WHITE RIVER – In celebrating Women’s Month, one of the most influential and powerful women to salute is the owner and founder of KwaBhekizihambi Guest House, a place where visitors book either for a night or daytime visits.
It is situated opposite Ingwenyama Conference Centre and Sports Resort in White River and offers a safe, peaceful atmosphere for visitors away from town.
Regardless of high competition in the tourism and hospitality industry, Ms Lindiwe Mncube was nominated for the service excellence and best accommodation categories in 2015 Lilizela Awards. This year she made it to the finals and will represent the province in the Lilizela Awards to be held in October. “I am the only one from the province this year and have already made a business presentation against other women from other provinces who are participating in the competition,” she said.
Mncube receives mentoring from the Tsogo Sun’s Book a Guest House programme.
She says her success in business comes from creativity and improving on clients’ complaints.
“As a manager, one needs to listen to people’s complaints and improve on them. People must get value for their money,” she says.
The humble and astute businesswoman, also values her 33 years of marriage to former political analyst and now premier’s advisor, Mr Zweli Mncube.
“As a wife, I submit to my husband. Respect and transparency in our marriage has brought us this far,” says the mother of four. She also serves as front liner in the Manna Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Past Marlon Rankin.
Mncube ventured into business after nine years of being a civil servant, six years spent as a teacher and three years as an environmental officer. Her first step in business was when she founded Ikwezi Institute of Technology, Commerce and Science before exploring the hospitality industry. In 2009 she launched KwaBhekizihambi Guest House, with only nine rooms which were later doubled to 18. Each room consists of a double bed, television set, wardrobe, two chairs and a table plus a fridge to keep clients’ beverages cool.
She employs nine permanent workers.
The guesthouse has a conference facility hosting 230 guests seated at round tables, 350 guests seated in classroom fashion and 400 in cinema style. Her venue also hosts government and the private sector for their training, seminars, weddings, birthdays, bridal and baby showers.
She also does charity work for Mama Esther’s Haven in Msholozi and will soon launch a dignitary project for two schools in White River and one in KwaZulu-Natal where her husband originates from. She also loves spending quality time with her family and visiting the Potholes in Graskop and the Crystal Springs near Pilgrim’s Rest.
Casterbridge restaurants in White River and the Riverside Mall in Mbombela are her favourite places.
