Philisiwe Gumede

Philisiwe Gumede is the general manager of The Oyster Box Hotel and her story begins in Umlazi, Durban, where a simple career day at her high school opened her eyes to a world of possibilities. “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. “That’s when I realised there are actually opportunities to travel and to work in different spheres, not just to become a teacher or a nurse or a policeman.”

After completing her matric in 1994, Philisiwe pursued studies in travel and tourism but soon discovered her
true calling in hospitality. By 1997, she was enrolled in the International Hotel School, completing a three
year hospitality management diploma that launched a remarkable career spanning more than two decades.
Her first job came in 2000 with the Three Cities Group, opening the Gold Reef City Casino in Johannesburg.
Later that year, Philisiwe joined the opening team at Sandton Convention Centre as operations floor manager.

“I happened to be a woman spearheading the operations floor,” she says with pride. “I ran all the events that came through, meeting some of the most iconic industry leaders. That was an introduction to where I got to today.”

FROM UMLAZI TO THE WORLD
In 2003, Philisiwe’s lifelong dream of travelling became reality. Her first international role was in Abu Dhabi,
managing an elegant beach resort. “I was in charge of the front office, housekeeping – everything in the
rooms’ division.” After two years, she moved to Dubai to further her career, immersing herself in the global
hospitality scene.

By 2009, she was ready to return home. “I came back and joined South African Tourism within the Tourism
Grading Council of South Africa,” Philisiwe explains. Based in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, she was
responsible for ensuring the credibility of the country’s accommodation sector. “It was all about putting stars where they belong,” she says. “We did that through the World Cup, ensuring our properties were graded and ready for the global stage.”

Afterwards, Philisiwe joined Sun International, where she spent eight years managing casino operations before taking an unexpected turn into hospital management. “I ran a hospital for two years,” she notes. “Then in 2022, I was headhunted again by Peermont to oversee a casino as general manager in Limpopo.”
Her latest career move came, as she puts it, “from a nice little note on LinkedIn.” The message offered an
opportunity at the Oyster Box in Durban. “I said, yes!” she laughs. “The Oyster Box is so iconic. It’s known
throughout South Africa for its exceptional service, its view, its history, its heritage. To be part of this story is
truly special.”

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

She speaks passionately about her interest in mental health and her long-term vision. “I would love to have a
wellness and rehabilitation centre one day,” she shares. “Something that contributes to people’s wellbeing
and leaves something meaningful for my family.” For Philisiwe, impact goes far beyond technical skill. “My
impact is through passion, discipline and authenticity,” she says. “One of my directors once told me, ‘How are
we going to find somebody who’s passionate, with business instinct, who’s a mother and everything in
one?’ That resonated with me because we, as women, often try to fit into a male space. But it’s okay to bring
motherly love into business – it works.

”Her achievements are many, but two moments stand out. “Being the first black African female to take over the Oyster Box and for the Red Carnation Hotel Collection is a huge achievement,” she says. “It tells every black child that it’s possible.” Philisiwe also fondly recalls meeting the late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. “He issued me with a service excellence award. That was an iconic moment that helped shape the person I have become.”

OVERCOMING BARRIERS
Philisiwe’s path, though successful, has not been without challenges. “This industry is still predominantly
male-driven,” she admits. “Sometimes you feel like you are not heard, like there is no space for you. But I never allowed that to control me. I stayed focused on my goal.”Her advice to young women is: “Believe in yourself. Stay focused, even when people tell you that you won’t make it. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It is built through perseverance, authenticity and self-belief. And most importantly, support and build other women along the way.”

Balancing her demanding career with family life is another source of joy. “I was blessed very late with this
bundle of joy,” she says, smiling. “She is five years old and keeps me on my toes. Coming back to Durban has
been a ‘cherry on top’ because I am close to my big family again. After work, I can just go back and enjoy
being with them.”

Philisiwe credits her professional success to the support of the Red Carnation family. “I want to thank my leaders, Jonathan Raggett, the CEO, and Michael Nel, the managing director, for entrusting me with such a huge role,” she says. “They have been open to change and transition within the company, and I’m proud to carry forward the legacy of the Tollman family, who take such pride in the industry and care deeply for their people.”For Philisiwe, leadership is not about titles or accolades but about nurturing others and honouring heritage. “Take care of your staff,” she concludes, “and they will take care of your guests. That is the secret to great hospitality – and to a lasting legacy."