Akhona Yedwana Ndlovu shares thrilling details about her journey on revolutionising the hospitality industry and her fervent support of women’s safety and empowerment in the historically male-dominated space.
Ndlovu’s scholastic success and never-ending curiosity led to her appointment as managing director of Durban’s Zai Restaurant, a fine dining establishment that has become a symbol of quality, cultural diversity, and top-notch dining experiences.
Known for her hands-on mindset and unrelenting work ethic, she was mentored by a member of the hospitality sector and elevated to the position of managing director at the age of 23.
Ndlovu discusses her experience working in a field that was predominantly male, emphasising the difficulties she had in getting the attention and acknowledgement she deserved.
“Hospitality isn’t as easy as it seems, especially for someone young like me. When you’re running a family business, people often assume you’ll skip the hard lessons, but I’ve made it a priority to master every aspect of operations.
“When you’re young, people tend to dismiss you, and as a woman, you have to work twice as hard to prove that there’s more to you than just appearances,” she says.
She explains that the restaurant’s security staff is trained to ensure the safety and appreciation of female customers, upholding a fundamental principle of women’s safety.
“If a male customer wants to send a drink to a woman, our waiters are trained to seek the woman’s consent first. Only with her approval will the drink be sent.”
It is clarified that her leadership at the restaurant goes much beyond simply running a profitable business; it also involves establishing new standards, giving opportunities, and fostering a community of support for women in a field where they can actually succeed.
As a young, independent woman with a passion for the finer things in life, she embodies the belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, and her legacy at the eatery reflects this commitment.
Ndlovu remains committed to advancing the growth of the eatery and growing its impact within the hospitality sector in the future. In addition to pursuing her interest in the media industry, she says she hopes to eventually finish her law degree and work as a full-time attorney.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za