The woman who turned a dangerous road into a dream business

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe

When night fell over KwaMhlanga, visitors attending funerals and weddings once faced a painful choice of risking the notorious R572 road back to Pretoria late at night, sometimes after alcohol was served, or sleep with no safe place to stay.

One woman saw more than a gap in accommodation. She saw lives that needed saving.

That woman is Dinah Masango, owner of the 4-star accommodation Mrhali Boutique Guest House located in KwaMhlanga, who converted her own bond-free family home into what is now one of Nkangala’s most inspiring tourism stories, a story of faith, resilience, and a woman who refused to be told she didn’t belong.

“In 2015, KwaMhlanga had only one guest house, and many visitors who came for funerals, weddings, and community events had limited accommodation options. Many people travelled back to Pretoria late at night along the R572 road, which was known as a dangerous road,” she recalls.

Masango said she saw an opportunity to provide safe, comfortable accommodation for visitors while also contributing to the local economy.

“Mrhali Boutique Guest House was established with the vision of saving lives, offering hospitality with dignity, and bringing much-needed revenue and tourism opportunities to our municipality,” said Masango.

The journey was not easy. Access to finance was the first wall. COVID-19 was the second, bringing hospitality to a standstill, and as a woman in business, she faced a third.

“As a woman in business, I also faced the challenge of entering what has traditionally been viewed as a man’s world. There were moments when I was underestimated, looked down upon, and told that I would not succeed simply because I was a woman,” she recalled.

However for Masango, those challenges only strengthened her determination to prove that with passion, hard work, faith, and commitment, women can build and lead successful businesses.

She said the support from the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency), Mpumalanga Women in Tourism and the Thembisile Hani LTO(Local Tourism Organisation), helped her push through, alongside her family.

Today, Mrhali is more than a bed. It is a local economic engine.

“We are proud to create employment opportunities within our community and provide internship opportunities for young people, helping them gain valuable hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. We also support and sponsor local NGO(Non-Governmental Organisation)events,” she said.

Guests at Mrhali Boutique Guest House are encouraged to experience the Cultural Heartland- Kgodwana Cultural Village, the local wine cellar, Ndebele heritage, and the home of Dr Esther Mahlangu.

“Mpumalanga is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. A visit to the home and art of Dr. Esther Mahlangu is a must, as she is one of South Africa’s most celebrated internationally acclaimed artists,” she said.

Operating in South Africa has taught her that resilience means planning ahead, for load shedding, water shortages, and resource constraints.

“As a tourism business, we cannot simply tell a guest that something is beyond our control. We have to find solutions. This has meant planning ahead, investing in ways to reduce the impact of these challenges and constantly looking for alternative solutions,” Masango said.

Her love for gardening has become innovation – growing vegetables and herbs for the kitchen, expanding digital bookings, and adding wellness, boma and outdoor experiences.

“For us, innovation is not simply about technology. It is about finding better ways to serve our guests, caring for our environment, creating memorable experiences,” she said.

And her legacy is already growing – literally at home.

“My family has been very supportive of the journey. In fact, my children and grandchildren are now also involved and invested in the operation of the business, which makes me proud because it has become more than just a guest house – it has become a family legacy,” said Masango.

She advices young women dreaming of entering the tourism space to go ahead and not to wait until they feel completely ready.

“Start where you are, learn everything you can, and don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms where you may feel you don’t belong. Believe that you deserve a seat at the table,” said Masango.

In five years, she sees Mrhali Boutique Guest House as a destination in its own right, recognised beyond the borders of South Africa.

“In the next 5 years, I see the business becoming an even stronger destination rather than simply a place to stay. My goal is to build a property that is recognised not only locally but nationally and internationally, while continuing to create jobs and opportunities for people in our community,” Masango concluded.