At the heart of Durban’s thriving culinary landscape, Zai Restaurant has emerged as a beacon of excellence, cultural richness, and top-tier dining experiences. Spearheading this success is 25-year-old Akhona Yedwana Ndlovu, one of Durban’s youngest and most dynamic Managing Directors. Akhona is not only revolutionizing the hospitality industry but is also a passionate advocate for the empowerment and safety of women within the traditionally male-dominated space.
This year, Zai Restaurant proudly earned the prestigious ‘Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur’ award at the annual Durban Tourism Awards, further solidifying its status as one of Durban’s most-loved restaurants. Known for its Argentinian wood-fired grill and lounge, Zai offers some of the finest meat cuts prepared on a Santa Marina grill, coupled with exceptional service from well-trained staff, a captivating ambiance, and outdoor seating that makes it the perfect spot for any occasion.
A Journey of Passion and Determination
Born in Margate and raised in Durban, Akhona’s early life was characterized by academic achievement and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. At just 23 years old, she embarked on her journey as Managing Director of Zai under great mentorship of people in the hospitality space. Her relentless work ethic and hands-on approach have been pivotal to the restaurant’s rapid rise. Reflecting on her experience, Akhona shares, “Hospitality isn’t as easy as it seems, especially for someone young like me. When you’re running a family business, people often assume you’ll skip the hard lessons, but I’ve made it a priority to master every aspect of operations.”
Empowering Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
Akhona’s ascent in a male-dominated industry hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly in gaining the respect and recognition she deserves. “When you’re young, people tend to dismiss you, and as a woman, you have to work twice as hard to prove that there’s more to you than just appearances,” she says.
Undeterred by these obstacles, Akhona has made it her mission to uplift other women within the industry. Zai employs an equal balance of male and female staff, and Akhona is deeply committed to mentoring her female employees.
A Commitment to Safety and Respect
Zai’s dedication to women’s safety is a core value championed by Akhona. The restaurant’s security team is carefully trained to ensure that female patrons feel safe and respected at all times. “If a male customer wants to send a drink to a woman, our waiters are trained to seek the woman’s consent first. Only with her approval will the drink be sent,” Akhona notes. This thoughtful and respectful approach has made Zai a beloved destination among women who appreciate a secure and welcoming environment.
Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Akhona remains committed to furthering Zai’s development and expanding its influence in the hospitality industry. 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. However, her current focus is on continuing to build a business that not only stands as a culinary landmark in Durban but also serves as a sanctuary for women seeking empowerment and upliftment.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Akhona Ndlovu’s leadership at Zai goes far beyond managing a successful restaurant; it’s about creating opportunities, nurturing a supportive community, and setting new standards in an industry where women can truly excel. In a recent effort to honor Durban-based women, a special Women’s Day brunch was hosted on August 9. As a young, independent woman with a passion for the finer things in life, Akhona embodies the belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, and her legacy at Zai reflects this commitment.
