As South Africa’s Women’s Month draws to a close, a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment emerged in the heart of Thohoyandou. On 29 August 2024, the unassuming businesswoman, Ms Tsakani Masia, stepped into the spotlight as the owner of the newly launched Premier Hotel Thohoyandou, a subsidiary of Premier Hotels & Spa. This momentous occasion celebrated not only the opening of a magnificent new establishment but also the remarkable achievements of women in business.
This four-star hotel, boasting 120 rooms and constructed under the prestigious Premier Hotels & Spa brand, stands tall in the rapidly developing town of Thohoyandou within the Thulamela Municipal area of Limpopo’s Vhembe District. Ms Masia’s achievement is doubly remarkable: not only does she own this hotel, but she also built it from the ground up as a contractor – an unprecedented feat in South African construction and business history.
The hotel, encompassing nearly 8 700 square metres of usable space, is poised to set new benchmarks in sustainable hospitality. Its striking stone façade, replacing traditional brick, embodies an environmentally conscious approach that permeates the entire development. From energy-efficient systems to responsible water management practices, the hotel seamlessly blends luxury with eco-friendliness.
Catalysing local development and empowerment
Beyond its commitment to sustainability, the hotel will serve as a dynamic hub for both business and leisure travellers. Featuring versatile conference spaces capable of hosting up to 450 delegates, a dedicated business suite, a sophisticated bar and restaurant with a wine bar, an inviting outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art gym facility, the hotel caters to the diverse needs of its guests.
Tourism in South Africa is a vital economic driver, contributing 3.7% to the country’s GDP and providing jobs for approximately 4.7% of the workforce. The opening of this new hotel in Thohoyandou, Venda, marks a significant step forward for the Vhembe District’s economy.
This development is not just a milestone for the tourism sector but also a beacon of progress for the local community. Beyond the 85 permanent positions created across various hotel operations, an additional 30 to 40 contract and part-time roles will further boost the local economy, translating into improved livelihoods for numerous families and fostering a sense of stability and opportunity.
Even before its doors opened, this project generated over 400 temporary jobs during construction, showcasing its commitment to contributing to the community. Now, with full operations underway, these permanent jobs will play a crucial role in the region’s long-term economic growth. As tourism continues its upward trajectory, this hotel stands as a testament to the power of sustainable development and its ability to create a positive ripple effect throughout South Africa.
The hotel, built at a cost of R194 million with R141 million financed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the remainder financed by the owner, represents the largest formal hotel accommodation in the province. It signifies a significant investment in the region’s future, underscores confidence in its tourism growth potential, and contributes to the empowerment of the people of the Vhembe region.
“It’s indeed been a privilege to have been afforded a unique opportunity by the Premier Group to work with them as both our technical guide during construction and our operator upon completion. We requested, from them, the kind of business relationship they never had in the past, and they agreed,” Masia said.
“We are also equally humbled by the confidence demonstrated by the IDC when they approved funding. This augurs well for the transformation project that this country has embarked on, underpinned by the empowerment of women,” Masia added.
Sigal Nassimov, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Premier Hotels & Resorts, expressed her enthusiasm: “Premier Hotels & Resorts remains committed to expanding its footprint into previously marginalised areas, aiming to stimulate local economies like that of Thohoyandou. Partnering with remarkable entrepreneurs such as Ms Masia is integral to our strategy of growth and empowerment across South Africa.”
The ceremony was attended by senior government leaders and other notable figures in the business sector, including Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, MEC of Education Ms Mavhungu Luruli-Ramakhanya, University of Venda Principal Prof Bernad Nthambeleni, and Judge Thembile Joyini of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
