There are moments in life that remind you you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. The recent She Leads Africa gathering, hosted by Pullman Cape Town, Accor Hotels, at the elegant Cape Grace Hotel was one such moment, a beautifully curated experience where stories, purpose, and industry vision came together in powerful conversations.
This initiative is more than a campaign. She Leads Africa is part of Accor’s global movement dedicated to unlocking female potential through mentorship-driven programs emphasizing empowerment, equity, and collective progress. Beyond mentorship, Accor uses some of its hotels to provide safe housing for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), demonstrating a deep commitment to social impact and community care.
The room was filled with women and a few intentional men from across hospitality, media, and tourism sectors. Every individual brought their own story, but a shared energy of progress and representation was palpable.
Leading this vision globally is Verona Naidoo, a Durban-born leader now based in Dubai, who champions the She Leads Africa initiative with intentionality and passion. Verona’s journey from South Africa to a global platform is a powerful reminder of the reach and impact of African women in leadership.
Locally, this commitment to inclusive leadership was further underscored by the recent appointment of Thuthukile Moloto as General Manager of Pullman Cape Town, a powerful milestone signaling Accor’s ongoing transformation of hospitality leadership across Africa.
The highlight of the day was the keynote address by Marlene Coetzee, CEO of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa. Marlene shared her moving story of overcoming limiting environments reminding us all that while our surroundings may try to hold us back, a strong sense of purpose can propel us forward.
“Sometimes our environments cripple us,” she said, “but I knew I was destined for more.”
Her words echoed deeply, affirming the resilience and quiet courage it takes to break barriers.
On a personal note, I had the honor of greeting Thuthukile Moloto, Pullman’s new General Manager, the same day I spent the night at Pullman Cape Town. As a Black woman, it was an affirming moment seeing representation in leadership and experiencing hospitality excellence in a space that values inclusion and progress.
This gathering was a powerful reminder that the fight for equity, safety, and opportunity is collective fueled by mentorship, community, and intentional action. Events like this are not just about networking but about building a legacy where everyone can thrive.
