Women in Business: Fostering a Culture of Excellence atBeekman Group

By Cindy (Beekman) Allan, Director, Beekman Group

Across our industry, the presence and influence of women can be felt in every corner. At the Beekman Group, I’ve seen firsthand how the women in our teams shape the way we grow, the way we lead and the way we care for our staff and guests. 

It’s still surreal at times. Nearly 30 years in, I could never have imagined the scale of growth we’d experience. Leading a company so rooted in family values is both a privilege and a responsibility. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and I carry a deep sense of accountability to our people and our legacy.

Being a woman in this position adds another layer of meaning. It’s an opportunity to show that women can lead effectively in a family-founded business while bringing empathy, collaboration and trust. I believe these qualities shape a leadership style that is approachable, transparent and steady. 

Creating a Culture of Opportunity and Trust

We’ve worked hard to build a workplace culture that uplifts and supports every employee, regardless of gender. Whether at our resorts or head office, care, consistency and mutual respect are at the heart of how we operate.

From wellness campaigns and on-site lifestyle programmes to an aftercare facility for working parents, our support systems aren’t just perks. They’re part of our commitment to building an environment where people can truly thrive both personally and professionally.

This has empowered women across the organisation to grow into leadership. Of our 1300 employees in South Africa, 60% are women. Across the Group, women hold 65% of all leadership roles, with Department and Resort Managers comprising over 50% women. This reflects a culture built on trust, growth and equal opportunity.

Leading with Impact in Leisure and Hospitality

One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is seeing how women across the Group lead with both competence and care. Their impact is visible in daily operations, in how they uplift others, and in how they navigate challenges.

• At Dolphin View Cabanas in KwaZulu-Natal, Cynthia Mfeka stands out. After losing both her sisters, she took on the care of their eight children all while continuing to lead with quiet strength. Her team describes her as someone who never complains and always shows up.

  
  

• Her colleagues, Petronella Ndlovu and Abegail Mthembu, are equally inspiring. Petronella supports people in need through food initiatives and savings groups. Abegail, a community pastor, offers emotional and spiritual support to local families. These women lead by example and help shape a culture of care and accountability.

  
  

• Known affectionately as Aunty Vic, Victoria leads a large housekeeping team at Cayley Mountain Resort. Her leadership, grounded in trust, experience and empathy, has made her a pillar of strength and respect among her peers.

Our women don’t just lead teams – they influence families and communities. Many have grown from entry-level roles into management over the years, and their insight into the guest journey is both lived and earned.

One story that truly moved me comes from Kiara Lodge, where Selina Sello began her career as a cleaner in 1990. Today, her daughter Anna works in our Body Bliss Day Spa and has used her role to support her own daughter’s education. Stories like these remind us that investing in people means investing in generations.

Across the Group, many women have stayed with us for ten, twenty or even over thirty years. Their loyalty speaks volumes and forms the backbone of our operations.

Our Commitment to Empowering Women in the Workplace

Empowerment isn’t a once-off initiative. It’s a daily commitment and a key part of our business model.

Here‘s how we bring it to life:

• Skills development and leadership growthWe offer structured training and mentorship to support long-term career paths.

• Recognition of loyalty and excellenceMany of the women on our team have been with us for over a decade. We honour their commitment and celebrate their growth.

• Support for working familiesWe understand the challenge of balancing work and family and offer support wherever we can.

• Empowerment beyond the workplaceMany of our female leaders also uplift their communities through mentorship and outreach. We support and value their efforts both at work and at home.

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As a female director of the Beekman Group and a member of the founding family, I feel a personal responsibility to lead with fairness, compassion and integrity. Empowerment is not a checkbox. It’s a mindset. A culture. A choice we make every day to create space for others to grow.

Recognition That Reflects Real Impact

This year, we were honoured with the PMR.africa 2025 Diamond Arrow Award for companies doing the most to enhance the interests of women in the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast region.

Personally, this recognition is both humbling and heartening. It tells me that the values we’ve embedded into our business – fairness, compassion and accountability – are making a difference. Professionally, it reaffirms the work that goes into building a culture where women don’t just belong, they thrive. This didn’t happen because of a single bold move. It’s the result of steady, consistent decisions: to lead with integrity, to promote from within, and to make room for talent to rise. We also won at the KZN Top Business Awards for Employee Wellness for the second consecutive year – another reflection of our people-first approach.

Championing Women Leaders Every Day

What continues to stand out most to me is the quality of leadership I see among the women across our Group. They drive performance, build trust within their teams and contribute meaningfully to our success.

At the Beekman Group, we know that creating opportunities for growth means being intentional about how we build and support our teams. When people feel trusted and equipped, they’re more likely to thrive, and that is something we take seriously.

If you are someone who values consistency, integrity and the chance to make a real impact, we welcome you to explore what it means to be part of our team. 

The journey is meaningful, the work is rewarding, and the path forward is built on respect and shared purpose.