SOUTHERN SUN CAPE SUN was the magnificent venue for the Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa 2025 Awards, and what a glamorous evening it proved to be. The ballroom shimmered in a blaze of diamonds and platinum, glittering and overflowing with brilliance. It was truly a sight to behold.
Excellence took centre stage: a celebration of dedication to the hospitality and tourism industry. Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Guest of Honour Western Cape Premier Alan Winde with keynote speaker Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun). Guest speakers Sophie Bel (Consul General of France), Alderman James Vos, and Delia Johnston of Air France-KLM announced superb, life-changing opportunities, a tremendous vote of confidence in the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2025 and its value.
These awards are regarded as the Oscars of the hospitality industry, inspired by the achievements of our talented and motivated candidates who recognise the impact this can have on their futures and have embraced the Challenge with enthusiasm.
Sophie Bel Consul General of France said, “France remains a global reference in gastronomy and one of the many bonds that unite France and South Africa is our shared passion for fine food. The relationship between our two nations has long been nourished by the exchange of taste and know how and French hospitality groups continue to invest, train and create jobs. Tonight we celebrate and applaud the Inter Hotel Challenge and the young talented winners.”
“As Air France, we are proud to support the Inter Hotel Challenge and its extraordinary role in developing South Africa’s future hospitality leaders,” says Wilson Tauro Country Manager – Southern Africa, Air France-KLM.
At the Inter-Hotel Challenge awards ceremony, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, shared remarks with industry leaders and emerging talent in the hospitality sector. Alderman Vos said: “The hospitality industry truly makes the world go round, and here in Cape Town, it is one of our greatest engines of growth. We pride ourselves on world-class products, services, and experiences that strengthen our visitor economy and attract both tourists and investors. Being part of this celebration is a moment of real pride, because it shows how our collective work is paying off.” He noted that the Inter-Hotel Challenge highlights the teamwork and excellence that underpin Cape Town’s tourism ecosystem. “Tourism is a team sport, and the talent, craftsmanship, and innovation showcased in this Challenge are exactly what power our success as a global destination,” he said. Alderman Vos explained further that this level of excellence supports Cape Town’s efforts in international markets. “This excellence is what gives me confidence when I sit down with airlines to negotiate new routes, when we expand our city-to-city partnerships, and when we roll out major tourism campaigns,” he added. Alderman Vos concluded by emphasising Cape Town’s strong position in the global visitor economy. “I know that back home, Cape Town has the very best to offer, and together, we are shaping an industry that creates jobs, boosts skills, and keeps South Africa competitive on the world stage.”
“Excellence, mentorship, and cultural discovery are values we share, and it is a privilege to open the door for this year’s winning Wine Steward to experience France through an immersive experience next year. We believe that travel has the power to inspire talent and broaden horizons. By providing the journey to France, we hope to contribute meaningfully to a young professional’s growth and to strengthen the important ties between our two countries’ hospitality and culinary communities. We look forward to welcoming the winner on board Air France and witnessing the impact this opportunity will have on their career.”
South Africa is fortunate to be home to some of the finest wineries in the world, led by eminent winemakers whose remarkable achievements continue to impress. The South African wine industry is moving forward with great momentum, and our wines are increasingly appreciated on the world stage. As a result, our superb wine estates have become an irresistible draw for visitors.
We proudly acknowledge our wine, water and spirit partners whose exceptional collections showcase the depth and excellence of South Africa’s wine culture and premium beverages: 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 Wines, Old Road Wine Company, S.Pellegrino, Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks, Simonsig Family Vineyards and Van Loveren Family Vineyards.
We are deeply grateful to our Food Partners: Avanti Coffee, 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 with Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions whose exceptional ingredients support and strengthen the Challenge.
Special thanks to our Master of Ceremonies Wendy Coetzee and Aubrey Ngcungama.
