QA
Moira Mdakana is the first woman
in Cape Town to be appointed to the
elite Les Clefs d’Or Society of the
Golden Keys and the first black woman
in South Africa to have achieved her
golden keys.
&
MOIRA
MDAKANA
CONCIERGE,
CAPE GRACE HOTEL,
CAPE TOWN,
SOUTH AFRICA
92 ILHA
Top concierges worldwide wear The
Society of the Golden Keys lapel
badges with pride knowing that they
are in an inner circle of excellence
where professionalism, integrity,
local knowledge and impeccable
recommendations are their golden
standard.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR
ACCOMPLISHMENTS, TO
LES CLEFS D’OR AND BEING
THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN
IN SOUTH AFRICA TO HAVE
DONE SO. CAN YOU TELL US
HOW YOU WORKED TOWARDS
ACHIEVING SUCH AN HONOR?
It hasn’t been an easy road. With hard
work, dedication and patience I know
anything you dream of is possible.
I have served as an assistant Head
Concierge for 6 years at my previous
establishment and I got nominated
by two Les Clefs d’Or members
who proposed my name to the
society. I then went through
various interviews and had to
explain why I would want to be part of
such a prestigious and elite group, and I
am proud to say I got accepted in June
2019.
WHAT GUEST SERVICE
PRINCIPALS DO YOU LIVE BY?
Being Honorable, having humility,
being a good listener and being able
to anticipate guest needs before they
say anything. You must be able to
engage with all types of guests and
provide them with the best customer
service all of the time. So, you really
have to genuinely love it. Imagine
how rewarding it is to be part of
orchestrating a milestone life event for
someone!