Meeting the candidates this year we were struck by the enthusiasm, warmth and joie de vivre with their appreciation of the exceptional opportunities ahead. Enjoy hearing from our wine stewards and waiters and how they describe themselves, what their goals are, who their role models are, and of course the books that they read that could perhaps have an important bearing on their careers and lives.
Lincholn Simbarashe Mabvongodze
Ellerman House
A bundle of creative energy, curiosity with a love for everything wine and spirits!
Owning and running a wine, whisky and cocktail bar.
David Goggins He’s pure inspiration for persistence and hard work towards your goals.
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes Remarkable Results by James Clear
Pieter Bekker
TAJ Cape Town
Passionate and energetic.
F&B Manager
My three brothers They each exhibit key qualities that I aspire to as a whole.
I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir is the second autobiographical memoir of American musician Brian Wilson, written by journalist Ben Greenman
William Lokana
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
I am honest and eager to learn.
Owning my own restaurant.
Marlvin Gwese He works hard to be where he is now.
Putuma Mbonwa
Sun Square City Bowl
Outspoken, confident, individual, full of energy and passion.
I would like to grow in the hospitality industry and be a wine Sommelier
Georgiou Meletiou He has been a great mentor and a good teacher to me.
The Last White Wolf by Tanya Els
Hendrick Mabengo
The President Hotel
Outgoing, sociable and responsible.
More tasks and responsibilities in the F&B Department and the wine world.
My Mother She is very strong, humble and always calm despite any kind of pressure and she always wins.
The Art of Hustling – Sell or Surrender by DJ Sbu
Liyaaqat- Ali Nicholai Adams
Grand Roche Hotel
I am a journey, a very pleasant one.
In five years I’d like to be managing a property or running my own little boutique hotel.
Wienna. She is the type of manager I wish I trained under. Her way of interacting with staff and guest is what I hope to emulate.
Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
The Book of Enoch
Mark Abrahams
Southern Sun The Cullinan
I am a dedicated professional person that has a passion for people and hospitality.
I would like to be well established within the industry, being able to take on a more superior role.
My late Mother She will always be my role model. She had a passion for people that exceeded all expectations.
The Candlestick Trading Bible by sanyog raut
Rosemary Munyoro
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
Fun, outgoing, passionate and humble.
Absorb as much knowledge in wines as possible and hopefully use my knowledge to educate underprivileged kids because that was where I came from.
Mona from Lanzerac Hotel & Spa. She is the oldest employee, worked from 1975 and only works day shift. The zeel she has and passion challenges me to do great and love what I do and appreciate the industry that we are in.
The Shack by William P. Young
Zolani Dantile
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Passionate person.
I see myself as a Sommelier
Gregory Mutambe He’s so driven and has a passion for what he is doing.
Dirty Little Secret by Kendall Ryan
Asavela Nywexana
The Vineyard Hotel
I have a passion in the hospitality industry where I intend on learning and growing within the dynamic and challenging high end Food & Beverage industry.
Food & Beverage Manager in a five star hotel
Efi Ella It’s his contribution to the industry.
Nhlakanipho Mdletshe
Durban ICC
I am the ‘Humble One’.
I would like to have all the experience I need in order to own my own establishment and pass my knowledge to others as well.
Motty Maluleka She has the technique to tackle any situation in a calm and professional way (2021 Candidate)
Currently studying for the Cape Wine Academy and Sommeliers Academy exams.
Siyanda Mthethwa
Southern Sun The Edward
I am a hardworker.
I would like to be part of a food and beverage management group
Max Mqadi I witnessed him growing his business from the ground up.
The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eva Eger
Sibongile Majola
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
I am a very ambitious individual who is a go getter.
I would like to see myself in a management position leading a team of talented people.
My Mother She always encourages me to stand tall and go after my dreams no matter the circumstances.
Billionaires Under Construction. The Mindset of an Entrepreneur by DJ Sbu
Dumisane Mantshogo
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
I am a father, husband and a child of earth.
General Manager
Sadio Mande Spirit of giving that is profound, inspirational and very encouraging.
Jeremiah Govender
Beverly Hills
Always curious.
In a stable position, an ambassador.
Darren Tay Best speaker
Currently studying for the Cape Wine Academy and Sommeliers Academy exams.
Lunga Sithole
The Oyster Box
Hardworking individual who is passionate about food and wine.
Restaurant or owner of a cocktail bar.
Vusi Thembekwayo Entrepreneur and Business Man.
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Prince Zondo
Southern Sun Gauteng Team
I am a confident person and I’m willing to learn more when it comes to wines.
In the next 5 years I would say I’d like to see myself playing a part in training centres and training others to grow the wine industry in SA.
