Tourism and Hospitality
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Tourism and Hospitality

Wania Malik

Assistant general manager
City Lodge Hotels
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wania-malik-68935713a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
https://citylodgehotels.com/

Growing up in Johannesburg, Wania Malik once imagined herself as a lawyer or even a chef—careers that seemed worlds apart but shared a common thread: a passion for people. “Hospitality became the perfect platform,” she says. “It allows me to advocate for people while creating memorable experiences.” She holds a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management from the University of Johannesburg.  Wania is assistant general manager at City Lodge Hotels’ flagship 205-bedroom property, where she leads the Food & Beverage department, manages suppliers, ensures audit compliance, and drives innovation and commercial growth. She thrives on the complexity and camaraderie of the industry, viewing hospitality less as a job and more as a way of life, where colleagues become family and every day presents opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. Beyond her professional life, Wania channels her energy into the gym, cultivating the resilience required to lead in a fast-paced environment.  Her proudest achievements include completing her Master’s while managing a full-time career, receiving the prestigious UJ Rising Star Award in 2024, which recognises outstanding young professionals in the hospitality industry, and mentoring emerging talent. The biggest lesson she has learned: you can’t control chaos, only your response to it. Her guiding advice: “Lead from where you are, not where you think you should be,” a principle that shapes both her professional and personal life.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s in Tourism & Hospitality Management – University of Johannesburg
  • B.Tech in Tourism & Hospitality Management – University of Johannesburg
  • National Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management – University of Johannesburg

ACHIEVEMENTS

I take the greatest pride in the achievements that showcase my commitment to both leadership and continuous growth. Successfully completing my Master’s in Tourism & Hospitality while managing a full-time hotel career was not easy, but it proved my commitment to being a thought leader in this industry; winning the University of Johannesburg School of Tourism and Hospitality Rising Star Award in October 2024 was an incredible validation of that effort. Today, I dedicate my time to mentoring emerging talent, passing on real-world lessons and bridging the gap between theory and strategic leadership. Plus, I am actively contributing to the future of our hotel group as a member of the Innovation Committee. Finally, running my own side business is my entrepreneurial engine — it is where I constantly sharpen the commercial agility and customer focus that I bring back to our flagship hotel operation every single day.

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Bonolo Ntsime

Bonolo Ntsime

Founder and managing director
iXplore Africa Travel & Tours (Pty) Ltd
https://www.instagram.com/bonolo_ntsime?igsh=MXdpdDF3aXd5Z3M5bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonolo-ntsime-4bb00a150/recent-activity/all/
https://ixplore.africa/

With over 20 years of experience in the tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, Bonolo Ntsime is the founder and managing director of iXplore Africa Travel & Tours (Pty) Ltd, a Johannesburg-based Destination Management Company. Her business specialises in tailor-made travel itineraries, corporate and holiday packages, hotel bookings, and guided tours across Africa. Before establishing iXplore Africa, Bonolo held key positions at the CSIR International Convention Centre, the Constitutional Court (ConHill), the South  African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and the Coca-Cola Dome, gaining extensive experience in hospitality and event management. An Honours graduate in Strategic Communications from the University of Johannesburg, with qualifications in Public Relations Management from both the Tshwane University of  Technology and the University of Johannesburg, Bonolo’s expertise combines business strategy, brand development, and client engagement. She is a board member of the Small Tourism Enterprise Association and proudly represents her company at leading global trade events, including Africa Travel Indaba, Meetings Africa, and  World Travel Market. Bonolo’s belief in resilience and gratitude is a guiding principle in her life and work, inspiring her to say, “Every experience, good or bad, serves a purpose. Focus on what you have—shifting your perspective brings peace, even in the most difficult times.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Honours Degree in Strategic Communications, University of Johannesburg
  • Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Public Relations Management, Tshwane University of Technology 
  • National Diploma in Public Relations Management,  University of Johannesburg

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Founder and managing director of iXplore Africa Travel & Tours, a recognised Destination Management Company promoting authentic African experiences.
  • Exhibitor/Representative at high-profile events: Magical Kenya Travel Expo – Africa Travel Indaba – World Travel Market – Meetings Africa.
  • Board member of the Small Tourism Enterprise Association, contributing to strategic initiatives for growth and empowerment in the SME tourism sector.
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Lucky Malahlela

Lucky Malahlela

Founder and manager | Real estate agent
Bahlalerwa Royal Guesthouse | RE/MAX
https://www.instagram.com/bahlalerwa_royal_guesthouse/

