Akhona leads Zai Restaurant to new heights

By Temo Mpodi

Renowned for its exceptional cuisine and commitment to cultural inclusivity, Zai Restaurant, located in Morningside, Durban, South Africa, caters to a diverse clientele. Zai has become a cornerstone of Durban’s hospitality scene, offering a world-class dining experience in a safe and welcoming environment.

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. No wonder they 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.

Leading this successful restaurant is 25-year-old Akhona Yedwana Ndlovu, one of Durban’s youngest and most dynamic Managing Directors. Not only is she revolutionising the hospitality industry, but Akhona is also a passionate advocate for the empowerment and safety of women within the traditionally male-dominated space.

At just 23 years old, she embarked on her journey as Managing Director of Zai under the mentorship of great 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.”

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.

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. Akhona embodies the belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, and her legacy at Zai reflects this commitment.

https://zaidurban.co.za