2025 Inter-Hotel Challenge winners
The Diamond Works Concierge of The Year
1st Veeshanee Chetty (InterContinental O.R. Tambo)
2nd Chelsea Jephthah (The Silo)
3rd Nico van der Westhuizen (Sala Beach House)
Wine Stewards
1st THE INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE WINE STEWARD OF THE YEAR: Sfiso Soldaat (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa with Simonsig Family Vineyards)
2nd MOST PROMISING: Lunga Mbatha (Beverly Hills with Fryer’s Cove)
3rd UP & COMING - THE WONGA AWARD: Isiphile Mpiyakhe (Southern Sun Rosebank with De Wetshof Wine Estate)
Exquisite Service
Samuel August (Southern Sun Cape Sun with Anthonij Rupert Wyne)
Edward Nkoadi (54 on Bath with Old Road Wine Company)
Mduduzi Zwane (Sandton Sun & Towers with Avontuur Wines)
Best Cocktail with Flor De Caña Rum & Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks
Isiphile Mpiyakhe (Southern Sun Rosebank)
RISING TALENT: Nicholette Botes (Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel with Bellingham Wines)
Chefs
1st THE INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE CHEF OF THE YEAR: Willem Jurie van Heusden (The President Hotel)
2nd THE RIO LARGO MOST PROMISING CHEF: Brandon Erasmus (The Vineyard)
3rd UP & COMING: Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani)
RISING TALENT: Nduduzo Buthelezi (Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town)
Scanpan Excellent Kitchen Practice
Hot Kitchen Chef Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani)
Cold Kitchen Pastry Chef Lesego Bongani Lekome (Sun City Convention Centre)
Pastry Chefs
1st THE ULTIMATE LANCEWOOD PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR: Cynthia Bombe (Sun International Time Square)
2nd MOST PROMISING: Chandré Summer Albertus (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa)
3rd UP & COMING: Bianca Schreuder (The Silo)
Bakers
1st KITCHENAID AFRICA BIO-WHEAT BAKER OF THE YEAR: Permission Mavasa (Southern Sun Rosebank)
2nd MOST PROMISING: George Nkolonzi (Southern Sun Newlands)
3rd UP & COMING: Priyen Pillay (Southern Sun The Edward)
Rising Star Avanti Baristas
Leyla Green (NH Hotels Sandton)
Nomfundo Mbuyisile (The Vineyard)
Thobelani Shibe (The Oyster Box)
Best Food and Wine Pairing
Using ingredients such as Bio-Wheat Stone Ground Flour, Ciao Pulses and Beans (including Cannellini and Butter Beans), Früt SA, Italian Pomodoro and San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes, Khoisan Sea Salt, Lancewood, LemonGold seedless lemons, Lurpak butter, Polli Marinated Italian Vegetables (Artichokes and Roasted Peppers from Clear World Suppliers and Italian Deli-On-Line), Rio Largo Olive Oil and Lemon Olive Oil, Tastic Rices of the World with Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions, and WWF-SASSI green listed fish.
Starter: Chef Brandon Erasmus & Wine Steward Gabriele Di Giorgio, The Vineyard
Creamy Potato and Bean Soup | Country Style Salsa | Potato Fondant | Olive Oil Frozen Mousse
~ Old Road Wine Co. Anemos Chenin Blanc 2024
Main: Chef Prudence Ntombela, Sun International Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
Masala Slinger with Creamy Lancewood Arancini | Romesco Sauce | Pico De Gallo
~ David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2023
Dessert: Pastry Chef Bianca Schreuder & Wine Steward Fortune Thulani Hlope, The Silo
Lancewood Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta | Meringue | Früt SA Strawberry Consommé | LemonGold Confit Lemon | Früt SA Strawberry Sorbet | Fresh Berries
~ Avontuur Val De Ra Red Blend 2023
WWF-SASSI Environment Awareness Award
Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani)
Showcook Man of The Match
Executive Chef Christo Pretorius (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa)
Mentor of The Year
Augustino Bedini (Restaurant Manager, Beverly Hills)
The Kitchenaid Africa Best Team Award
The Vineyard
General Manager of The Year
Luis Pinheiro (The Silo)
Judges
Concierge skills: John de Canha, Horst Frehse, Lorna Gourlay, David Gummers, Aimee Lentz (The Diamond Works), Jeff Rosenberg, Mike Waller (Dragonfly Africa)
Wine and spirit service: Sandy Harper (CWM) and Jean-Vincent Ridon (Sommelier)
Wine and food pairing: Aubrey Ngcungama, Wanda Cronje (CWM), Mike Buthelezi, Heidi Duminy (CWM), Karen Bloom (CWM) and Mark O’Flaherty
Food/cheffing skills: Hugh von Zahn, Jocelyn Meyers-Adams, Fatima Stanley and Elsu Gericke
Kitchen skills and hygiene
Cape Town: Julietta e Silva Overmeyer, Melissa Collop (Capsicum Culinary Studio)
Johannesburg: Candice Adams, John Mathi, Chef Lucky Masinya (Capsicum Culinary Studio)
Durban: Kerusha Naidoo, Denisha Padayachee (CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy)
Barista skills: Wayne Abrahams, Elton Chikara, Oz Davids, Lebo Mahoko, Sabelo Mawonga, Moses Ndlovu, Lindo Nkosi, Prosper Sibanda, Robert Shazi, Paula Visser
2025 Inter-Hotel Challenge prizes
Superb prizes to all the winners from Dr Susanne Reuther of Wings Group and KitchenAid Africa including KitchenAid Artisan Mixers, Gadget & Utensils, Ceramics, Bakeware and more from Wings Group South Africa.
