Women In Travel & Tourism Section spotlights leading women in the African hospitality, travel and tourism industry. In this exclusive interview, Nomad Africa’s Martin Chemhere engages Khanyi Malimela, Owner of Number Six Guest House, Umhlanga, South Africa.
Nomad Africa: Who is Khanyi Malimela?
Khanyi Malimela: Khanyi Malimela is a businesswoman who is based in Umhlanga, North of Durban KZN. I am currently running a self-catering guest house called Number Six Umhlanga as well as my own fashion line called Mila.
Nomad Africa: How did your entrepreneurship journey start?
Khanyi Malimela: I saw myself as an entrepreneur, building my own businesses and working on my own with a team, as opposed to the norm of the 9-5. Not disregarding the 9-5 as it contributes to our country’s economy, but however I regard business as my calling as it began in the early stages of my life. I started my first business in 2013, starting the fashion line Mila. I then later on, in September 2018, started running the self-catering guest house, Number Six Umhlanga.
Nomad Africa: What obstacles did you come across in running your business?
Khanyi Malimela: It wasn’t easy to run the guest house in the beginning stages, but through my resilience and dedication I was able to successfully run my establishment. Our guest house started on a good note, it was initially a BnB and breakfast was served to our guests. During the lockdown that was due to Covid 19, which was from March 2020 and we were able to reopen in October 2021 but we discontinued serving breakfast. It was very difficult to get the word out in the beginning and we were not sure how we would get our guests and get the to believe in Number Six Umhlanga Self Catering Guest House, but we made it a success.
Nomad Africa: What makes your business unique?
Khanyi Malimela: Our unique location. The Number Six Umhlanga Guest house is situated in the heart of Umhlanga. The newly built exquisite Oceans Mall is only 1,5 km away from the guest house (4-minute drive). The beach is 1km away. Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the 4th largest Mall in Africa is only 5-minute drive. The name makes it easier to find, it is our address, no pun intended. All tourist attractions in Durban are easy to get to. These include the Lighthouse, The Durban Harbour, Ushaka Marine World, Moses Mabida, Durban Botanic Gardens, Golden Mile Durban, Phezulu Safari Park, Zulumoon Gondolas Boat Rides etc.
Nomad Africa: Who is your competition and how are you different?
Khanyi Malimela: Since Umhlanga Rocks is a tourist attraction on its own, there is a lot of competition in the Umhlanga area. There are a few BnBs and guesthouses as well, right around the corner is Jessica’s BnB and up the road is Umhlanga Guesthouse. Number Six Umhlanga prices are competitive, and the service is exceptional as we go an extra mile for individual needs. What differentiates us from other establishments is that we never compromise on hospitality and cleanliness, and unlike other guest houses and we do have a minimum stay of a day.
Nomad Africa: What kept you and the business going?
Khanyi Malimela: We have stayed relevant through consistent exceptional service and catering to our guests’ needs. Our team is hard working and passionate about hospitality. They are welcoming and always ready to assist in whatever way they can. My family and I saw an opportunity for income since the guest house is in a convenient location, it is close to the beach and other Umhlanga and Durban amenities. I have grown as an entrepreneur from when I started until present. I am also the 2017 KZN young achiever award winner.
