Southern Sun is celebrating Housekeeping Week, highlighting three leaders: Wessel Odendaal, Khayalethu Ngqase and Christo Nel.

Meet Wessel Odendaal: The Executive Housekeeper Who Elevates Cleanliness to an Art Form

At Arabella Hotel, Golf, and Spa, Wessel Odendaal’s role as Executive Housekeeper goes beyond managing cleanliness—it’s about creating an experience. His passion for perfection ensures every guest’s stay is memorable, and his leadership style inspires his team to consistently deliver their best.

Wessel joined Southern Sun’s Arabella Hotel, Golf, and Spa in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from roles at Radisson Blu Gautrain, Lion Roars’ Kloof Street Hotel, and several Southern Sun properties. With each position, he’s honed his leadership and operational skills, setting the standard for excellence.

A Day in the Life: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences

For Wessel, every morning is an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Whether through thoughtful touches that enhance a guest’s experience or motivating his team to reach new heights, he believes housekeeping is the heart of the hotel.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Managing a diverse team presents challenges, but Wessel sees these as opportunities to unify and inspire. He leads by example, instilling Southern Sun’s values of respect and consistency. His hands-on approach creates a cohesive, motivated team that thrives on collaboration.

Developing Talent and Engaging with the Community

In regions where experienced staff are hard to find, Wessel partners with local social development programs to train and develop new talent. This not only addresses staffing needs but also strengthens the hotel’s ties to its community.

A Philosophy of Passion and Dedication

Wessel lives by the mantra, “Work like you don’t need the money. Dance like no one is watching. And love like you’ve never been hurt.” His approach to life and work fuels his passion for creating magical experiences at Arabella Hotel, Golf, and Spa.

Meet Khayalethu Ngqase: A Passion for Perfection in Hospitality

With over 25 years in hospitality and eight years as an Executive Housekeeper, Khayalethu Ngqase brings unmatched expertise to Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard. His drive for delivering exceptional guest experiences through cleanliness and organization sets a high bar for his team.

A Day in the Life: Leading with Dedication and Precision

Khayalethu’s mornings are focused on ensuring every guest enjoys a spotless space. His passion for mentoring his team and watching them grow drives the smooth operations he leads, overseeing a staff of more than 20 housekeepers.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Khayalethu prioritizes high standards as the key to unforgettable guest experiences. Through regular inspections, quality control, and efficient time management, he ensures every aspect of the hotel meets his rigorous expectations.

A Career Built on Hard Work and Determination

Starting as a night cleaner, Khayalethu’s career journey showcases persistence and dedication. His rise to Executive Housekeeper at several Southern Sun properties, including his current role, speaks to his passion for excellence and professional growth.

A Philosophy of Dedication and Care

Khayalethu’s leadership is defined by his commitment to mentoring his team and delivering top-tier guest experiences. Under his guidance, the housekeeping department creates an environment where guests feel truly welcomed.

Meet Christo Nel: Leading with Precision and Passion

At Southern Sun Waterfront, Christo Nel’s role as Executive Housekeeper is about more than just maintaining cleanliness—it’s about shaping memorable guest experiences. His careful planning and adaptability have enabled him to thrive in this fast-paced corporate hotel environment.

A Day in the Life: Ensuring Excellence Behind the Scenes

Christo believes in being present on the floors, guiding his team and ensuring every guest’s stay is flawless. For him, respect—for guests, staff, and the hotel—is the foundation of excellent housekeeping.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

COVID-19 brought new challenges, but Christo adapted by empowering his team with new skills and using technology like Google Translate to bridge communication gaps. His leadership ensures operations run smoothly, even in tough circumstances.

A Philosophy of Flexibility

Christo’s motto is simple: “Plan but be adaptable.” His ability to adjust plans ensures the team stays on track and guests receive exceptional service, no matter the challenge.

Housekeepers and room attendants are the backbone of every hotel, working tirelessly to ensure guests feel comfortable and cared for. Their attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean, welcoming environment are essential to the guest experience. Whether it’s preparing a room for a new guest or maintaining its cleanliness during a stay, their efforts create the seamless hospitality that guests rely on. Without their hard work, the high standards that make each hotel stay memorable wouldn’t be possible.