This year the Inter-Hotel Challenge brings 155 candidates competing across the various categories – Concierges (20), Wine Stewards (28), Hot Chefs (30), Pastry Chefs (28), Bakers (23) and Baristas (26) – from participating hotels* in a spirited celebration of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Brainchild of Showcook’s Annette Kesler and Chania Morritt-Smith, the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2025 continues to promote mentorship, staff upliftment, and skills transfer within South Africa’s dynamic hotel and tourism industry.
The Challenge features the depth of talent across a diverse portfolio of concierges, wine stewards, chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and baristas. Designed to promote innovative and insightful distinctive experiences for guests to the hotels’ restaurants and bars, driving business success and lasting partnerships by always focusing on what matters most to guests, enthusiastic team members, and partners to set our hotels apart.
Chef and wine steward trainees are under the guidance of their executive chefs, head sommeliers, managers and winemakers from their partnered wineries. For the first time this year, wine stewards will expand their expertise to include Flor de Caña Rum – a significant step toward broadening their international beverage knowledge with Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks, S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna choice mineral waters.
The winning chef candidate will enjoy a three-week work experience at the celebrated JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai. This extraordinary prize is made possible by Marriott International with flights by Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions, Tastic Rice and a R10 000 cash prize from ZA Foods. A world of culinary adventure awaits in Dubai with Marriott Hotels! While the winning wine steward will travel to France for an exclusive educational experience at Bistrot du Sommelier Philippe Faure-Brac Boulevard Haussmann 97 with Air France – both prizes reflecting the Challenge’s commitment to professional growth and global exposure.
“The Inter-Hotel Challenge is not just about competition; it’s about growth, mentorship, and shaping the next chapter of South Africa’s hospitality story.” - Annette Kesler and Chania Morritt-Smith, founders
Inspiring messages from industry leaders
At the Cape Town launch hosted by Southern Sun The Cullinan, Jacques Stoltz, director of tourism at the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, addressed candidates with a message of encouragement and vision. He highlighted hospitality as both an art and a driver of economic growth, noting that the Western Cape’s global appeal lies not only in its beauty but in the warmth, creativity, and professionalism of those who work within the sector.
“In taking part in the Inter-Hotel Challenge, each candidate steps forward as an ambassador for their hotel, their community, and their province,” said Stoltz. “Your journey is about personal achievement and about contributing to South Africa’s broader hospitality story creating experiences that linger and strengthen the industry for generations to come.”
In KwaZulu-Natal, The Honourable Premier Arthur Thamsanqa Ntuli at the Durban launch hosted by Durban ICC (19 August) echoed this sentiment, urging candidates to seize opportunities, contribute to job creation, and play a vital role in growing the province’s tourism and hospitality sector. He underscored the importance of education and safety, and maintaining a clean, thriving KwaZulu-Natal.
Lindo Mandela (Mandela Legacy) at The President Hotel in Cape Town (7 August) inspired candidates with reflections on leadership, resilience, and the power of legacy. She emphasised the importance of staying true to one’s values, embracing challenges as opportunities, and making a positive impact in both community and career.
In Gauteng, Gugu Ndebele (Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls) at NH Sandton in Johannesburg (16 August), shared the vital importance of education. As one enters the working world online education is a powerful way forward flexible, accessible, and critical to staying ahead.
Lynn Naidoo, managing executive at the International Hotel School, announced that they will be awarding a bursary valued up to R105 000. This generous opportunity will enable the recipient to study online towards a Degree or Diploma qualification of their choice, selecting from the school’s wide range of highly regarded programmes. See exceptional prizes and opportunities.
Mentorship in motion
Each participating hotel has hand-picked its most promising concierges, chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, wine stewards, and baristas, mentored by their general managers, executive chefs, head concierges, and food and beverage managers.
As part of the Challenge, candidates attended orientation workshops where leading professionals and guest speakers shared their insights and expertise, a gateway connecting emerging talent to world-class standards.
Lancewood continues to offer our winning Lancewood Ultimate Pastry Chef of the Year flights and a R10 000 cash prize to take up a three week experience with host DeVerra Auret at the exquisite Château La Creuzette in Boussac. A ravishing prize where the winner will continue to broaden their culinary skills and at the same time absorb incomparable French flair.
From grape to glass
A special "Grape to Glass Experience and Workshop" was held in Cape Town for wine steward candidates, presented in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy, the Cape Wine Academy and Alchemology. This immersive workshop provided candidates with the opportunity to meet their paired winemakers and gain first-hand insight into the journey from vineyard to table. Click HERE to see more.
Judging panel 2025
The Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2025 is honoured to have the support and expertise of an exceptional panel of judges, representing the highest standards across the hospitality sector.
