The Inter-Hotel Challenge is a prestigious national competition going into 12th highly successful year aiming to identify and nurture potential hospitality talent, offering preparatory training, mentorship, and industry exposure to all participants enhancing hospitality standards, promoting job creation, and fostering economic inclusion by fast-tracking training in hotel and restaurant services.
South Africa is the top culinary destination in Africa, with Cape Town leading the way as its pride, offering a diverse and mouthwatering selection of global cuisines. The city was recognised for the second time as “Africa’s Best Culinary City Destination” by the World Culinary Awards, which celebrates outstanding achievements in the global culinary industry. See more…
There have been some spectacular success stories including Ndaba Dube (Director of Operations at The President Hotel), Tinashe Nyamudoka (Kumusha Wines) and Siyathokoza Molefe at Atlantis The Palm Dubai Resort in Ossiano Underwater Fine Dining Restaurant and many more!
Event Highlights: 30 Teams: Comprising 129 candidates across various categories —Concierges (11), Wine Stewards (25), Hot Chefs (25), Pastry Chefs (25), Bakers (19), and Baristas (24). For further insight into the candidates and their dreams, see the links for each category above.
The Cook-Off & Service Presentation will take place at three regional culinary academies in October, with over 30 judges who will evaluate participants across categories, featuring esteemed professionals such as Chief Judge Hugh Von Zahn, Sandy Harper (CWM), Sommelier Jean-Vincent Ridon and key judges from the South African Chefs Association including Jocelyn Myers Adams, Elsu Gericke and Fatima Stanley. This is the defining event culminating with the glamorous awards ceremony on December 4th at the renowned and stunning TAJ Cape Town.
Cook-Off & Service Presentation Dates:
Cape Town: Friday 18th & Saturday 19th October 2024 hosted by Capsicum Culinary Studio
Johannesburg: Tuesday 22nd October 2024 hosted by Capsicum Culinary Studio
Durban: Thursday 24th October 2024 hosted by CTIA- Chefs Training & Innovation Academy
* Announcing the Judges
CONCIERGE: Aimee Lentz (The Diamond Works), Horst Frehse, John de Canha, Mike Waller (Dragonfly Africa), Lorna Gourlay and Jeff Rosenberg.
WINE STEWARD JUDGES: Sandy Harper (CWM) & Sommelier Jean Vincent Ridon
FOOD & WINE PAIRING JUDGES: Aubrey Ngcungama and Wanda Cronje (CWM), Sommelier Germain Lehodey, Kristina Beuthner (CWM), Karen Bloom (CWM) and Mark O’Flaherty
FOOD: Chief Judge Hugh Von Zahn, Jocelyn Myers Adams, Fatima Stanley and Elsu Gericke.
KITCHEN HYGIENE: Julietta é Silva Overmeyer and Melissa Collop (Capsicum Culinary Studios, Cape Town), Candice Adams, Chef Lucky and John Mathi (Capsicum Culinary Studio, Rosebank), as well as senior lecturers Chef Denisha Padayachee (Hot Kitchen Judge), Chef Kerusha Naidoo (Cold Kitchen Judge) from CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy in Durban.
BARISTA: Oz Davids, Paula Visser, Wayne Abrahams, Johandré Delport, Ree Moya, Malusi Ngwane, Paddington Chivare, Robert Shazi, Lebo Mahoko and Dorian Labushagne of Avanti Coffee Company.
Keynote Events
Empowering Journeys Inspiring Voices and Opportunities in Hospitality and Beyond
The Orientation Workshops introduced candidates to the Challenge partners, judges, and guest speakers who shared valuable insights into industry best practices and vital personal development. Held in Johannesburg at the superb 54 on Bath, Durban at the gorgeous grande dame Southern Sun The Edward, and in Cape Town at the super efficient Sun Square City Bowl.
Regional Launches held in August at the impressive leading hotels Sandton Sun, The Beverly Hills, The Vineyard Hotel and The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa.
Keynote Speakers brought diverse perspectives and invaluable insights, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the Inter-Hotel Challenge, which aims to uplift, innovate, and collaborate across all areas of hospitality and tourism. Their words not only motivated the candidates but also set the tone for an event committed to inclusivity, excellence, and shared growth.
Alan Winde – Premier of the Western Cape with Annette Kesler and Chania Morritt-Smith of Showcook, founders of the Inter-Hotel Challenge SA
Premier Alan Winde delivered an inspiring keynote address at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, emphasising the importance of the experiential economy in both the region and the country. He highlighted the value of creating, sharing, and innovating experiences, celebrating the future leaders of the hospitality and tourism industry. With a focus on year-round tourism, Winde addressed how the collaboration between government and the private sector is critical in driving job creation, raising standards, and enhancing the South African travel experience. His emphasis on the importance of healthy competition was a call to action for the industry to innovate, share skills, and work together to elevate the country’s brand identity. He also discussed essential factors such as air route developments, visa policies, and inclusivity in offerings for the disability sector, positioning South Africa as a highly marketable destination.