Highly desirable and stunning prizes from AL&CD Ashley including SCANPAN the finest of Global Knives, Brabantia, Avanti, Severin and Joseph Joseph.
The Diamond Works Concierge of the Year Veeshanee Chetty (InterContinental O.R. Tambo) will receive a R10 000 cash prize from the Diamond Works Institute. Adding to this, African Eagle Day Tours has curated a collection of superb tours and experiences, valued at R11 500 for her and her partner in her region. They have also been invited to Food Jams to enjoy a fabulously fun cooking session in Gauteng.
The Diamond Works has created stunning exquisite diamond-studded, hand-crafted gold lapel pins for the winning Concierges; Veeshanee Chetty (InterContinental O.R. Tambo), Chelsea Jephthah (The Silo) and Nico van der Westhuizen (Sala Beach House). They will each receive gorgeous gifts from Healing Earth for a touch of pampering and indulgence from Platinum Encounters.
The winning Wine Steward Sfiso Soldaat (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa with Simonsig Family Vineyards), will look forward to a two-week experience in France at Bistrot du Sommelier Philippe Faure-Brac 97 Boulevard Haussmann, with accommodation generously provided by Accor and Marriott International. He will be accompanied by award-winning Sommelier Jean-Vincent Ridon of Sommeliers Academy, who will present him with a signed copy of his Gourmand Passion for Pairing. In addition, Sfiso will receive further training and membership with Sommeliers Academy and South African Sommeliers Association (SASA).
We are thrilled to announce that Air France - KLM as an official partner to the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ South Africa 2025 is offering Sfiso’s flights to France!
The Invictus Education Group will award a bursary to Sfiso Soldaat (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Simonsig Family Vineyards) to attain an online certificate in Hospitality Management and Food & Beverage Management with the International Hotel School designed to give the tools to further his business aspirations.
The runner-up, Most Promising Wine Steward Lunga Mbatha (Beverly Hills with Fryer’s Cove) has been offered a bursary by Lynn Naidoo, Managing Executive at the International Hotel School valued at up to R105 000. This generous opportunity will enable Lunga to study online towards a Degree or Diploma qualification of their choice, selecting from the school’s wide range of highly regarded programmes.
The ‘Wonga Award’ is a R30 000 bursary to study with the Invictus Education Group by CEO Janet Pillai Multilayer Trade Corporation aimed at supporting the growth and development of young talent, this year awarded to third place ‘Up & Coming’ Wine Steward Isiphile Mpiyakhe (Southern Sun Rosebank with De Wetshof Wine Estate).
Willem Jurie van Heusden (The President Hotel) the Inter-Hotel Challenge Chef of the Year 2025 will embark on a three-week experience in bustling Dubai under the mentor of Executive Chef Miguel Huelamo at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. This dynamic setting offers a diverse experience with 12 restaurants – a culinary journey, featuring flavours from around the world and embracing a truly global dining experience. 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!
CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy will be sponsoring a bursary for Willem Jurie van Heusden (The President Hotel) to join an ARPL Chef Programme – The QCTO NQF Level 5 Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning Programme.
The ‘LANCEWOOD Ultimate Pastry Chef of the Year’ Cynthia Bombe (Sun Time Square) is invited to experience three-weeks in France, the home of fine patisserie with host DeVerra Auret at the exquisite 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. Flights are courtesy of Lancewood plus a R10 000 cash prize from Lancewood to cover their VISA and Medical Travel Insurance at the time of travel.