The Diamond Works Concierge
John de Canha, Horst Frehse, Lorna Gourlay, David Gummers, Aimee Lentz, Jeff Rosenberg, and Mike and Lucinda Waller
Wine and Spirit Service
Sandy Harper and Jean-Vincent Ridon
Wine and Food Pairing
Karen Bloom, Mike Buthelezi, Wanda Cronje, Heidi Duminy, Aubrey Ngcungama, and Mark O’Flaherty
Food
Elsu Gericke, Jocelyn Meyers-Adams, Fatima Stanley, and Hugh von Zahn
Kitchen Skills
Candice Adams (Hot Kitchen), Melissa Collop (Pastry Chef), Lucky Masinya (Pastry Kitchen), John Mathi (Hot Kitchen), Brian Mncube (Hot Kitchen), Karusha Naidoo (Pastry Chef), Julietta e Silva Overmeyer (Hot Chef)
Barista
Wayne Abrahams, Elton Chikara, Oz Davids, Lebo Mahoko, Lindo Nkosi, Moses Ndlovu, Prosper Sibanda, Robert Shazi, and Paula Visser
Culminating in excellence
Individual cook-offs and service presentations for 155 candidates are taking place throughout October in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg, under the guidance of head judge Hugh von Zahn and this distinguished judging panel.
The countdown is on! We’re getting closer to competition day, and the excitement is building every week. The cook-off and service presentations will take place in:
- Cape Town: 17–18 October (Capsicum Culinary Studio)
- Johannesburg: 22 October (Capsicum Culinary Studio)
- Durban: 23 October (CTIA Chefs Training and Innovation Academy)
In Cape Town, six teams competed on Friday 17 October and another six on Saturday 18 October. In Johannesburg, 11 teams will take the stage, and in KZN, 8 teams will show their skills.
Check out the full list of participating hotels and teams.
WESTERN CAPE
- Cape Grace, A Fairmont Hotel, part of Accor ~ Bellingham
- Century City Conference Centre and Hotels ~ Cederberg Wines snd Ghost Corner
- Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town ~ Boschendal
- Southern Sun Cape Sun ~ Anthonij Rupert Wyne
- Southern Sun Newlands ~ Van Loveren Family Vineyards
- Southern Sun The Cullinan ~ Ernie Els Wines
- Taj Cape Town ~ Backsberg
- The Oyster Collection ~ Fryer’s Cove
- The President Hotel ~ Brampton
- The Silo Hotel ~ Avontuur
- The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa ~ Simonsig Family Vineyards
- The Vineyard Hotel ~ Old Road Wine Company
GAUTENG & NORTH WEST PROVINCE
- 54 on Bath ~ Old Road Wine Company
- Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa ~ Ernie Els Wines
- InterContinental JHB O.R. Tambo Airport ~ Backsberg
- Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel ~ Bellingham
- NH Johannesburg Sandton ~ Anthonij Rupert Wyne
- Sandton Sun and Towers ~ Avontuur
- Southern Sun Katherine Street ~ Jordan Wine Estate
- Southern Sun Rosebank ~ De Wetshof
- Sun City Cascades ~ Simonsig Family Vineyards
- Sun City Convention Centre Hotel ~ Kleine Zalze
- Sun Time Square ~ Kleine Zalze
KWAZULU-NATAL
- Beverly Hills ~ Fryer’s Cove
- Durban International Convention Centre ~ Van Loveren Family Vineyards
- Radisson Blu Umhlanga ~ Brampton
- Sala Beach House ~ Jordan Wine Estate
- Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani ~ Fryer’s Cove
- Southern Sun The Edward ~ De Wetshof
- Sun International Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom ~ Cederberg and Ghost Corner Wines
- The Oyster Box ~ Boschendal
The year’s journey will culminate in the Gala Awards Dinner, an exclusive black-tie event at the Southern Sun Cape Sun on Monday, 8 December 2025, where winners will be announced and South Africa’s future hospitality leaders celebrated.
Through mentorship, collaboration, and opportunity, the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2025 continues to shape careers, elevate standards, and nurture a thriving hospitality community ensuring a bright and fulfilled future for South Africa’s hotel industry.
This year’s program of the Inter-Hotel Challenge was made possible through top-tier partners whose dedication to providing quality ingredients plays a pivotal role in the competition’s success.
Partners and suppliers to the Inter-Hotel Challenge
Prizes
See exceptional prizes and opportunities and more... especially from Dr Susanne Reuther of KitchenAid Africa from Wings Group South Africa. AL&CD Ashley including SCANPAN the finest of Global Knives, and The Diamond Works.
Wines and spirits
Acqua Panna, Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Avontuur, Backsberg, Bellingham, Boschendal, Brampton, Cederberg Wines, Cocchi, De Wetshof, Ernie Els Wines, Flor de Caña, Fryer’s Cove, Kleine Zalze, Jordan Wine Estate, Old Road Wine Company, S.Pellegrino, Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks, Simonsig Family Vineyards and Van Loveren Family Vineyards
Ingredients
Bio-Wheat, Ciao, Clear World Suppliers, Früt SA, Italian Deli Online, Khoisan Sea Salt, Lancewood, LemonGold, Lurpak, Polli Marinated Italian Vegetables, Rio Largo Olive Oil, Tastic Rices of the World and Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions
Barista training and coffee
Avanti Coffee
Technical support
VenueTech, Selby’s Productions and InHouse Venue Technical Management
Transport logistics
MLT Car Hire and Tours and Dragonfly Africa
Accommodation
Southern Sun and all the participating hotels
The Challenge develops specialist skills within the hospitality industry, providing winners with invaluable exposure to international practices in their fields of expertise.
For more information, visit www.showcook.com or stay in touch via social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/showcookcom
X: x.com/showcookcom
Instagram: showcookcom
Stay connected: #InterHotelChallenge2025 #showcook