A concierge is not just an information centre or problem solver; they are the creators of memorable experiences.” – Unknown
In the vibrant world of South African hospitality, where hotels and tourism play a pivotal role, concierges stand as the unsung heroes, ensuring that guests experience unforgettable moments. These adept professionals are not only skilled in the art of orchestrating seamless stays but are also individuals with unique stories. Let’s meet our Concierge Candidates for this year’s Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by HEINEKEN Beverages.
In this exploration, we will hear from our South African concierges, learn about their aspirations, discover who inspires them, understand what dreams fuel their passion, and explore where they envision themselves in the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality. Additionally, we will uncover the books that accompany them on their journey of excellence.
Cemone Harrod (The Silo Hotel) and Robyn Anne Dyer (The Oyster Collection Hotel Group)
CEMONE HARROD
THE SILO HOTEL
I am a hardworking and driven individual who isn’t afraid to face a challenge. I am passionate about my work and know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as honest, open, and my most valuable trait is being a people’s person.
I am working towards becoming an integral part of The Silo, someone who has helped contribute to the growth and success of the organization. I would like to continue developing my skills and knowledge to take on more responsibilities at The Silo Hotel.
My parents inspire me in all aspects of my life. They are the two people who have always supported and motivated me to achieve my goals through thick and thin. My parents have walked with me shoulder to shoulder. They have taught me to dream and inspire me to pursue my dreams through hard work and dedication.
Reading ‘Tools for Team Excellence’ by Gregory E. Huszczo
ROBYN ANNE DYER
THE OYSTER COLLECTION HOTEL GROUP
I have been involved in the hospitality industry for eight years now, and I have a passion for it because of how it allows me to relate to people from all walks of life. The connection that you get to form with guests is something very special. Additionally, I have a degree in HR, am a registered tour guide, and speak conversational Spanish. As someone who has been fortunate enough to travel extensively, I am not naive to the beauty of our country, and I am a passionate and proud South African.
I am firm on my values, and I use these to guide me in, well, everything! They are: 1) Behave with compassion; 2) Embrace learning opportunities and challenges; 3) Be grateful; and 4) Treat everyone equally.
I feel a responsibility to my fellow South Africans to contribute to our country by creating employment for others. For this reason, I imagine myself, in five years, owning my own guesthouse or accommodation establishment. While this would be a lot of work and a big risk, I think it is the perfect way to combine my passion for hospitality with my desire to make a difference.
On a personal level, I am inspired by my mom’s compassion and the impact that my dad was able to have through his business. On a professional level, I look up to our South African Les Clefs D’Or concierges for their passion and experience in the industry. On an ideological level, I am deeply inspired by the incredible Desmond Tutu, for his ideologies and his perspective on life.
Reading Brene Brown’s ‘The Power of Vulnerability‘
The concierge is the heart, the soul, the face, and often the brain of a hotel.” – Daniel J. Boorstin
Kishan Gokul (Head Concierge), Theodore Snyman (Concierge), Senzo Khumalo (Baker), Nkanyiso Zikhali (Wine Steward), Samkelisiwe Fortunate Nyandu (Barista), Tyra-Lynn Gail Taylor (Chef) and Alicia Murugan (Pastry Chef) The Oyster Box hotel team, Red Carnation
THEODORE SNYMAN
THE OYSTER BOX HOTEL
I see myself as a skilled collaborator. I can adapt to change very well, and I view myself as a friendly individual.
I have a goal to move up to a management level and possibly work in the UK.
My father has always inspired me and demonstrated a strong work ethic that I will always follow.
Pleasure Shaku (InterContinental Johannesburg O.R.Tambo) and Sihle Ngubane (Sandton Sun & Towers)
PLEASURE SHAKU
INTERCONTINENTAL JHB O.R. TAMBO
I’m a passionate, hardworking, people-person who is always willing to learn.
I’m working towards becoming a Duty Manager and Guest Relations Manager.
My General Manager, Ayanda Mazibuko, is my role model. His leadership skills are unique, and he’s always polite.
SIHLE NGUBANE
SANDTON SUN & TOWERS
Bubbly, outgoing, confident, well-groomed, and well-spoken.
I’m working towards becoming the head Concierge with the Society of Golden Keys.
Gugu Ndlovu, my manager, is someone I admire for her management skills.
Reading ‘Beauty Beyond the Orange Uniform’ by Karabo
Nqobile Mchunu (54 on Bath) and Sihle Ngubane (Sandton Sun & Towers)
NQOBILE NONJABULO SIBUSISIWE MCHUNU
54 ON BATH
I’m short, sweet, confident, and passionate.
I aim to advance in the hospitality industry, enhance my skills and knowledge, progress in my career by taking on greater responsibilities, and transition from self-management to team management. Additionally, I aspire to gain international experience, expand my professional network, and achieve greater mental and physical stability.
Siyanda Sabelo Dlamini’s passion for the hotel industry inspires me. I hope to one day be like the Sol Kerzner of today and make a meaningful contribution to the industry.
Reading ‘I’m a Different Mess Than I Was Yesterday‘ by Msizi E. Nkosi
NOMFUNDO KALA
THE PRESIDENT HOTEL
I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn’t believe in misleading others and tries to be fair in everything I do. I would also say that I’m motivated, analytical, creative, encouraging, resourceful, reliable, focused, and friendly. Motivation comes naturally to me, and I’ve always been a self-starter.
In the next five years, I see myself as an integral part of the company, having helped contribute to the growth and success of the organization. I would like to continue developing my skills and knowledge to take on more responsibility within the company. I believe that through learning and improvement, everything will fall into place.
