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.
