How Anni du Plessis leads DropInn’s short term rental operation in Ballito
At 27, Anni du Plessis leads DropInn’s short-term rental operation across two Ballito estates, managing close to 100 serviced apartments. After leaving forensic accounting, she found a career in hospitality that combines commercial insight, guest experience and team leadership.
Anni du Plessis manages the short-term rental operation for DropInn at Ballito Life and Ballito Village in KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. Her team of 11 handles around 550 check-ins per busy month, covering pricing, bookings, housekeeping, maintenance, quality assurance, guest communication, and relations with property owners. Du Plessis attributes her success to her training in accounting, which helps her understand both the commercial and personal aspects of the operation.
Initially drawn to accounting while serving an apprenticeship, she encountered a purchase order document that made her question her career path. It was then that she realized the importance of being present and involved in the moment. Her introduction to hospitality came through the Ballito Farmers Market, which she helped launch.
Her first experience with DropInn was in 2020, after moving to Ballito. Despite initial skepticism about her accounting background, du Plessis leveraged her financial training to excel in her role. She emphasizes that preparation, accuracy, and understanding the figures are crucial to maintaining trust and delivering a seamless experience for guests.
With the coastal location of Ballito, the team must adapt to seasonal demand, ensuring quick responses and high service standards to meet modern traveler expectations. Balancing the needs of permanent residents and short-stay guests presents ongoing challenges, but Du Plessis focuses on early communication to maintain harmony.
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