynamic landscape.
There is a collective understanding that not everyone starts from the same place, and that to reach a position of gender parity.
Equal opportunities aren’t enough. The goal is to build an environment of true inclusion, where all woman’s unique abilities are recognised and developed – for their benefit, and for society at large.