At a great restaurant, the things you don’t notice make all the difference. The way you are greeted when you arrive, the design of your menu, the way your plates are cleared, and the farewell when you are finished.
Akhona Ndlovu is the master of these details.
Ndlovu has been hugely influential in the Zai Restaurant brand. As managing director of the brand, she quietly helps steer one of the most admired restaurants in Durban.
Ndlovu is not only revolutionising the hospitality industry but is also a passionate advocate for the empowerment and safety of women within the traditionally male-dominated space.
Born in Margate and raised in Durban, the 25-year-old embarked on her journey as managing director when she was 23.
Reflecting on her experience, she said: “Hospitality is not as easy as it seems, especially for someone young like me. When running a family business, people often assume you will skip the hard lessons, but I have made it a priority to master every aspect of operations.
“When you are young, people tend to dismiss you, and as a woman, you have to work twice as hard to prove that there is more to you than just appearances,” added Ndlovu.
Commenting on safety and respect, she said women’s safety is one of her core values.
Ndlovu said if a male customer wanted to send a drink to a woman, their waiters are trained to seek the woman’s consent first. Only with the woman’s approval will the drink be sent.
In her leadership, the restaurant proudly earned the prestigious ‘Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur’ award at the 2024 Durban Tourism Awards which were held in June at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
Known for its Argentinian wood-fired grill and lounge, the restaurant specialises mainly in marbled meats with a fusion of Durban cuisine.
Their exquisite interior matches the delicious dishes coming from their kitchen, and their steaks and most of their meals are prepared on the Santa Marina grill over a wood fire and charcoal.
For the near future, Ndlovu said she looks forward to remaining committed to furthering the restaurant's development and expanding its influence in the hospitality industry.
She said she aspires to eventually complete her law degree and pursue a career as a full-time attorney, while also nurturing her passion for the media industry.