The ‘KitchenAid Africa Bio-Wheat Baker of the Year’ Permission Mavasa (Southern Sun Rosebank) receives a KitchenAid Food Processor while the hotel collects a KitchenAid Commercial Mixer!
’The Mentor of the Year’ Augustino Bedini (The Beverly Hills) has won a splendid weekend away with The Oyster Collection in Cape Town. Flights for the mentor and their partner provided by The Diamond Works Institute.
“The Oyster Collection understands the value and importance of mentorship for the next generation of hospitalitarians, and would like to recognise the ‘Mentor Of The Year’ winner with a two night stay at Pink Door Villa by The Oyster Collection, for themself and three closest friends. Located in the heart of Franschhoek town, our intimate five-star luxury villa features beautifully designed living areas, three ensuite bedrooms, premium hospitality, and the flexibility to tailor your stay to your preferences. Breakfast in-villa is included, with a dedicated butler and discreet housekeeping service available at all times. At Pink Door Franschhoek, luxury meets a curated guest experience, offering privacy that feels like home—only better.” See more
The ‘Rising Star Avanti SA Baristas of 2025’ Leyla Green (NH Hotels Sandton), Nomfundo Mbuyisile (The Vineyard), and Thobelani Shibe (The Oyster Box) are rewarded with generous cash prizes by Avanti Coffee and enviable coffee accessories from KitchenAid Africa and AL&CD Ashley.
Didactix are awarding the ‘Scanpan Excellent Kitchen Practice Award’, Hot Chef Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani) and Pastry Chef Lesego Bongani Lekome (Sun City Convention Centre), each, a one-day training programme and examination, to achieve the Highfield Qualification Level 3 Award, international certificate in Food Safety & Catering – an exciting opportunity provided by June Steenekamp of Didactix and Edward Dawson Highfield.
A selection of fine linen from The Hall Collection to ‘Man of the Match’ Executive Chef Christo Pretorius (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa) proudly rewarded by Debbie Hall of The Hall Collection. Representing the finest European bed, mattress, and linen suppliers, The Hall Collection delivers exceptional quality to enhance sleep experiences in private residences and the luxury hotel industry across Africa.
The WWF-SA Awareness Award Floating Trophy awarded to Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani) celebrating chefs championing environmental sustainability. This prestigious accolade recognizes efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and minimise waste, while prioritising the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) green list seafood value chain. By committing to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices the hotel exemplifies leadership in promoting positive change in the culinary and hospitality industries.
The Rio Largo Achiever Award for the ‘Most Promising Chef’ Brandon Erasmus (The Vineyard) receives a generous cash prize from Rio Largo Estate and ‘Tapas’ by Liam Tomlin, published by Penguin Random House.
The ‘GM of the Year’ Luis Pinheiro of The Silo receives exquisite, hand-crafted engraved gold cufflinks by The Diamond Works.
The KitchenAid Africa Best Team - The Vineyard Hotel receives the coveted KitchenAid Africa floating trophy from Dr Susanne Reuther by Sculptor Rado Kirov and Jonsson Workwear gift vouchers.
Digital access to the Platter’s by Diners Club App and its web-based counterpart, with wine reviews and essential winery information from 2008 and gifts from wine.co.za
Gifts from our water, wines and spirit sponsors: 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 Wines, Old Road Wine Company, S.Pellegrino, Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks, Simonsig Family Vineyards and Van Loveren Family Vineyards.
Books for life from Penguin Random House.
The last word in delectable prizes… Von Geusau Chocolates.
The broader vision
The Inter-Hotel Challenge is much more than just a competition, it is about nurturing the next generation of South Africa's hospitality talent. The goal is to build a strong foundation of skilled chefs, pastry chefs, wine stewards, and hospitality experts who can elevate the whole industry.
With a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and learning, it is designed to boost careers while also helping to strengthen our tourism sector.
The Challenge is a great driver of job creation and skills development, keeping South Africa competitive as a global tourist destination. Plus, international exposure and mentorship bring fresh ideas and global standards into our local industry, shaping the future of hospitality here in South Africa!