Chris de Klerk His knowledge about wine is mind blowing…
Honestly I don’t have any book that I’m reading, but I hope soon to find one that I can read to uplift my love and passion when it comes to wine.
Mapaseka Maloba
Southern Sun Gauteng Team
For me this Challenge really symbolizes the pursuit of learning, specifically learning about what I love – the hospitality industry, being exposed to new cultures and languages. When I’m not hard at work you will find me behind my books, I am a firm believer in digital detox and walks for needed time out.
My Mother She is my pillar of strength, my motivator in everything I do, let me say she’s my biggest fan.
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
Finding Me by Viola Davis
Jafta Tshipe
The Palace of the Lost City
I am a tall responsible and loving parent and love my job.
I would like to be a hotel manager in five years.
My Father He always says take a green ribbon for hope.
The Bible
Tumelo Maoba
The Palace of the Lost City
I am a passionate person with goals and seek knowledge.
I would like to be a hotel General Manager.
Mr Brett Hoppe and Josiah Montsho. They are focused and achieve their goals.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Richard Mannafela
The Palace of the Lost City
I am an adventurous person who is a hard worker.
Being in a senior position, owning my own business.
Nelson Mandela He brought change to the world and he became the first black President in South Africa and he is also well known worldwide.
Commercial farming books.
Sindy Teane
Sun Time Square
I am smart and way too introverted.
As I am a waitress for only a month I see myself as Food & Beverage Floor Manager.
Peter John I’ve seen how passionate he is about wines and spirits and he is also a democratic leader.
Kagiso Mudau
De Hoek Country Hotel
I’m a very humble person.
Food & Beverage Manager
Vusi Nkwinika and Eid Dube They encourage me everyday to always give of my best, 100%.
Hazell Mutungura
Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel
Hardworking and determined individual, passionate about serving others.
Aiming to have acquired skills and be a career guidance in hospitality.
Tapiwa Jamu My work colleague. This is because I have seen him from where he started as a maintenance person and has levelled up to be one of the best up and coming sommeliers in South Africa. Always hardowkriing and willing to learn and teach those around him. To watch his journey is inspiring.
Change your Thinking Change your Life by Brian Tracey
Anganathi Valelo
The President Hotel
I am determined and passionate about my work.
The plan is to be my own boss and run my own restaurant, all in God’s timing.
Myself I am my own role model.
Blurred Lines by Lauren Layne
Odwa Gongo
TAJ Cape Town
Extrovert who likes people and loves laughing.
I will be in a managerial position in TAJ Cape Town
My Brother He is a hard worker and Steve Harvey also works hard
Art of War by Sun Tzu
Ibongwe Booi
Southern Sun Waterfront
I’m disciplined, focussed and flexible. Always available at short notice to help out the team.
Essentially I want to build a long term career with the company. Hope to eventually grow into a position of full responsibility. In five years plan to work for senior management having developed.
Zolisa Xaluva I love art and performing.
A Hustler’s Bible by Gayton McKenzie
Bianca Tobecka Mkwenkwezi
Southern Sun The Cullinan
Passionate, warm hearted, loving and loyal worker.
I would like to start my own business.
My Mother She told me never to stop smiling even if the situation is bad.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Clever Marufu
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
Hardworking and very kind person.
My Father He was determined and always eager to achieve for
improvement in life.
A Man Without Breath by Bernie Gunther
Ronald Muchechemere
The Vineyard Hotel
I am a self starter who has the ability to set, manage and meet targets with in a mutually agreed portfolio.
In five years I see myself as a certified Sommelier.
Tinashe Nyamudoka He is a fellow countryman who rose from the same position I am to have his own wine.
Studying Wset Level 3
Isabel Nsele
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
I am a passionate and self motivated person.
I see myself managing some of the outlets within the company, creating more experiences.
Samantha Croft She is my role model because of her passion in the hospitality industry.
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
Debra Nxumalo
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
I am positive, cheerful and sociable.
Manager
My Mother She is a resilient woman who raised us openly about her life, struggles and success.
Londeka Mkhize
Beverly Hills
I motivated and very ager to accomplish a goal.
One of the best wine waiters, trained and knowledgeable professional providing the service of wine.
Dr Anton Rupert and Baron Edmund de Rothschild They were able to make a good team and good wine.
Mulalo – The Politician by Khathu Maestro
Mary-Kate Nonkosi Soqaka
The Palace of the Lost City
I am a tall female, very humble and patient.
I want to see myself in a new level of learning.
My Parents because they raised me well.
The book of Life, Bible.
Precious Molote
The Palace of the Lost City
I am very patient, passionate and willing to learn new things.
I would like to see myself working as receptionist.
My Mother She always says its never too late to achieve anything.
The Bible
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