<intro> “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.” – Sheryl Sandberg

It’s Women’s Day and we’ve been reflecting on the importance of women in leadership in the hospitality industry.

Drostdy Hotel would not be where or what it is today without the fearless leadership, informed decision-making and wealth of experience that our female staff members have poured into this establishment. For that, we thank you all.

We’ve spoken to a few of these women to get a better understanding of their journeys in the hospitality industry and to find out what working at the Drostdy Hotel means to them.

The Importance of Female Leadership in the Hospitality Industry

The General Manager at Drostdy Hotel, Tebello Polisane, says…

“Women in leadership positions serve as role models and mentors for aspiring female professionals in the industry.

By demonstrating competence, resilience, initiative and other leadership qualities, they inspire and empower other women to pursue and excel in their careers within the hospitality industry, ultimately contributing to a more gender-balanced workforce.

In our industry, which caters to a variety of clients from diverse backgrounds, having a balanced leadership team that reflects this diversity can only be beneficial to all. Not only does broader representation enable our team to better understand a wider range of clients, but it also better equips us to better anticipate their needs.

Women leaders have proved themselves to be excellent communicators and relationship-builders, skills that are crucial to delivering exceptional customer service in the hospitality sector. Their ability to connect with guests on a personal level and understand their preferences can lead to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Having women in leadership roles imbues our industry with unique perspectives and experiences, enhances decision-making processes and contributes to a more diverse and inclusive organisational culture.”

Anra Venter

De Camdeboo Wjinkamer Manager

Anra started working at Drostdy Hotel in 2015.

“I’m going for my ninth year!” she says.

Having grown up near Strand in the Western Cape, Anra then went on to study Hotel Management at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein.

Since moving to Graaff-Reinet, Anra has grown to love the small town’s spirit.

“Everybody is friendly and helpful. If you walk past someone in town, they will always give you a smile or say hello. The staff at Drostdy are some of the friendliest people I’ve met – always going a step further to help out, whether that’s making a doctor’s appointment for a guest or changing a flat tyre.”

When it comes to work, Anra is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of wine with guests.

“I love it when guests or customers return to Drostdy and inform me that the recommendation I gave them was some of the best wine they’ve had in a long time.

“It’s a privilege meeting owners, wine makers and ambassadors from some of the best wine estates in the country.”

Francina George

Restaurant Supervisor

Francina was born and bred in Graaff-Reinet and started working at Drostdy in 2014. She began her hospitality journey at the Holiday Inn in Wilderness before returning home to put down her roots.

Francina strives to carry Graaff-Reinet’s spirit of hospitality forward in her work.

“This is a very loving and caring community. The people who live here go to trouble to make everyone feel welcome and at home. This, essentially, is what hospitality is about and we carry this forward with the Drostdy spirit and the way we engage with our guests.”

When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Francina says: “I love meeting new people and seeing my guests happy while I’m serving them. When people relax and enjoy a good meal, they feel at home. I feel that way, too. At Drostdy, I always feel like I belong.”

Elsebe Erasmus né Spogter

Senior Spa Therapist

Elsebe was born 50 km from Graaff-Reinet in the small town of Aberdeen. She began working at Drostdy Hotel in 2015 and has witnessed many changes in our small town since the start of her tenure.

“Many new businesses have opened in Graaff-Reinet over the past ten years, creating more work which was originally hard to come by. Today, the town is a tourist destination as we’re surrounded by mountains and exciting outdoor activities. As the fourth oldest town in South Africa, there are also a lot of historical buildings in Graaff-Reinet – a history boff’s paradise.”

Elsebe loves being a part of the hospitality industry and  particularly enjoys her work at our hotel’s spa.

“I remember there was once a group of ladies at the spa and one of them had never had a pedicure before, due to insecurities about her feet. After a lot of pleading from her friends she finally agreed, and I happened to be her therapist. After her treatment she was so satisfied that it brought tears to her eyes. It was so heartwarming when she came to the realisation that she had absolutely nothing to be insecure about!”

Elsebe’s people skills and healing hands make her an invaluable member of our staff.

When asked what she loves most about Graaff-Reinet she says: “One of my favourite things about Graaff-Reinet must be the people and how welcoming they are to everyone they encounter. Whether someone is new in Graaff-Reinet or not, the love is always the same. Drostdy Hotel accommodates everyone and makes them feel like they are at a home-away-from-home.”

Empowering Women in Hospitality: A Vision for Leadership

The Executive Director at the South African College for Tourism, Mariette Ferreira, says…

“With over two decades at the South African College for Tourism, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of education in shaping future leaders in the hospitality industry.

At the college, our commitment has always been to empower women, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary for a progressive career in a sector historically dominated by men. The hospitality industry, with its unique demands for empathy, attention to detail, and multitasking, is a realm where women naturally excel. These women don’t just fill roles after graduation; they innovate and lead with a blend of strength and compassion.

As a woman in a leadership position, I intimately understand the challenges and opportunities that accompany such roles in the hospitality industry. Our focus on women’s leadership extends beyond individual achievements; it’s about reshaping the entire hospitality industry.

It is a powerful affirmation of our mission to witness our predominantly female graduates confidently step into and excel in leadership roles across the hospitality sector.”

Stay With Us

Come and experience tranquility at the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet.

With beautiful accommodations and elegant amenities, we put a luxurious spin on the renowned hospitality of the Karoo.

For enquiries, feel free to get in touch with our friendly reservations team at reservations@drostdy.co.za or give us a call on +27 49 892 2161.

 We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel!