Newly appointed GM recognised in Tourism, Retail and Hospitality sector  

The newly appointed General Manager for Khoroni Hotel Casino and Convention Resort, Zukiswa Quagraine,  scooped the award for Tourism, Retail and Hospitality at the annual Rising Star Awards on 20 October.

The Rising Star Awards recognises, celebrates and connects young talented people who have a capacity for achievement and success and who contribute in an inspirational manner to the future of their respective industries.  The awards recognises these individuals with tremendous promise and great talent, and who excel for reasons that go far beyond their technical abilities alone.

‘It was a 4-month journey from being nominated to making it the top 5 finalists. The biggest highlight for me was meeting the judges, the final panel interview and the case study assignment,’ says Quagraine of her road to reaching the top spot. ‘I also recently found out that Shirley Machaba (PWC CEO and one of the judges) will be my mentor.  I am truly honoured and excited to learn from such an inspirational woman and leader and I cannot wait to start this mentorship journey.’

The Programme aims to be a significant and sustainable vehicle through which organisations, our country and our continent can identify and nurture these “organisational and national assets” who are set to play a key role in shaping the future of our country and our continent. Quagraine aims to use this platform to further the growth and development of women within the industry, as well as sustainable community development, by uniting both the private and public sector to be part of the solution. She is also passionate about the environment and will be working towards creating better environmental practices within my industry. ‘I am passionate about people, especially my vision and goals for my career which are centred around people, community, and the environment. I will  strive to make my mark and leave a better would for the next generation,’ says Quagraine.

The Rising Star Programme is establishing a living community of young African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication, therefore enabling them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future African Talent. Therefore, its latest winners gained extra inspiration on the night.  ‘We had the honour of having Dr Imitiaz Sooliman (Founder, Gift of the Givers) as a guest speaker at the award ceremony. He challenged us as Rising Star leaders to make our country a better place and strive to leave a better world for the next generation,’ says Quagraine who also predicts positive growth ahead for the tourism industry. ‘I look forward to growth within the African continent and believe that there is more opportunity in domestic tourism. The pandemic taught us a lot as industry, and we were able to see how America and Europe were quick recover in comparison to Africa. I look forward to us a country adopting the same strategy in targeting domestic tourism and working towards the recovery in bringing  sector to a higher contribution to the country’s GDP.’

Zukiswa Quagraine General Manager for Peermont’s  Khoroni Hotel Casino and Convention Resort in Thohyandou, Limpopo. For more information visit www.peermont.com.