Philisiwe Gumede: A Journey of Purpose and Leadership

Early Beginnings in Umlazi

Philisiwe Gumede, now the general manager of The Oyster Box Hotel, began her inspiring journey in Umlazi, Durban. Her path was shaped by a pivotal career day at her high school in the nineties, which exposed her to a world of possibilities previously untapped in her community. “When I was in high school, we were just fortunate around the nineties to have a career day. I got to see opportunities that had not been tapped into growing up in the black community,” she recalls. This experience broadened her outlook, showing her that careers could extend far beyond the familiar roles of teachers, nurses, or policemen. She realised there were opportunities to travel and work in diverse spheres.

Education and Early Career

After completing her matric in 1994, Philisiwe decided to study travel and tourism. However, she soon discovered that her true calling was in hospitality. By 1997, she was enrolled at the International Hotel School, where she completed a three-year hospitality management diploma. This qualification laid the foundation for a career that would span more than two decades.

Her professional journey began in 2000 with the Three Cities Group, where she helped open the Gold Reef City Casino in Johannesburg. Later that year, she joined the opening team at Sandton Convention Centre as an operations floor manager. Philisiwe takes pride in having been a woman leading the operations floor, overseeing events and meeting influential industry leaders. “That was an introduction to where I got to today,” she reflects.

From Umlazi to the World

In 2003, Philisiwe’s dream of travelling became a reality when she took her first international role in Abu Dhabi, managing an elegant beach resort and overseeing the entire rooms division. After two years, she moved to Dubai, immersing herself further in the global hospitality industry.

By 2009, she was ready to return home and joined South African Tourism, working within the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Stationed in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, she was responsible for ensuring the credibility of the country’s accommodation sector, notably by grading properties in preparation for the World Cup. “It was all about putting stars where they belong,” she says, proud of their efforts to ready properties for the global stage.

Expanding Horizons

Philisiwe’s career continued to evolve as she joined Sun International, spending eight years managing casino operations. She then took an unexpected turn into hospital management, running a hospital for two years. In 2022, Peermont headhunted her to oversee a casino in Limpopo as general manager.

Her most recent career move was prompted by a LinkedIn message, offering her the opportunity to join The Oyster Box Hotel in Durban. Delighted, she accepted the role, recognising the hotel’s iconic status and exceptional reputation. “To be part of this story is truly special,” she says.

The Power of Purpose

Returning to Durban has been both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. Philisiwe reflects, “Growing up in Umlazi, the dream was simple: to study, get a job and live a good life. When you achieve that dream, you shift your dream for more. My dream now is to leave a legacy.”

She is passionate about mental health and envisions establishing a wellness and rehabilitation centre in the future, aiming to contribute meaningfully to people’s wellbeing and create a lasting legacy for her family. For Philisiwe, impact is not solely about technical skill—it is rooted in passion, discipline, and authenticity. She recalls advice from a director who recognised her unique qualities as a leader, mother, and businesswoman, highlighting the importance of bringing motherly love into business.

Achievements and Inspiration

Philisiwe’s achievements are significant, with two moments standing out: being the first black African female to lead The Oyster Box and the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and meeting the late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who presented her with a service excellence award at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. These experiences have shaped her and serve as inspiration, demonstrating to others that success is possible.

Overcoming Barriers

Despite her accomplishments, Philisiwe acknowledges the challenges she has faced in an industry that remains predominantly male-driven. She sometimes felt unheard or as though there was no space for her, but she remained focused on her goals and did not allow these obstacles to deter her. Her advice to young women is clear: believe in yourself, stay focused, and persevere. Success is built through authenticity, self-belief, and the support of other women.

Family and Support

Balancing her demanding career with family life brings Philisiwe great joy. She is especially grateful for her five-year-old daughter and the ability to be close to her extended family in Durban. “Coming back to Durban has been a ‘cherry on top’ because I am close to my big family again,” she shares.

Gratitude and Leadership Philosophy

Philisiwe attributes her professional success to the support she has received from the Red Carnation family. She expresses gratitude to her leaders, Jonathan Raggett, CEO, and Michael Nel, managing director, for their trust and openness to change. She is proud to carry forward the legacy of the Tollman family, who are deeply committed to the industry and their people.

For Philisiwe, true leadership is not about titles or accolades but about nurturing others and honouring heritage. Her guiding principle is simple: “Take care of your staff, and they will take care of your guests. That is the secret to great hospitality—and to a lasting legacy.”