I have been inspired by a number of people and instances in my life. Inspiration to me is like a catalyst that empowers my ability to work. The biggest inspiration in my life is none other than my family, and the person I admire the most is my father. He is the one who has inspired me since my childhood. His qualities like hard-working nature, discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy have inspired me a lot.
Reading ‘Never Give Up’ by Donald Trump and ‘Act like a Success, Think like a Success’ by Steve Harvey
THOKOZILE GAZI
THE LAGOON BEACH HOTEL
I’m a purpose-driven 25-year-old young woman who is all about inspiring others before she expires. I am full of love and joy. I aim for excellence in all that I do, and I am consistent.
My aim is to own a restaurant and a media production company, thereby creating employment for others. I would like to host and produce my own talk show, as well as become an author and property owner.
I am a child of God and aim to please Him always. My Pastor and mother inspire me because they not only speak their minds but also accompany their words with actions. They are hard workers and remain grateful always. They are committed.
Reading ‘Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Mind’ by Dr. David Stoop
The concierge is the person who knows the neighborhood inside out, who knows the right restaurant, who knows the right theater, who knows the right shops.” – Michael Fazio
Kenneth Pakkies (Asst. F&B Manager), Mkuseli Innocent Vanqa (Concierge), Fortune Thulani Hlope (Barista) and Johnathan Naidoo (Chef)
TAJ Cape Town
MKUSELI INNOCENT VANQA
TAJ CAPE TOWN
I am a very peaceful human being who believes, trusts, and takes himself seriously.
In five years, I would like to be managing my own mobile butler service company.
Ayanda Mhlambiso, Head Concierge at Taj Cape Town, always offers herself and shares knowledge. She is very good at her job and loves the industry. She loves to see people grow.
UNATHI MANELI
SOUTHERN SUN ARABELLA HOTEL, GOLF AND SPA
I’m very enthusiastic about what I do.
I would like to be leading a team, and I want to continue learning all that I can about this industry to advance my skills and earn that kind of position.
My role model is my father because he motivates and supports me and taught me how to be patient and the preciousness of time.
Reading ‘Have Faith’ by Ian Davidson
Raymundo Quillosa (Wine Steward, Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge), Abigail van der Merwe (Concierge) and Craig Hendricks (Candidate Chef) Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House Waterfront
ABIGAIL VAN DER MERWE
QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL & MANOR HOUSE WATERFRONT
I’m a happy, positive, calm, and very hard worker.
In five years, I’d like to be well-established in my career path and giving back by teaching and equipping young minds.
Both my brother and sister inspire me because we were raised with a very strong sense of perseverance. I’ve witnessed them both achieve beyond comprehension.
Reading ‘Do Over’ by Jon Acuff
The concierge’s role is to make the impossible possible for the guest.” – Frank Passanante
APHIWE NDOKWENI
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
I am a go-getter and am always up for a challenge as I am not afraid to try something new. I dislike failure.
In the next five years, I see myself as a Head Concierge.
Nardus Buys, my Head Concierge at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, is my role model and inspiration. He is well-experienced in the industry and handles everything so well, even when he is under pressure. He is grooming us new concierges very effectively, and we are learning so much from him.
Reading ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It‘ Lessons in Life by Richard Branson
Reinard Gerber (Senior Manager, TAJ Cape Town) Susan Groenewald (Learning & Development Manager, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town) with Kimberley Twaddle
KIMBERLEY TWADDLE
MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN
My colleagues would describe me as bubbly. However, outside of work, I like to live a quiet life. I would describe myself as patient and down-to-earth. I know what I want in life and am willing to work towards it and put in the hard work.
In five years, I would like to have advanced in my career to Head Concierge and have received my degree in hospitality. Then, I aim to be on track to become a lecturer in hospitality.
I am inspired by my work colleague, Crystal, a front office shift leader. She has been a mentor to me and taught me a lot. I admire how she does her job without letting things affect her.
Reading ‘Why the Chinese Don’t Count Calories’ by Lorraine Clissold
BRADLEY STEVENS
SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN
I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness. In the next five years, I see myself continuing to grow in my career and taking on more responsibility within the company by leveraging the expertise I’ve gained working in the industry.
My mother always motivates me to do better. She has taught me more than I could have learned from any book.
Reading Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’
NONCEBA MOTHETHO
TOADBURY HALL COUNTRY HOTEL
I have successfully qualified as an events manager and sales coordinator. I possess an organised and detail-oriented work ethic.
I aim to further my studies to enhance my skills and pursue a higher managerial position in the sales and events department.
I am inspired by young women who have become general managers at different hotels because it proves that it can be done.
Reading ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel A. Van der Kolk
WASEEM HASKINS
SOUTHERN SUN CAPE SUN
I see myself either as a Head Concierge or Front Office Manager and successfully launch my App called S.O.D.A. Psychology Of Digital Art – within those five years.
The Prophet Mohammad is my inspiration, why? Because wouldn’t one be happy with a peaceful life, a life full of humbleness and tranquility.
Reading ‘Understated Dominance’ by Marina Vittori
We look forward to featuring THE CONCIERGE’S CHOICE
Celebrating individuals who create exceptional experiences for visitors to South Africa!
THE ABC to experiencing South Africa
Adventure & Adrenaline * Botanical & Birds * Cultural & Cuisine
Inter Hotel Challenge, sponsored by HEINEKEN Beverages
#HeinekenSA | #InterHotelChallenge2023 | Showcook
