Celebrations are the order of the day for hotel group, Southern Sun, after it cemented its reputation as a leader in South Africa's hospitality sector and achieved multiple accolades at the prestigious 2024 Inter-Hotel Challenge.
An annual event, the awards recognise the exceptional talent, innovation, and skill within the sector and are regarded as the “hospitality Oscars”.
Marcel von Aulock, CEO of Southern Sun, expressed immense pride in the hotel group’s accomplishments. According to von Aulock, the Inter-Hotel Challenge is a pillar of talent development in our industry.
“This year’s winners exemplify the dedication, passion, and mentorship culture that are integral to Southern Sun. We are immensely proud of our teams’ achievements, which reflect our commitment to excellence and growth in South African hospitality,” he said.
Among the night’s significant winners, Wayne Siepmann, General Manager of Southern Sun Cape Sun, was awarded the title of General Manager of the Year.
His visionary leadership has not only propelled the success of his establishment but also highlighted Southern Sun's long-standing commitment to outstanding management and guest experiences.
On the culinary front, Chef Rethabile Maseola and Wine Steward Simphiwe Duma from 54 on Bath captivated judges with their remarkable food and wine pairing.
Their creation, featuring a delectable Grilled Sea Bass and Prawn Arancini, artfully paired with De Grendel Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2023, demonstrated exceptional innovation and a keen understanding of flavour.
Executive Chef PJ Peter Lakay of Southern Sun Cape Sun also garnered attention by winning the coveted Showcook Man of the Match award, showcasing his outstanding culinary artistry.
The group’s burgeoning pastry talents were also on full display, with Nonzuzo Mhlungu of The Edward hotel clinching the title of Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year and securing an exclusive culinary trip to France.
Southern Sun’s commitment to nurturing versatile hospitality professionals was also seen in the award received by Danie Kortjas, a wine steward from Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, and Sanele Mhlongo, from The Edward.
Their expertise in service and wine knowledge underscores the hotel group’s focus on cultivating well-rounded hospitality experts.
Moreover, the barista category saw outstanding performances from Simphiwe Mtshali of 54 on Bath and Ivan Lange of Southern Sun The Cullinan, both of whom showcased their passion and precision in coffee artistry.
Commenting on the significance of these achievements in Southern Sun’s journey, Von Aulock said this year’s winners are a testament to values that define Southern Sun.
“The Inter-Hotel Challenge is not just a competition; it is a platform to showcase the skills and commitment of our people, who are at the heart of South African hospitality. Their success reflects the strength of our teams and our unwavering investment in their growth,” he said.