From the tranquil village of Ga Masemola in Limpopo to managing a thriving guesthouse and making a name in real estate, Lucky Malahlela embodies resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial drive. A graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences, Lucky’s initial dream of becoming an accountant took a different turn when she discovered her passion for the hospitality industry. Her journey began with managing a guesthouse in Limpopo,  where she found her true calling: creating spaces that feel like home. Today, as the founder and manager of Bahlalerwa Royal Guesthouse, she blends precision and passion to deliver what she terms “unreasonable hospitality” — service that surpasses expectations. Her meticulous attention to detail, warmth,  and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only won her guests’ admiration but also led to repeat visits from travellers worldwide. When she’s not welcoming guests, Lucky dons another hat as a real estate agent with RE/MAX, helping people find homes that inspire and comfort them. A proud mother of three, she gracefully balances business and family, always guided by her faith. “I firmly believe that things work out for the best,” she says, instilling a sense of reassurance and optimism. “Hospitality isn’t just about rooms — it’s about heart, hope, and creating unforgettable experiences for others.”

ACHIEVEMENTS

A proud mother of three, fully dedicated to both family and entrepreneurship, running two successful businesses with passion and commitment every day.

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Princess Pulane Vallery Shayi

Princess Pulane Vallery Shayi

Chief executive | Co-founder
Mashishimale Game Lodge | Kgoshigadi Mashishimale Shayi Foundation
https://www.instagram.com/pulane_vallery/
https://mashishimalegamelodge.co.za/

Princess Pulane Vallery Shayi, a proud native of Mashishimale, once harboured a dream of becoming a pilot. Today, she has translated her love for travel and culture into her roles as the chief executive of Mashishimale Game Lodge and the co-founder of the  Kgoshigadi Mashishimale Shayi Foundation. At the lodge, Pulane oversees daily operations, including guest experiences, staff management,  nancial performance, and innovation in accommodations, cultural experiences, and wildlife activities. She is energised by the opportunity to welcome visitors from around the world and see them connect with the local environment and culture. Through her foundation, she is dedicated to driving youth empowerment, education, and cultural preservation, launching initiatives such as the Phalaborwa Career Expo 2025 and a Youth Learnership & Mentorship Programme. Pulane also serves as Secretary of the Ba-Phalaborwa Traditional Authorities, supporting governance and safeguarding heritage while addressing modern community needs.  Inspired by her community and the legacy of Chief Mashishimale, her work merges heritage, tourism, and social impact. She is passionate about storytelling, sharing cultural his- tory, and adapting global hospitality practices to create an authentic African experience.  Her proudest achievements include empowering young people, preserving cultural traditions, and promoting economic development. The most valuable lessons she has learned are resilience, patience, and leading through service. Her guiding advice: “Never forget where you come from, because your roots will always guide your path.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting, University of Johannesburg 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • The Kgoshigadi Mashishimale Shayi Foundation organised the Phalaborwa Career Expo 2025 as a platform for students and job seekers to connect with potential employers, educational institutions, and mentors, empowering the youth of Phalaborwa with knowledge and opportunities.
  • In partnership with the Kgoshigadi Mashishimale Shayi Foundation and Mashishimale Game Lodge, five young people from Mashishimale received a six-month youth and learnership programme from March to August 2025.
  • Contributed to the successful organisation of the Mashishimale Fun Walk and the Mashishimale Heritage Day celebration, two events that showcased local culture, promoted unity, and positioned Mashishimale as a vibrant community with strong traditions and growing opportunities.
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Makhosi Msimango

Makhosi Msimango

Founder | Chief executive
Ndzenga Tours & Safaris (Pty) Ltd
https://www.instagram.com/makhosimsimango1/reel/DJGbLRAIAF9/

Makhosi Msimango is a fearless entrepreneur and cultural ambassador, recognised for her innovative contributions to South Africa’s tourism sector. She holds a Certificate in Tourism Guiding, reflecting her expertise and commitment to delivering authentic cultural experiences. As founder and chief executive of Ndzenga Tours & Safaris (Pty) Ltd, Makhosi blends business acumen with storytelling, creating immersive tours that celebrate Zulu heritage and local communities. Her days begin by checking the weather and exchange rates, followed by strategy and team motivation sessions over coffee. She oversees client experiences,  ensuring seamless and culturally rich tours, and mentors youth and women through personal development and tourism training programs. Her dedication to culture is exemplified by her exclusive rights to guide tourists through the Zulu Royal Palaces during the reign of  King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, providing authentic insights into tradition and heritage. Beyond tourism, she pursues thrilling hobbies, such as shark swimming off Umkhomaas  Beach, reflecting her fearless approach to life and business. Makhosi’s proudest achievements lie in empowering young people and women in rural and township communities,  amplifying their voices in the tourism and entrepreneurship sectors. Guided by the philosophy of “making friends with your failures” and her mother’s wisdom that life isn’t always about oneself, she shows that resilience, service, and vision are at the heart of meaningful impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Entrepreneurship, University of South Africa
  • Diploma in Events & Exhibition Management, Damelin
  • Certificate completed: Project Management, Damelin – Public Service, National School of Government  – Tourist Guide, CATHSSETA

