In celebration of Women’s Month in Rosebank we thought it a good time to introduce some of the dynamic figures that keep the district not only running, but thriving as a key Joburg neighbourhood. We chat to Madeleine Roux.
Roux started her hotel career in finance, as a Financial Controller for Sun International on the Grand Comores Island. She continued in this role for Rani Resorts on Bazaruto Island, Mozambique before moving to North Island, Seychelles. She joined Southern Sun in 2005 at Intercontinental Sandton Sun and Towers, as FC and in 2010 promoted to DGM of the five-star Palazzo hotel at Montecasino. Her first appointment as General Manager was of Garden Court Sandton, and then saw her move to Southern Sun Hemingways in East London. In 2016 she moved back to Gauteng to manage Garden Court Hatfield and Stay Easy Pretoria. 2019 saw a move to Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank, and a rebrand of the property to Southern Sun Rosebank.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I qualified as a Life and Team Coach, and this really enhanced my ability to understand and develop people. My passion for the business is people, and I love my job. I spend lots of time with the staff and can only hope that my passion for my job will rub off on them. Building trusting relationships is vital. Caring for each other is the success we aim for. If we care for one another, we will care for our guests. My work allows me to challenge myself and to find ways to create and enhance areas within our operation, not just for the sake of changing it, but to see how we can improve from the day before. This teaches us resilience and the ability to adapt quickly when the need arises. Living on islands for nearly 10 years has made me a very resourceful person, and I can do a lot with a little.
What has been the greatest challenge over the past few months?
Not all the staff have been fortunate enough to work during the pandemic, so it was important to me to stay connected with my team, and to give them hope to carry on. Trying to help them find jobs, and ways to earn a living. The great challenge was to hear about their hardships and what they have experienced over the past year. My job was to listen, to be a sounding board, and to let them believe that this period in our lives will pass, and that someday it will all be okay again. So many days you worry about them, how they will survive, wondering if they have a meal to eat or share with their families. Do they still have a home to stay in, winter has come around twice now, and will they survive another year. It has been heartbreaking.
What makes Rosebank special as a precinct/neighbourhood?
The safety and security of Rosebank is outstanding. The fact that you can walk around unhindered is a big plus.
What are your favourite Rosebank attractions?
The Rosebank Mall and the Roof top market on a Sunday. Thirsty Thursdays.
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Rosebank?
Peach grazed duck breast, wonton, carrot, cherry jus at Level 4 at 54 on Bath with unscrupulous amounts of Pierrer-Jouet Grand Brut.
A visitor should not leave Rosebank without experiencing… ?
The fine cuisine the suburb has to offer, from Flea Market vendors, to Grill restaurants to fine dining.
Top tip for a first-time visitor to Rosebank?
Take the map offered of Rosebank and start exploring.
What positive changes have you observed in Rosebank over the past 3 years?
No increase in crime, safe environment.
If you could change one thing about Rosebank, what would it be?
Stop building more apartment blocks.
What are you looking forward to seeing in Rosebank in future …
Remaining safe environment
Describe Rosebank in three words…
Sophistication, urban, chic