Philisiwe Gumede’s journey from the vibrant Umlazi township to becoming the General Manager of The Oyster Box is a story of resilience, ambition, and breaking barriers.
With years of leadership experience across different countries and industries, she’s faced challenges like the global pandemic and is now guiding one of the most beloved hotels in South Africa.
Philisiwe shares insights about humility, leadership, and why her role is about more than just personal success.
Early Beginnings and Discovering a Passion for Hospitality
When Philisiwe looks back at how her career began, she recalls how the diverse environments she’s worked in taught her to value humility above all else.
“Working with different cultures and nationalities showed me that blending in, respecting traditions, and lifting from within a team is key,” she says.
Growing up in a cooperative culture shaped her approach to teamwork, no matter where she is.
Her love for hotels started back in 1997 when she decided she wanted to train in hotel management.
Though she began her journey at the Royal Hotel in Durban, known for its elegant silver service, it was Sun City Resort that sparked her passion for hospitality.
The Oyster Box, while iconic, was a name she knew early on but only came to lead much later in her career.
What Makes Hospitality So Special to Her
Hospitality, for Philisiwe, is all about people and service.
“You don’t just choose this career, it chooses you,” she explains.
It’s a demanding industry with highs and lows, but the key is always going the extra mile and making every guest’s experience special.
Her desire to explore the world also fueled her career.
Coming from Umlazi, she always had this yearning to see beyond her hometown.
“I was the youngest of six siblings and just wanted more,” she says.
Over the years, her travels have taken her from Durban to Dubai, the United States, and the UK — before finally bringing her home.
Leading by Example and Staying Visible
Philisiwe believes leadership is about being present.
“You lead from the front, showing up in the trenches with your team,” she says.
Her leadership style involves being visible, hands-on, and fully engaged with both her staff and guests.
Finding the right people to support this vision comes with experience.
She knows how to spot talent, as when she recently hired a sales manager who understood the city and the market well.
This kind of insight, she notes, comes from years in the industry and a strong network.
The Emotional Weight of Leading The Oyster Box
Taking charge of The Oyster Box is a deeply emotional milestone for Philisiwe.
“This hotel is legendary, and being the first Black woman to hold this role carries so much meaning,” she reflects.
Coming from a township background, stepping into this iconic space feels like a moment not just for her, but for many who see themselves in her journey.
She also feels a responsibility to honor the hotel’s heritage while introducing fresh ideas.
Collaborating closely with Durban Tourism, she hopes to make The Oyster Box a bigger part of the city’s global story, blending tradition with innovation.
Crisis Leadership and Keeping Calm Under Pressure
Philisiwe’s leadership was put to the test during the Covid-19 pandemic when she unexpectedly found herself managing a healthcare facility.
“It was more than a job — it became a calling,” she says.
Keeping people safe was the top priority, and the experience reinforced the importance of passion and dedication in leadership.
Her calm in crisis comes down to emotional intelligence.
“It’s about staying composed and focused, even when things fall apart,” she explains.
A memorable example was during a flood at Sun City, where she left a family celebration to help her team through the night — making sure guests were comfortable by morning.
Breaking Ground and Quiet Triumphs
One of Philisiwe’s proudest career moments came early on in 2002, when she became the first Black woman to manage operations on the floor at the Sandton Convention Centre.
She led the team during the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, a role that set the tone for her future breakthroughs.
Since then, she’s opened resorts, managed large hospitals, and continually pushed boundaries.
What She Looks For in Future Leaders
Passion, discipline, humility, and strong communication are non-negotiable qualities for Philisiwe when mentoring others.
“Leadership means sacrifice and being consistent.
You earn respect through integrity and by never forgetting the people who do the groundwork,” she says.
Life Beyond the Hotel
Despite her demanding role, Philisiwe cherishes family time.
She’s a mother and grandmother, raising her own daughter and her late sister’s child. Their joy keeps her grounded and motivated.
She’s also pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, aiming to graduate next year with her eyes set on becoming a CEO or running her own company one day.
A Message of Hope and Hard Work
Philisiwe’s story is one of determination from humble beginnings in KwaZulu-Natal to leadership at the highest level.
“I want people to know that no matter where you come from, with hard work and consistency, anything is possible,” she says with conviction.