MOUNT NELSON REACHING FOR YOUNG STARS 2023

2023 marks a momentous milestone for the Reaching for Young Stars initiative in the Western Cape.

Over the past 15 years, this initiative has successfully identified and cultivated outstanding talent in the hospitality industry. From bakers to baristas, chefs to pastry chefs and wine service students, the programme has evolved tremendously, offering candidates a welcoming platform to launch their careers.

“We are delighted to see how far our participants have come since their first steps with the Reaching for Young Stars program and are committed to helping more young people transform their dreams into reality. To do this effectively,” say Annette Kesler and Chania Morritt-Smith of Showcook.com “more must be done to ensure that young people have access to the resources, education and support.”

In 2023, we commemorate this exceptional achievement, celebrating 15 years of The Reaching for Young Star initiative for fostering future success for hospitality professionals in South Africa and around the world.

In recent years, the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town has proudly hosted this initiative.

GM Tiago Sarmento says, “To succeed in the art of hospitality one needs to be driven by an inner passion for human connection and creativity, and to have an innate generosity of spirit. The “Nellie” is devoted to cultivating and nurturing that fervour in younger generations, and to help craft tomorrow’s leaders in the world of hospitality.”

About Belmond

Belmond has been a pioneer of luxury travel for over 45 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations. See more…

Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, taking discerning global travelers on breathtaking journeys. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with 46 remarkable properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote beach retreats like Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Italian hideaways such as Splendido in Portofino, or unrivaled gateways to world natural wonders such as Hotel das Cataratas inside Brazil’s Iguazu National Park. From trains to river barges, safari lodges to hotels, each unique property offers an incomparable experience with its own story to tell. The essence of the Belmond brand is built upon its heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, authentic service. Belmond sees its role as custodians of timeless heritage, dedicated to preserving its assets through sensitive ongoing restoration plans. Belmond is part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Belmond.com

The Mount Nelson Reaching for Young Stars 2023

Tuesday 28th March sees the Launch Workshop of a momentous day and skillshare forum where students are introduced to our valued companies that make the Mount Nelson Reaching for Young Stars possible. Over the past 15 years we have been fortunate to have made enduring partnerships with leaders in their field and we are proud to say we continue to attract companies that believe sincerely in what is being achieved and have joined the Showcook family.

AL&CD Ashley, Avanti SA, Beyerskloof, Bio-Wheat, Brabantia, Cape Wine Academy, Château de la Creuzette, ClemenGold®, Cruxland Gin, Denny Mushrooms, Didactix, Ernie Els Wines, Farmers Meat Market, Früt SA, Global Knives, Hartlief Group, KWV Brandy, KWV Wine, KitchenAid Africa, Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, La Motte Wine Estate, Lancewood, MLT Car Hire & Tours, National Youth Development Agency, Neethlingshof, Penguin Random House, Petals Group, Rio Largo Olive Estate, SA Chefs Association, SA Olive Association, Scanpan, Simonsig Wine Estate, Sommeliers Academy, Standard Bank, Stellenzicht Wines, The Pinotage Association, Winslow’s Tavern, Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Von Geusau and WWF.