Nolusindiso “Cindy” Seti is Guest Relations Manager at Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront. She has grown into the person she is today, developing her management skills through different positions at Radisson, working her way up from the reception desk to Guest Relations Manager. This Women’s Month, her path illustrates how far front-line, guest-facing experience can take you in South African hospitality.
In her current role, Seti leads the Moment Makers Team, as many know as a Guest Relations team, in delivering meaningful moments. Whether securing a restaurant reservation, arranging a rejuvenating spa treatment, discovering hidden local gems, or embarking on an unforgettable kayak adventure. From celebrating special occasions and recommending unique experiences to crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your interests, no request is too big or too small. Attention to detail and passion for hospitality transform ordinary moments into lasting memories. She also coaches and mentors her team on ways to make a guest’s stay positive by ensuring personal moments.
“To me, being a Guest Relations Manager is about creating meaningful connections and ensuring every guest feels genuinely valued. After 14 years in the hospitality industry, I have learned that luxury is about anticipating needs, building trust, and creating memorable experiences that guests will cherish long after they leave,” says Seti.
Seti’s career began in November 2011 as a Receptionist and Reservations Agent at Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, where she managed bookings, processed payments, and handled guest enquiries. In March 2018, she took her hospitality career overseas, joining the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) in Dubai as a Guest Relations Officer. Aboard the historic ocean liner, she did everything from concierge excursions to welcoming guests and handling many of the front office responsibilities.
Seti adds, “Behind that desk, I learnt far more than how to operate a hotel system. I learnt how to communicate with different cultures, how to remain calm when a guest was upset, how to manage several requests at the same time, and how to pay attention to details that could completely change a guest’s experience. I value these international experiences deeply.”
Seti returned to Cape Town in November 2018 to join Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel as a Receptionist. Over the next six years, she worked her way up through the ranks. She was promoted to Service Manager in 2020, a role she held through March 2025, managing daily hotel operations and guest recovery. She then moved into the Assistant Front Office Manager role, supervising the reception and guest service teams and supporting training and scheduling.
In October 2025, Seti was promoted to Guest Relations Manager of the Moment Makers Department, staying at the same Waterfront property as it rebranded from Radisson Blu to Radisson Collection.
Over 12 years, Seti has built her career within Cape Town’s hospitality sector, with an international stint that broadened her perspective on luxury service. For Women’s Month, Seti’s journey reflects the path many women in South African hospitality take: starting in front-line, guest-facing roles and progressing into leadership through years of hands-on experience.
“My advice to women entering hospitality is to embrace every opportunity to learn. Some of the most valuable lessons come from guest interactions. Be patient with your journey, stay passionate about people, and never underestimate the impact of consistency, professionalism, and a positive attitude,” notes Seti.
Three lessons from 14 years in hospitality:
On starting: Reception taught me the foundation of hospitality. You are often the first and last person a guest interacts with, so you quickly understand how important that interaction is. I learned patience, attention to detail, communication, and how to deal with different personalities.
On working abroad: You meet guests from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and you quickly realise that there is no one way to deliver good service. You must listen to the guest, understand what they need, and adapt your approach. The experience also gave me confidence. It was the first time I really experienced hospitality on an international level. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and showed me that I could adapt and succeed in a completely different environment.
On leading a team: One of the most rewarding parts of my role is mentoring the women on my team. I encourage them to believe in their abilities, speak up, and take on new challenges. Hospitality offers incredible growth opportunities, and I am passionate about helping the next generation of women and men leaders find their confidence and reach their potential.