SA hospitality reaches 2030 gender target early

Source: ©HONGQI ZHANG via 123RF

Women from designated groups now hold 47.3% of senior management positions, exceeding the sector's 2030 target of 46.1%. At top management level, representation stands at 36.2%, below the sector's target of 38.1%.

From 1 September 2026, more than 800 employers covering nearly 200,000 employees will, for the first time, be assessed against the annual targets in their five-year employment equity plans. Reports submitted last year recorded workforce numbers only, as employers had just begun implementing those plans.

The assessments mark the first formal measure of progress towards the sector's 2030 targets. The five-year plans run from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030 under South Africa's amended Employment Equity framework.

Senior management target exceeded

The accommodation and food services sector is one of only four sectors to have already exceeded its 2030 target for women from designated groups in senior management. The others are human health, education and real estate.

Developing future leaders

"Hotel groups here have harnessed the potential and power for female leadership admirably. In South Africa we are close to an even split of women to men at general manager level, and head of department roles are shared evenly between women and men," says Sandra Kneubuhler, managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.

"This has been achieved through flexible working hours for mothers, development programmes and environments where women's voices are heard."

The group filled 40% of its job openings internally last year, holds 31% women in leadership positions and is targeting 50% by 2030.

"Development is essential for this sector, as we take in many grassroots team members and train them from scratch. If we stop doing that, we will be faced with an enormous skills gap that will reflect in our guest experiences and ultimately commercial outcomes. We need to see development as an investment, not a cost," Kneubuhler adds.

Recognising leadership potential

Alison McKie, general manager of Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, said leadership development should focus on recognising potential rather than following conventional career paths.

"Because my own path was unconventional, I am careful not to confuse experience with potential. Some of the most capable people do not always raise their hands first, nor do they necessarily fit our preconceived picture of what a future leader should look like."

Elmarie Fritz, general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth, said identifying emerging talent early has shaped leadership development at her property.

"Career growth should not be reserved only for those who naturally put themselves forward. Having benefited from leaders who recognised and invested in potential throughout my own career, I am passionate about identifying emerging talent early."

Supporting women in leadership

Duduzile Nxumalo, general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane, said leadership roles in hospitality can create additional pressures for women balancing work and family responsibilities.

"Hospitality is not an eight-to-five job. You could be sitting there at six o'clock, and suddenly there's a big conference to run. If you are also the one expected to be home for the kids, those long unpredictable hours hit differently."

Rochell Schonken, country director of Sales for South Africa, said flexibility and mentorship help retain women in leadership positions.

"Flexibility, where it is operationally possible, strong mentorship, and leaders who support work-life integration make a significant difference."

Top management remains below target

While the sector has surpassed its 2030 target for senior management, representation at top management level remains below the 38.1% target.

Kneubuhler said she believes the sector can close the remaining gap.

"We need to be intentional about developing and recruiting female talent that wants to lead. We have the right programmes and people in place, so I am confident that we will achieve that."