In each issue of Sibo-Lifestyle Magazine, we celebrate individuals that dream big, pursue their dreams and are pursuing success on their own terms. I’d like us to learn from them, to see how like us they are or how they differ from us. For us to see what we can do differently or continue to do to pursue our own dreams and success. This month we explore the personal and professional life of Sihle Thabani Ndlovu.
Sihle Thabani Ndlovu is a success story I’m excited to share with you because she exemplifies what Drake meant when he said “we started from the bottom, now we’re here.” She dipped her foot into the Tourism and Hospitality Industry as a waitress and rose up the ranks to her current position as a General Manager at one of the hotels of the global conglomerate that is the Hilton Hotel. Her positions in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry span continents and have allowed her to travel to over 99 cities all over the world, and counting.
Voted in as part of the top 100 most influential women in tourism in Africa by ATQ News, Sihle Thabani Ndlovu, is a force to be reckoned with. She is a recipient of the South African version of Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) for Professional of the year. Her award winning and recognition extends beyond her personal capacity, as the hotels she has worked at and managed have won their own awards from her contribution, together with the teams she has worked with. Now, put on your shades and let’s take a tour of Sihle Thabani Ndlovu’s life.
Where are you from and where do you currently live? If not your country, how did you end up in the country you’re living in?
I was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe or Skies as I fondly love to call it due to the ever sunny blue skies. I lived there for most of my childhood until I left for the UK where I studied for my BA Hons in International Hospitality & Marketing Management.
Tell us about your childhood. What was life like for you growing up?
I was one of 4 children and the 3rd child and probably the most adventurous. I was always pushing the boundaries not only with my parents but in my day to day life at school and with my friends.
What do you do and how did you end up in that role?
I am a General Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone. I spent just over a decade in the UK where I started working in the industry as a waitress to a corporate role in Hilton EMEA Headquarters until I moved back to the land of sunshine, Africa. I worked in South Africa where I opened the Hilton Global Sales Office for Africa looking after Key accounts from Cape Town to Lagos. I practically travelled every other week to different cities and countries in the continent.
From there I moved to Zambia to my first role in operations in over a decade to open the first female managed Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Africa. I then moved to Namibia for another opening of a Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Windhoek. I eventually landed in Botswana in December 2019, a couple of months before the COVID 19 pandemic spread and I have been here for the past 1 year 5 months.
Why the hospitality industry in particular?
I have always enjoyed being around people, cooking and hosting them so I would say it is something that is my second nature rather than something I found myself doing. So when I went on to choosing my career this was a natural choice for me.
What have you found to be difficult or challenging in your position or in your industry?
I have been fortunate that female leaders are up and coming in Botswana and as such it was not hard for me to transition into the role I am in when I moved here. There have been times though when people look surprised when they meet me as I would assume I am not what they would expect in my position in terms of gender and age. But I would not relate that to the country but rather a societal situation.
If someone wanted to get into the hospitality industry, what insights would you give them?
Hospitality is an industry that requires one to have a passion for serving people. That can be trying but it is definitely rewarding. Consider if you can manage that before joining. It is also such a great industry as you will get to travel and see places and no two days are the same which is a bonus!
Has COVID-19 affected what you do and what have you learned as a result?
Most definitely! It is no surprise that Tourism has been the most negatively affected by the current pandemic. Overall it has been sad to see the loss of revenue and we have had other hotels closing down with some still not open. It is disheartening to think that when things do start to bounce back, the industry as a whole will not be the same. As is stands, we miss the vibrancy that we have in our industry with people travelling and getting together. That is what makes our industry a joyful one as we are instrumental in creating memories when people come to our establishments.
Do you have dreams, goals or a vision for your life?
I would like to be able to afford to own my own establishment by the time I retire. If not then I save enough to be on holiday VERY often for the rest of my life!
Have any of your dreams or goals come true or been achieved?
Yes, to be a hotel General Manager. I recently came across my CV when I was applying for my first job as a waitress and I noticed that was what I had put as the headline.
So far, what are you most proud of achieving in your life?
Having successfully led a team of 80% female management through the toughest year in recent history and maintained most team members in the workforce. I am also proud of having grown into a leader in a male dominated environment, more so in a reputable global company. I was voted in on the top 100 most influential women in tourism in Africa by ATQ News.
What places have you travelled to or lived?
I have been very fortunate the company I work for has afforded me the opportunity to travel all over Europe, Africa, the UAE, parts of the US and Asia. Last count I think it was 99 cities but I think that is low so I intend on doing some more once we are free to travel again!
What did you love about the places you’ve travelled to or lived?
I have seen beautiful cities, beaches and cultures too! It is always enriching to learn different cultures and how people live around the world.
What have you learned from your travel experiences?
I am a whole lot more open minded and patient. Living and travelling to different places has made me appreciate life from different angles.
Are you in any way or form taking care of or feeding your mind, spirit, body and soul? If yes, how are you doing that?
I must confess in the past year I have been in “flight “mode. With the pandemic, you spend a lot of time thinking about how to keep the business afloat and people in their jobs that by the time I get to the weekend I just sit on the couch and watch TV. I do occasionally read and listen to audio books. I am in an operational role so I also spend a lot of time walking around the hotel, which helps me get some steps in.
How do you show yourself love, if you do that?
A relaxing massage always works for me.
What drives you in life? What keeps you going?
I have a great support system through my family and close friends. They have been my cheerleaders in all that I do. I am also fortunate to do what I love so I would say that makes it easier for me to rise every morning and keep going.
Do you have any people you consider role models? If yes please name 3.
My Mother – My Shero.
Mr. Avner On – My professional role model. He was manager to the biggest hotel in Europe in terms of accommodation and meeting space and was also the calmest and most humble man.
Mrs Michelle Obama – Not only married to Barack Obama, whom I admire, but a powerhouse in her own right with a lot of respect and class.
How would you want to be remembered at the end of your life?
I would hope to have been a positive influence and inspiration to other young people, especially in the continent of Africa and to have been instrumental in helping them achieve their own career aspirations.
What life lessons or thoughts would you like to leave the reader with?
- Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do. This will help you, especially in tough times as we spend most of our lives at work.
- Keep an open mind and be willing to learn.
- Be humble at all times.
