Ruby Gangiah: "My life’s work has always centred on people"
Today, Carol Ofori celebrates Ruby Gangiah, a woman who has
worked her way through a diverse skill set over the years, settling in the
tourism space.
Our Woman Crush Wednesday is a woman who describes her evolution from nursing to nation-building through tourism and training.
Roebendry (Ruby) Gangiah was born in 1963 in Heidelberg. She has always felt a strong connection to people and communities. Her nature led her to follow nursing, and she became a professional nurse in 1984.
This was the same year she met her husband, Prema. The two were married. The apartheid laws made it challenging for her to find work as a nurse, but they looked ahead and decided to start a family.
Before her first child was born, Ruby switched lanes in her career and studied interior decorating. The joy of creating a safe and beautiful environment for her newborn motivated her to pursue this path. Just three months after her son, Kavir, was born, she graduated.
After relocating to Johannesburg and giving birth to her second child, Kriya, Gangiah found her true calling.
We relocated to Johannesburg, where our second child, Kriya, was born. We purchased a 2.1-hectare smallholding in De Deur, about 30km south of Johannesburg. The property had unused chicken sheds, which inspired us to think creatively. After doing extensive research, I decided to become a full-time rabbit farmer. It was a rewarding and enriching chapter of our lives.
Everything up until then prepared Ruby for her next chapter, which was in the field of tourism.
She trained as a tourist guide at Gold Reef City, and the rest, as they say, is history.
"Tourism quickly became more than just a profession, it became a passion. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of storytelling, shared experiences, and cultural connection.
I’ve worked tirelessly to grow in the industry, combining academic study with on-the-ground experience. What fuels me most is witnessing the joy of travellers, the pride of local communities, and the teamwork that brings unforgettable experiences to life", said Gangiah.
Since entering the travel and tourism sector, Gangiah has had a journey of accomplishments and fulfilment. She has helped uplift tourism entrepreneurs and created a safe and supportive space for women, youth, and emerging guides in the sector.
She was also the Gauteng Tourist Guides Association's chairperson and a Tshwane Tourism Association board member.
Gangiah's diverse path is testament that how you start your story doesn't necessarily determine your destination. Her profound life experiences aided her journey and allowed her to find her role in the community at different times.
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