Meet Management
Meet the dedicated team behind your stay at the Royal Hotel, committed to making every visit comfortable, welcoming, and truly memorable. With more than 200 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, our staff are here to ensure your expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
Richard Lee
Managing Director
Richard’s association with the Royal Hotel began in 1982 as a trainee. He went on to gain experience with Stocks & Stocks, Sun International, and Southern Sun, including roles at Breakers Resort, Kwa Maritane, and Umhlanga Rocks Hotel. In 1990, he returned to the Royal Hotel, where he continues to lead as Managing Director.
Adri Viljoen
Deputy General Manager
Adri began her hospitality career at the Royal Hotel after being drawn to Ladysmith by her future husband. She started as Banqueting Coordinator and quickly advanced to Banqueting Manager, later becoming Executive Housekeeper in 2008. In 2012, following the departure of the Deputy General Manager, Adri was the natural choice to step into the role.
Mfungo Mhlongo
Head Chef
Mfungo qualified with a Professional Cookery qualification from the Hotel & Tourism Academy in Nelspruit followed by his practical training at Lapeng Lodge in Burgersfort. He moved on to Kuka Restaurant in Hazyview where he quickly progressed from Chef de Partie to Sous Chef. He honed his skill further at Southern Suns Pretoria, before joining Tasha’s Restaurant in Pretoria. In 2017 Mfungo joined the Royal Hotel as Sous Chef progressing to Senior Sous Chef & finally Head Chef.
Nelisiwe Mhlanga
Sous Chef
Nelly started at the Royal Hotel as a Kitchen Cleaner where she performed her duties diligently and, at the same time, showed an interest in learning to become a chef. The Head Chef at the time spent many hours training Nelly until she was capable of holding down a position as junior cook. Nelly showed a willingness to learn all departments in the kitchen, rising up through the ranks & was eventually rewarded with the promotion to Sous Chef.
Rejoice Dlamini
Assistant Manager
Joyce started her career at the Royal Hotel as a waitress in our Royal Carvery & Banqueting
Department. After showing great promise, willingness to learn more, Joyce was promoted to Restaurant Cashier. With a break in service for a few years, to complete schooling, Joyce returned to the Royal Hotel as a receptionist. After showing good supervisory skills, Joyce was promoted to Assistant Food & Beverage Manager later to Food & Beverage Manager.
Ricky Taylor
Assistant Manager
Ricky began his career at the Royal Hotel in 1999 as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and played a key role in opening The Tipsy Trooper Restaurant. After time in Pietermaritzburg, he returned in 2014 to manage Penelope’s Coffee and Bistro. He currently supports food and beverage operations while overseeing Penelope’s.
Anne Lee
Rooms Divison Manager
Anne started her hospitality career in 1979 at Sun City, gaining experience in reception, reservations, food and beverage control, and housekeeping. She later held Front Office Manager roles at Kwa Maritane and Southern Sun Elangeni before joining the Royal Hotel in 1990. Since then, she has contributed as Food and Beverage Controller, Staff Trainer, and Rooms Division Manager.
Hlengiwe Mkhize
Front Office Manager
Hlengiwe began her career in the hospitality industry as night receptionist at the Royal Hotel. When a vacancy arose for a day shift receptionist, Hlengiwe was the natural choice. Hlengiwe showed great leadership skills and on resignation of the front office manager, Hlengiwe was promoted to Front Office Manager where she leads the team to provide an excellent customer experience.
Hellen Hlatshwayo
Head Houskeeper
Hellen started at the Royal Hotel as a bedroom attendant; after showing great promise, she was
soon promoted to Housekeeping Supervisor, a position she excelled in. With the departure of the
Head Housekeeper, Hellen was promoted to Head Housekeeper.
Regina Malinga
Assistant Houskeeper
Regina started working at the Royal Hotel as a waitress in the Restaurant & Banqueting Department. Having proved herself in these positions, she was promoted to bar lady in our Makhathini’s Bar. Regina then joined the Housekeeping Department where she showed great leadership skills & was subsequently promoted to Assistant Housekeeper.
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