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Secured exclusive rights to take tourists and visitors into the Zulu Royal Palaces during the reign of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
  • Provided personal development and product development training for youth and women in business, fostering skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

 

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Lucinda Zinyemba

Lucinda Zinyemba

Founder
Lucy’s Magique (Pty) Ltd
https://www.instagram.com/lucys_magique?igsh=c3RkNGNkemd6cjR2&utm_source=qr
https://lucysmagique.carrd.co/

Growing up in Pretoria, Lucinda dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, drawn by her deep love for animals. While surgery was not her calling, her curiosity and creativity led her into business and hospitality, where she has forged a unique path as a mixologist and entrepreneur. As founder of Lucy’s Magique, Lucinda champions Bantu Mixology, crafting heritage-inspired cocktails that celebrate Southern  African culture while mentoring emerging talent through her B.L.A.A.K. initiative (Bold Legacy of Artistry, Authenticity, and Knowledge). Her days blend creativity,  strategy, and education—developing cocktails with indigenous botanicals, guiding SADC partners, mentoring bartenders, and participating in networking and cultural events. She finds inspiration in her family’s resilient women and the power of hospitality to connect people and tell stories. Lucinda’s accomplishments include winning awards at Patrón Perfectionists and Diageo World Class, judging the Monin Cup International, and features in Eat Out Guide and Glamour Magazine. Beyond work, she enjoys playing the piano as a creative and healing outlet. Her journey has taught her the value of lifelong learning and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Her guiding advice: create from the depths of your soul, connect with those who uplift your craft, and forge a legacy of impact, pride, and possibility —leaving a mark that inspires and empowers others.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Philosophy Honours in Marketing and Business Management, IMM Graduate School
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Business Management, Damelin
  • Cambridge International Diploma in Business – City & Guilds
  • Secretarial Diploma
  • Bar Management Diploma, Bols Cocktail Academy, Netherlands
  • Advanced Bartending, European Bartending School, Spain

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Being an associate marketer and business development advisor for SADC
  • Pioneering Mixologist – recognised as the first woman of colour to receive multiple global awards, earning high accolades in prestigious competitions such as Patrón Perfectionists and Diageo World Class.
  • Featured in Eat Out Guide Magazine and Glamour Magazine for innovative contributions to cultural storytelling in hospitality and mixology.
  • International and Local Beverage Awards Judge – serves as a respected judge for global cocktail competitions, including the Monin Cup International, as well as local Angostura and South African beverage awards.
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Lombuso Precious Shabalala

Lombuso Precious Shabalala

Tourism lecturer, Department of Applied Management 
University of South Africa
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nombuso-precious-shabalala-kasiwela-phd-ba464a69
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default

Dr Lombuso Precious Shabalala holds a PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand and serves as a tourism lecturer in the Department of Applied Management at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Since joining the institution in 2023, she has taught Cultural Tourism I & II, engaging a diverse group of students — from working professionals and parents to incarcerated learners — with an inclusive and empathetic approach to teaching. Her work blends teaching, research, community engagement, and mentorship,  with a focus on cultural and heritage tourism in communities near protected areas. Her research explores how heritage custodians and residents can benefit from tourism, bridging academic insight with real-world impact. Shabalala’s career is shaped by her extensive experience in administration and the tourism industry, instilling confidence in her expertise. Her daughter, who fuels her drive for excellence, and the support of mentors and colleagues have also played a significant role in shaping her career. Beyond academia, she celebrates heritage through music, performing in choirs and as a soloist. She has participated in the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), represented South Africa internationally in Austria, and conducted community-based research in Bushbuckridge. Her guiding philosophy: lifelong learning, humility, faith, and integrity — always believe in your dreams.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Doctoral Degree (PhD), University of the Witwatersrand
  • Master’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg
  • B.Tech. Degree in Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, University of Johannesburg
  • Diploma in Tourism Management, Tshwane University of Technology
  • Certificate in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation for Women, Wits Business School

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Selected as part of the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) 2nd cohort, which facilitated the transition from administration into academia and enabled completion of a PhD
  • Became the first person in the family (both maternal and paternal sides) to reach the doctoral level
  • Represented the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in Austria with students, showcasing institutional sustainability initiatives and South African culture. Secured 1st place out of over 20 global institutions
  • Established the mentorship group “The Stars with Dr P” to continue guiding students in tourism.
  • Initiated school tourism learner programs at Lowveld High School, promoting tourism as a subject of choice and showcasing career pathways (covered by Golden Key International Society on Facebook).
  • Invited as one of 50 GKIS members to meet the President of Ukraine during his historic visit to South Africa, but prior learner commitments prevented participation.
  • Some of the current projects include the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Project, which focuses on identifying cultural heritage tourism products for sustainable community development.
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