Ancy Turner, Executive Housekeeper at City Lodge Hotel, OR Tambo International Airport, is a manager, mentor, mother figure and friend to many. Regarded as one of the hardest working members of her team, her superpowers are leading with love, making people feel welcome and inspiring others to strive for success.
The hotel is the group’s largest with 365 rooms and 100% occupancy at all times. It is within walking distance of the airport terminal building and features a spacious #Café restaurant and sundowner bar, three meeting rooms for up to 46 people, a fitness room and an outdoor pool. With business and leisure travelers flying in from all over the world and checking in at all times of the day and night, food and beverage service is often required around the clock. Operating at optimal levels is a tough job and staff are selected for their ability to perform well under pressure.
Anthy began her career in the linen room at the Don Hotel under the tutelage of veteran housekeeper Margaret Lamont. “I knew I had the talent,” she says, reflecting on her early days in the challenging world of hotel housekeeping. Her talent and dedication quickly saw her promoted, working in various departments across the hotel.
Specialising in housekeeping, Angie believes it is vital to understand all aspects of running a hotel: “It’s been a busy journey and I’ve gained experience in all areas, but it’s important to be willing to pitch in in other parts of the hotel when required.”
She joined City Lodge Hotels 25 years ago on 1 September 1999, working in housekeeping at City Lodge Hotel Johannesburg Airport, Barbara Road, and in 2020 joined the opening team of City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport.
The hotel’s opening was a major milestone, she explains: “We went in and built it, we worked hard and we set high goals so people would understand how to do things and follow our example.”
Anthy’s leadership has been instrumental in creating a housekeeping team that truly cares about their work and each other.
“I lead with love,” she says simply, believing kindness has the power to change attitudes and unlock potential. “I hire proactive individuals and if I see potential, I train them as a supervisor. It’s incredible to see their whole attitude change.”
Mentorship is a big aspect of Angie’s role, and she fondly remembers working with Angie Morocca, who was a colleague, friend and mother figure. “Angie was someone I looked up to and a shoulder to cry on. She taught me how to coach and motivate others.”
Now, Anthy has brought this nurturing approach to her own department, saying, “I care very much about the women I work with and make sure they’re all OK.”
Having overcome challenges in her own life, she also understands that a person’s background can influence how they approach work. “You can bring personal experiences to work and not even realize it,” she notes. This empathy has made her team more like family than just coworkers.
But Anthy balances kindness with discipline and sets clear expectations: “It’s important to maintain high standards and order, so I’ll be firm when necessary. If you break the rules you’ll be given another chance, but if it’s a third time you can’t work here anymore because you’ve proven that you don’t belong or that you don’t belong here.”
For Anthy, housekeeping is a metaphor for life: “When everything is clean and pristine, you feel pristine,” she explains. “I believe in routine, schedule and self-discipline, not just to keep the hotel clean, but to achieve emotional and mental clarity.”
Her dedication is evident in her daily work: she starts work at 4am so she can connect with staff on all shifts, and ensures her team knows exactly what needs to be done that day by 8am. Anthy says this isn’t a struggle as it’s her passion.
Throughout her career, she has mentored many young mothers and those without formal qualifications, helping them develop the confidence and skills to become professionals who can put food on the table and provide for their families.
“I don’t like the victim mentality, and I tell women to get rid of that mentality as soon as possible,” she says. “We’re not going backwards. If you need a little break to get your emotions in control, go back to work, go get some sun, but today, be proactive and take a positive step.”
Anthy’s caring ethos also benefits her guests: “When you walk into a hotel room it can feel like home or it can feel cold. Guests notice the difference. When you clean carefully and thoughtfully to give the best first impression to guests when they walk through the door, it comes across and they appreciate it. We go out of our way to make our guests’ lives easier.”
Ian Laughland, the hotel’s experienced and award-winning General Manager, added: “It is a true honour for us to have Anthy leading our housekeeping team. She leads the team with a kind and caring attitude and gets the job done, creating a loving environment for her team and our guests. Well done, Anthy!”
