Inter-Hotel Challenge - promoting skills in wining and dining service

THE Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge, ahs been a notable event on the calendar for the past nine years.

This year 160 candidates are competing enthusiastically and not withstanding the volatile climate, the challenge continues to promote skills in wining and dining service.

Waseem Carrim, National Youth Development Agency Chief Executive Officer, speaking at one of four national launches, said: “We are proud to be a part of this very important initiative; SA’s youth unemployment crisis with collaboration between the social, private and public sector.

I think what’s presented here has exciting potential for creating entry level opportunities and allowing young people to grow and develop.” Photographers: Axel Unger Jeffrey Abrahams

SUN CITY RESORT: Nelson Moleta, Thuli Dina Kgame and Sibusiso Liebrandt

BRENDA WILKINSON (Rio Largo Olive Estate), Annette Kesler (Showcook), Volker Heiden (Area Vice President – Sub-Saharan Africa Marriott International) and Johan Cronje (GM Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch) at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch.

DE HOEK COUNTRY HOTEL: Lerato Seopela, Emelia Malitisi, Tshepo Tsheole, Eid Dube and Heidi Duminy (Principal, Cape Wine Academy).

LOVEJOY NESHAMBA (Wine Steward of the Year 2019, Ellerman House) and Phumza Rengqe (Distell Group Marketing Manager).

NIËL GROENEWALD (MD Nederburg)

DURBAN ICC TEAM: Patrick Musubao, Sindisiwe Mbili, Lindiwe Rakharebe (CEO), Siyabonga Sithole, Philisiwe Mbonambi, Desmond Nikwe, Motty Maluleka, and Bongani Makwa.

SUN CITY RESORT: Tumelo Maoba, Karabo Ndlovu and Sibusiso Liebrandt with Anna Rapholo (Learning and Development Specialist), Thuli Kgame, Grace Meloko, Nelson Moleta and Mfundo Vilakazi.

HARTFORD HOUSE TEAM: Phumla Zakwa, Ntombenhle Zuma, Thobelani Zaca, Pippa Zimmerman and Maretha Langenhoven (GM).

NADIA BILCHIK (CNN Editorial Producer & Greater Impact Communication) with Mike Morritt-Smith (I Live Coffee Group), Mike and Lucinda Waller (Dragonfly Africa Group & Concierge Judge) and Mark Stevens. Seated are Phakamile Hlazi (Founder, Zulu Nomad & In Africa Travel), Chanda Morrit-Smith (Showcook) and Ashleigh Christie (Minor Hotels).

WASEEM CARRIM (CEO NYDA), Sarah Marinelli (Business Manager Premium Wine, Distell) and Scott Rogers (Principal, International Hotel School).

NATHANIA “SMILIE” WASSERMAN (Executive Chef, The Beverly Hills) with Lethu Ngubane and Londeka Mkhize (Wine Stewards).

AVINASH NAIDOO (Lancewood), Jeremy Stanley, Fatima Stanley (Judge) and Jose Smith (Denny Mushrooms).

SIBUSISO ZWANE (Wine Steward, Sun Time Square).

THE PRESIDENT HOTEL TEAM: Desmond O’Connor (GM), Dean Botha, Delsie Myaka, Jacques Swart (Executive Chef), Jeremy Clayton (Director), Danielle de Wet, Siphokazi Mhambi, Lisa Tauro, Ben Ilunga, Asanda Jezile and Taufeeq De Jongh.

JACO TRUTER (Sun Time Square Team Executive Sous Chef) with Sylvia Sikhosana, Mahle Vellem and Robert Phillander.

JUDGES: Jean Vincent Ridon and Aubrey Ngcungama.

WAYNE SMITH (GM, Cabana Beach Resort), Samantha Croft (Director of Operations KwaZulu Natal Region, Tsogo Sun) and John Aritho (GM, The Beverly Hills).

NADIA SIBANDA (Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel)

CHARMAINE DU PLESSIS and Stacey Moss of Avanti Coffee SA.

WENDY COETZEE (MC), Michael Colbeck and Tanusha Naidoo (Mentors, The Oyster Box).