Legacy in Motion: Rethinking Leadership for a Multi-Generational Future in South Africa

In South Africa’s rapidly evolving business landscape, fewer than 30% of family-owned businesses successfully transition to the second generation, and only a small fraction makes it to the third. Beekman Group stands out as a rare example of what long-term leadership, vision and shared values can achieve. More than 50 years after its beginnings in KwaZulu-Natal, the Group has grown into one of the region’s most trusted names in hospitality and property development, managing more than 40 resorts across Southern Africa and Australasia. Its story shows how legacy can thrive when it evolves with intention.

A Legacy Built on Values That Continue to Guide the Way

Beekman Group’s longevity is rooted in a leadership approach that treats its founding principles of integrity, innovation and family as a framework for growth rather than something fixed in time. As the business expanded, new generations adapted these values to changing markets, emerging technologies and modern traveller expectations. This balance between tradition and transformation has helped the company maintain its reputation as a reliable force in KwaZulu-Natal’s business community.

“True legacy leadership is about building something that outlives you, not by standing still but by evolving with purpose,” says Fiona Broom, Group Executive at Beekman Group. “Each generation must ask what our founding spirit means today. For us, that means embracing innovation to expand our impact, using technology to open new opportunities, and creating workplaces where people can grow. Legacy is not defined by what we keep, but by what we continue to grow.”

Supporting Growth in the Tourism Sector

Over the decades, the Group has shifted from a pioneering presence in the timeshare market to a modern hospitality leader. This evolution reflects a strong understanding of changing traveller needs and the growing interest in high-quality, experience-led holidays. This commitment to growth is evident in The Holiday Club’s recent celebration of its 10 millionth guest sent on holiday, a milestone that speaks to the Beekman Group’s consistent expansion and enduring impact on the industry.

With over 1 400 employees, the organisation contributes meaningfully to the tourism sector, a vital part of South Africa’s economy. Approximately 40% of the Group’s resorts are located in KwaZulu-Natal, where tourism plays an important role in job creation and regional development. Through responsible development and community upliftment initiatives, the Group continues to support growth in the areas where it operates.

Family Leadership That Inspires Stability and Progress

Beyond its strong commercial performance, the Beekman Group is defined by its KZN family roots and the warmth that comes with being a family-owned business. This leadership style creates a culture built on trust, authenticity and genuine care.

The leadership team includes John Beekman, Managing Director, and Directors Cindy Allan (nee Beekman), Wayne Beekman and Neville Beekman. They blend respect for the Group’s origins with a forward-looking mindset that encourages stability, innovation and collaboration, while staying true to the values the company was built on. This sense of family naturally extends to employees and guests. It is a people-first leadership style that reflects the resilience and long-term vision admired across KZN businesses.

Shaping a Future-Focused Business for the Province

The Beekman Group views leadership as a relay, where each generation builds on the foundation left by the previous one. Today, the company is focused on continued innovation, sustainability and inclusive leadership, all of which support both its own growth and the economic activity surrounding its resorts and developments.

As the organisation plans for the future, one belief continues to guide its journey. The greatest contribution one generation can make is to leave a foundation strong enough to support the next.

Legacy is not a monument to the past. It is a movement toward the future.

Learn more about the Beekman Group’s continued impact, leadership and contribution to business growth in KwaZulu-Natal.