As South Africa's Women's Month drew to a close, a powerful symbol of the empowerment of women emerged in Thohoyandou.

On August 29, Tsakani Masia stepped into the spotlight as the owner of the newly launched Premier Hotel Thohoyandou, a subsidiary of Premier Hotels & Spa.

Masia, a businesswoman, not only owns the hotel but also built it from the ground up as a contractor – an unprecedented feat in South African construction and business history.

The four-star hotel, featuring 120 rooms, is in the rapidly developing town of Thohoyandou, within the Thulamela Municipal area of Limpopo's Vhembe District.

The hotel will serve as a hub for both business and leisure travellers, with a conference space capable of hosting up to 450 delegates, a dedicated business suite, a bar and restaurant with a wine bar, an outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art gym facility.

“It’s been a privilege to have been afforded a unique opportunity to work as both a technical guide during construction and an operator upon completion,” said Masia.

Sigal Nassimov, COO of Premier Hotels & Resorts, said the group remained committed to expanding its footprint into previously marginalised areas, aiming to stimulate local economies such as Thohoyandou.

“Partnering with remarkable entrepreneurs such as Masia is integral to our strategy of growth and empowerment across South Africa," she said.