FEDHASA Cape Executive Officer
Rema Wiese will be the first to tell you that hospitality wasn’t the plan, but thirty years later, she wouldn’t have it any other way. What started as a move into sales and client liaison after university became a career defined by connection: to people, to places, and to the stories that make this industry unlike any other.
As Executive Officer of FEDHASA Cape, Rema is the kind of leader who measures success in relationships built and differences made, however small. Her philosophy is disarmingly simple: acknowledge and involve people… and show up for them. This Women’s Month, she shares what three decades of doing exactly that has taught her.
Questions:
1. What first drew you to hospitality and tourism, and what’s kept you in it all these years?
After university, I found myself in the world of sales and client liaison, and then hospitality called. That was some thirty years ago, and I’ve been here ever since.
I started in sales and member relations and eventually stepped into the role of Regional Executive. But what has kept me here is simple: the people. The connections, the diversity of personalities, the stories, the places you get to see and visit, and the opportunity to make a difference, whether big or small.
There is honestly never a dull moment.
2. Women are still underrepresented in senior roles across the industry. What do you think businesses should be doing to change that?]
Businesses need to recognise and create more opportunities for women to grow, develop, and take on leadership roles. It starts with recognising talent and giving women a seat at the table.
We also need to support and encourage women to step forward and believe in their abilities. Mentorship and creating a supportive working environment can make a huge difference.
Most importantly, businesses need to look at the person and their potential, not just their gender.
3. Looking back on your career, what’s the achievement you’re proudest of, not just for the result, but for the difference it made?
For me, it has never really been about one personal achievement. It’s more about the privilege of working alongside exceptional and passionate people, and being part of projects and initiatives that have shaped not only my career but who I am.
My version of “AI” has always been straightforward: Acknowledge and Involve people. That is what I try to bring to everything that I do.
Over the past 18 months, one of the most rewarding experiences has been our FEDCONs (FEDHASA Connect Cape) where we reached out to members in more outlying areas and the platteland. Meeting our members in person, hearing their stories, and getting them more excited and involved in FEDHASA has been incredibly meaningful.
FEDHASA is a family and a community. Being part of that, and being there for people, is something I am deeply proud of.
4. What advice would you give a young woman just starting out who wants to end up in a leadership role one day?
Show up and grab every opportunity. Network and connect with people and build genuine relationships. It’s also wise to join your industry association, where you would meet and connect with like-minded industry professionals.
Surround yourself with passionate and competent individuals, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and find yourself a mentor who can guide and support you along the way.
And most importantly, believe in yourself. You don’t have to know everything from day one. Just be willing to learn and keep moving forward.
5. What makes you feel positive about the next generation of women coming into tourism and hospitality?
It is so encouraging to see women supporting one another and working together.
I love seeing women who believe in themselves, take chances, and create new and exciting opportunities, not only for themselves, but for other women too.
There is so much passion and potential in the next generation, and I cannot wait to see what they bring to this industry.
