Ansie Turner is Executive Housekeeper at City Lodge Hotel OR Tambo International Airport. She is a manager, mentor, mother figure and friend to many. Described as one of the hardest working members of the team, her superpower is leading with love, making people feel welcome and inspiring others to strive for success.

The hotel is the largest in the group with 365 rooms and regularly runs at 100% occupancies. It is walking distance from the airport terminal buildings and features a spacious #Café restaurant and sundowner bar, three boardrooms with conference facilities for up to 46 guests, fitness room and outdoor pool.

Business and leisure guests from around the world check in at all hours of the day and night, often requiring food and beverage services around the clock. It’s a mammoth task operating at optimum levels so staff must be able to perform well under pressure.

Turner began her career in the linen room at The Don Hotels under the guidance of veteran housekeeper Margaret Lamont. "I knew I had a knack for it," she recalls, reflecting on her early days in the challenging world of hotel housekeeping. Her talent and dedication earned a promotion that enabled her to work across different areas of the property.

While specialising in housekeeping, Turner believes understanding all aspects of hotel operations is crucial. "It’s been a busy journey. I’ve gained experience in all areas. It’s important that we’re willing and able to help in other parts of the hotel when needed."

She joined City Lodge Hotels 25 years ago on September 1, 1999, as head of housekeeping at City Lodge Hotel Johannesburg Airport on Barbara Road. In 2010, she joined the opening team at City Lodge Hotel beside OR Tambo International Airport.

‘Significant milestone’

The hotel opening was a significant milestone for Turner. "We went through construction, worked hard and aimed high  – that’s how you get people to see how things must be done and follow your example."

Her leadership was instrumental in forming a housekeeping team that genuinely cares about their work and each other.

"I lead with love," she says simply, believing in the power of kindness to change attitudes and unlock potential. "I take aggressive individuals and, if I see potential in them, train them as supervisors. It's incredible to watch how their attitude changes.”

Mentorship

Mentorship is a major aspect of Turner’s role. She fondly remembers working with colleague and friend Angie Moroga who was also a mother figure. "Angie was someone I looked up to and a shoulder to cry on. She taught me how to mentor and motivate others."

Now Turner brings this nurturing approach to her own department. "I care a lot about the ladies I work with and make sure everybody is OK."

She also understands that people’s backgrounds influence their approach to work, having overcome hardship in her life. "You bring your personal experiences to work and you don’t even realise it." This empathy has transformed her team into more than just coworkers – they are family members.

However, Turner balances kindness with discipline and sets clear expectations. “I put my foot down when I need to because it’s important to maintain high standards and order. If you break the rules, you get one more chance. By the third time, you cannot work here anymore as you have proven you don’t or won’t fit in."

Metaphor for life

For Turner, housekeeping is a metaphor for life. “If everything is clean and back in place so too are your emotions. I believe in routine, schedules and self-discipline – not just for maintaining a clean hotel but also for achieving emotional and mental clarity.”

Her dedication is evident in her daily routine. Ensuring she touches base with staff on all shifts, she starts work at 04h00 so that, by 08h00, her team knows exactly what needs to be done on that day. Turner says this isn’t a hardship because it’s her passion.

Throughout her career, she has mentored many young mothers and people who lacked formal qualifications, helping them grow into confident and skilled professionals who can afford to put food on the table and take care of their families.

"I don’t like victim mentality. I tell my ladies to get rid of that as soon as possible. We’re not going backwards – get back to work or take a walk in the sunshine if you need a quick break to get on top of your feelings but let’s be proactive and positive today.”

Turner’s caring nature also benefits the guests. "When you walk into a hotel room, it can either feel like home or feel cold and guests can tell the difference. When you clean with care and thought to create the best first impression for the guest walking in the door, it shows and they’ll appreciate it. We go out of our way to make our guests’ lives easy.”

Hotel General Manager Ian Laughland says: “We are absolutely privileged to have Ansie heading the housekeeping team – she leads in a kind, caring manner, getting the tasks done by creating a loving environment for our team and guests. Well done, Ansie!”