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How opportunity, mentorship and determination helped shape three remarkable careers.
Career journeys rarely follow a straight line. For Steenberg Farm’s Assistant Winemaker Thabile Cele, Assistant Housekeeping Manager Xolelwa Nyezi and Spa Therapist Thulisile Nongwana, the path to where they are today has been shaped by hard work, resilience and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
While their roles span wine, hospitality and wellness, all three women have built their careers through a combination of determination, mentorship and the support of a workplace that encouraged them to grow.
This Women’s Month, their stories offer a reminder that growth often begins with a single opportunity and the confidence to take the next step whether entering a new industry, taking on greater responsibility or developing skills that open the door to future leadership.
For Thabile Cele, that journey began as a harvest intern before she was appointed Assistant Winemaker in 2025. The transition brought new responsibilities and a steep learning curve as she moved from following plans to helping shape them.
“The biggest lesson has been learning to trust the process and adapt when things don’t go according to plan,” she explains. “As an intern, much of the planning was already done. Now I’m involved in decision-making and learning how to respond when circumstances change.”
A key part of that growth has been the mentorship she has received from winemaker Elunda Basson.
“Having someone who genuinely believes in you builds confidence,” says Cele. “I’ve learned to see every challenge as a learning opportunity and to trust myself when making decisions.”
Looking ahead, she is excited by the role innovation can play in the future of South African wine and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that continues to evolve.
For Xolelwa Nyezi, the journey has unfolded over two decades.
When she first entered the hospitality industry, she had no prior experience and quickly discovered that success would require perseverance and a willingness to learn.
“The first days were tough,” she recalls. “The work was hard and my feet hurt almost every day. But I kept trying.”
Twenty years later, she has progressed into a leadership role and looks back on a career defined by continuous learning.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” she says. “I started with no hospitality experience and today I’m in a leadership position. Along the way I’ve gained valuable skills and knowledge, and many of the people I’ve worked with have become like family.”
She credits much of that growth to being encouraged to ask questions, take on new responsibilities and continue learning throughout her career.
While guests may never see the work that happens behind the scenes, Nyezi believes housekeeping plays a vital role in creating memorable experiences.
“It’s about more than preparing rooms,” she explains. “It’s about making people feel comfortable, cared for and welcome.”
Creating that sense of care is also central to the work of Spa Therapist ThulisileNongwana.
For her, success is measured not only by the treatments she provides, but by how guests feel when they leave.
“People want to feel cared for,” she says. “They want a welcoming environment where they feel heard, respected and able to disconnect.”
Through careful consultation and attentive listening, Nongwana tailors each treatment to individual needs and preferences, creating experiences that feel personal and meaningful.
“Every guest is different,” she explains. “Taking the time to understand their concerns and preferences allows me to create an experience that makes them feel valued and cared for.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is seeing guests return.
“When someone comes back, it tells me they felt valued and cared for,” she says. “That motivates me to keep creating experiences that are even more personal and memorable.”
While their careers have taken different paths, Cele, Nyezi and Nongwana share a common thread: each embraced opportunities to learn, grow and challenge themselves. Along the way, mentorship, encouragement and trust helped transform potential into progress.
Their stories demonstrate that meaningful careers are rarely built overnight. Instead, they are shaped through perseverance, curiosity and workplaces that invest in people’s development.
This Women’s Month, their journeys serve as a reminder of what can happen when talent is recognised, opportunity is provided and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.