Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for hospitality that was nurtured during her upbringing in exile. As the Chief Operating Officer of City Lodge Hotels, Lindiwe’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
A Legacy of Hospitality and Leadership
Lindiwe’s love for hospitality was shaped by her early life experiences. Born in Eswatini and raised in several countries including Holland, Zambia, Kenya, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA, her family’s life in exile during Apartheid exposed her to a world of travel and service. Her parents, deeply involved in the African National Congress (ANC), turned their home into a safe haven for ANC leaders, including President Oliver Reginald Tambo, and young people fleeing the Apartheid regime. This environment of warmth and care ignited Lindiwe’s passion for hospitality.
Her journey in the hospitality industry formally began with studies at Ecole Les in Switzerland and Penn State University in the USA, where she earned a BSc in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management. This was followed by roles at prestigious establishments like the Grand Hyatt Washington DC and the Park Hyatt Rosebank in Johannesburg. Lindiwe’s career continued to flourish, with leadership positions at the InterContinental Sandton Towers Hotel, the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Since joining City Lodge Hotels in 2015 as Divisional Director of Operations and later being promoted to COO in 2018, Lindiwe has played a pivotal role in steering the company through challenging times, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Her leadership has been marked by innovation and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that City Lodge Hotels continues to thrive.
A Multifaceted Leader
Lindiwe’s achievements extend beyond her professional life. She recently published her debut book, “The Syndicate of 22 Natives”, a memoir detailing her father’s life as an academic, activist, and family man. This literary work adds yet another dimension to Lindiwe’s already impressive career, highlighting her dedication to preserving her family’s legacy.
Driving Innovation in Hospitality
Lindiwe’s leadership philosophy is rooted in resilience and continuous innovation. She believes that hard work and dedication are the keys to success, a principle instilled in her from a young age. The Covid-19 pandemic, which she describes as the ultimate test of survival, further reinforced the importance of business continuity and adaptability.
Under Lindiwe’s guidance, City Lodge Hotels has introduced several innovations, such as online check-in, full food and beverage service at all hotels, and a commitment to sustainability by eliminating single-use plastics. These initiatives, born out of necessity during the pandemic, have now become standard practice across the group.
Lindiwe is passionate about the future of the hospitality industry and encourages the next generation of hospitality professionals to stay informed about trends in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, digital marketing, and customer relationship management. She advises young professionals to specialise in these areas to drive the industry forward.
Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo’s journey from exile to excellence is a testament to her unwavering commitment to hospitality and leadership. As COO of City Lodge Hotels, she continues to inspire and lead with a vision for innovation and excellence, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the industry.
