For Zinhle Gasa, the journey into entrepreneurship and Thabela House began not in boardrooms or business schools, but in her own backyard. After purchasing her home in 2012, she found joy in hosting friends and creating vibrant social spaces. Her love for entertaining planted the seed for what would later grow into a thriving hospitality business. What started as casual gatherings quickly transformed into an idea to supplement her income, and soon she discovered the potential of Airbnb. With a clean home, a beautiful garden, and a sparkling pool, Gasa realized she could blend her passion for people with a sustainable business model.
The brainchild of civil engineer turned hospitality entrepreneur, Thabela House represents a growing movement of South African women making their mark in the tourism and lifestyle sectors. Gasa’s transition from engineering to hospitality stems from a deep-seated passion for people and properties that has already seen her welcome guests from 28 countries across six continents, creating a truly global community within Johannesburg’s vibrant landscape.
A Career Rooted in Engineering
Before her foray into hospitality, Zinhle carved out a solid career in civil engineering. Coming from a family of teachers, she initially considered education but opted for a different path. Guided by career advice and the promise of better financial stability, she chose engineering and went on to study at Mangosuthu Technikon and later the University of Johannesburg. Her professional journey saw her working on community-based projects and specializing in water engineering. Today, she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with a nine-to-five role as a project manager, demonstrating her versatility and determination.
Turning a Home into a Business
“My engineering background taught me precision and attention to detail, but hosting taught me the art of creating spaces where people feel genuinely at home,” says Gasa. “At Thabela House, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with purpose, because I believe accommodation should be more than just a place to rest it should be a gateway to experiencing our city and our country.”
Thabela House was born out of creativity and resourcefulness. Zinhle began by listing her primary residence on Airbnb, offering guests not only accommodation but also a unique experience infused with warmth and hospitality. Unlike conventional hotels, Thabela House provided visitors with more than just a place to sleep it offered a sense of family and belonging. Her formula proved successful, attracting guests from 28 countries around the world.
Three years after launching, she expanded by acquiring more property on the same street. Unfortunately, this coincided with the outbreak of COVID-19, forcing her to scale back and adapt by renting to long-term clients. Despite the setback, Gasa’s resilience kept the business alive, and she continues to refine her vision for growth.
Celebrating Culture and Heritage
“During Heritage Month, I’m reminded that hospitality is part of our DNA as South Africans,” reflects Gasa. “When I welcome a guest from Singapore or Sweden into my space, I’m not just offering them a home I’m sharing our Ubuntu philosophy, our stories, our way of seeing the world. Tourism Month celebrates this exchange, and I’m proud that Thabela House contributes to showcasing what makes Johannesburg so special to visitors from every corner of the globe.”
Women in Business
Operating in a male-dominated industry, Gasa acknowledges that her scale of operation may still be small compared to large hospitality groups. However, she sees this as an advantage, allowing her to maintain the personal, family-centered ethos that defines Thabela House. Her long-term vision is to grow the brand into a recognized name in South African tourism, without losing the intimate, community-based essence that sets it apart.
A Vision for Tourism Recovery
“I envision Thabela House becoming a cornerstone of Johannesburg’s Airbnb landscape not because of its amenities alone, but because of the stories that will be created here,” explains Gasa. “Every guest leaves with a piece of South Africa, and every visit adds another layer to our home’s story. This is what sustainable tourism looks like: genuine connections that benefit both visitors and our local community.”
Zinhle Gasa’s story is one of passion, resilience, and vision. From her roots in civil engineering to building a hospitality brand rooted in culture and family, she exemplifies the spirit of South African entrepreneurship.
