Makatu operates and owns the Zwinoni Lodge in Milnerton Ridge, Cape Town.
The programme is one of Tsogo Sun’s community flagship initiatives which started in 2005 and to date supports over 60 entrepreneurs.
The flawless beauty Makatu beat other stiff contenders such as Florence Mondi of Flossie’s B&B in Soweto, Pam Maistry of Taunton House in Pietermaritzburg, Siphiwe Nhlapo of Temaswati Guesthouse in Meredale, and Lizzy Mphahlele of Lizvilla B&B in Acacia.
“I’m delighted and honoured for having bagged this all important award in the country, “ says Makatu after the awards ceremony.
Overjoyed and ecstatic, she told Sowetolife Magazine Online that, her win will be shared with the community of Cape Town since they’ve been supporting her.
“Yes, we’re going to put on our dancing shoes and party hard when I land.”
Asked what message she would like to convey to sponsors and future potential guest house owners, she said in her own words:” Tsogo Sun should be acknowledged for investing time and resources in making sure this programme grows every year. As for potential guest house owners, I would like to say be patient as this business is not for the faint hearted. Secondly, keep probing for questions from relevant parties within the hospitality sector and also involve your community because they can either make or break your vision,” she concluded.
Although no monetary value is involved, however, Makatu will be the face of the programme on all marketing related to the initiative.
The Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse programme is the only programme of its kind in South Africa with 92% of the programme’s members being black South African women.
Through the Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse programme, Tsogo Sun has contributed directly to the creation of 258 jobs and indirectly to the creation of more than 2000 jobs in the value chain since the programme’s inception.
92% of the guesthouses supported by the Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse programme have shown sustained growth since joining the programme.
The programme has provided 84 formal training interventions to the members of the Book a Guesthouse programme, as well as 2880 instances of individual business support and coaching during the last twelve months.
Graham Woods, Tsogo Sun Director, said he was elated that this year’s entrance has increased which goes to show what they’re doing has bore fruit from both the economical and development perspective in the country.
Mama Florence Mondi who owns Flossie’s Bed & Breakfast in Pimville, Soweto said although she did not win the ultimate prize, she was happy that she made it to the last five.
“By virtue of making it to the top five meant a lot to me. This goes to show how stiff this programme is and the kind of preparedness it comes with as well.”