Lesego Modutle – Disability Advocacy Specialist & South African Sign Language Interpreter with Shane Marinus and dynamic MC Aubrey Ngcungama
Lesego Modutle, a prominent disability advocacy specialist, delivered a powerful address at The Vineyard Hotel and The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, calling for greater inclusivity within the hospitality industry. As a South African Sign Language interpreter and DeafNet Africa Ambassador, Lesego emphasized the need to unlearn biases about the abilities of people with disabilities. She urged industry leaders to foster environments where barriers—whether physical, attitudinal, or systemic—are removed, allowing everyone to participate fully. Her passionate plea for disability-inclusive practices is not just about fairness, but about unlocking the unique talents and perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring. Lesego’s vision is to create spaces where innovation, creativity, and collaboration can thrive, and she inspired attendees to champion inclusivity in all aspects of the hospitality sector.
Prescillia Avenel-Delpha, a French executive with over 16 years of experience in brand strategy, digital product management, and marketing, delivered an inspiring keynote. With a background that includes L’Oréal, Unilever, and Trace, Prescillia currently focuses on data-driven strategies and customer-centricity in South Africa. She played a key role in launching Trace Academia, an e-learning platform for African youth, achieving over 2.5 million downloads. Passionate about inclusion and empowering youth, she introduced Trace+ and its creative courses, encouraging participants to unlock their full potential through innovative training opportunities. Prescillia delivered her keynote at both The Beverly Hills and at the Orientation Workshop at Southern Sun The Edward.
Waseem Carrim – CEO, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) At the Johannesburg regional launch hosted by Southern Sun Sandton Sun & Towers, Waseem Carrim, CEO of NYDA, addressed the audience with a focus on youth empowerment and career development within the hospitality industry. He spoke about the crucial role that initiatives like the Inter-Hotel Challenge play in providing young professionals with opportunities to gain practical skills, receive mentorship, and kickstart their careers. His message highlighted the NYDA’s commitment to fostering a generation of skilled, confident, and motivated individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Carrim’s vision aligns with the Challenge’s goal of creating pathways for youth in the hospitality sector, ensuring they have access to training, networks, and growth opportunities.
Competition Categories:
Concierges: To present an exceptional experience for visitors to South Africa encompassing ‘The ABC to experiencing South Africa ~ Adventure & Adrenaline * Botanical & Birds * Cultural & Cuisine’.
Wine Stewards: Present a signature gin cocktail and a perfect brandy serve along with a partnered winemaker’s choice of three wines.
Hot Chefs: Prepare a vegetarian starter and main using WWF-SASSI green listed fish, stone ground flour, rice, olive oil, sea salt and lemon
Pastry Chefs: Create the best dessert as well as a fresh lemon meringue tart.
Bakers: Present three styles of bread; brioche, sourdough and a whole wheat
Baristas: Serve three styles of coffee including espresso, cappuccino, and one specialty drink.
Participating Hotels and Partners: A comprehensive list of participating hotels and Challenge partners who contribute to the success of this event.
Hotels: 54 on Bath Southern Sun, Beverly Hills, Century City Conference Centre & Hotels, Durban ICC, Ellerman House, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Gold Reef City Hotel Tsogo Sun, InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, The Lagoon Beach Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, Queen Victoria Hotel, Sandton Sun & Towers Southern Sun, Silverstar Hotel Tsogo Sun, Southern Sun Cape Sun, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Southern Sun Newlands, Southern Sun The Cullinan, Southern Sun The Edward, Sun City Convention Centre, The Palace of the Lost City, Taj Cape Town, The Oyster Box, The President Hotel, The Silo Hotel, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, The Vineyard Hotel, The Waterfront Concierge, The Oyster Collection and Zevenwacht Country Inn & Restaurant.
Wines & Spirits: Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Backsberg, Bellingham Wines, Boschendal, Brampton Wines, Bruce Jack Wines, Cederberg Wines, De Grendel, De Wetshof, Ernie Els Wines, Fryer’s Cove, Kleine Zalze, Old Road Wine Co., Simonsig Family Vineyards, Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Zevenwacht, ClemenGold Gin Hope Distillery and Sydney Back Potstill Brandy
Ingredients: Avanti Coffee, Bio-Wheat, Fish4Africa, Früt SA, Khoisan Sea Salt, Lancewood, LemonGold®, Lurpak Butter, Rio Largo Olive Oil, Tastic Rice
Technical support: VenueTech & Selby’s Productions
Décor: Petals Group
Transport Logistics: MLT Car Hire & Tours and Dragonfly Africa
Accommodation: 54 on Bath Southern Sun, Beverly Hills, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Southern Sun The Edward, Southern Sun The Cullinan, Southern Sun Cape Sun, Southern Sun Newlands, SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl, The Vineyard Hotel, Mount Nelson A Belmond Hotel Cape Town, President Hotel and TAJ Cape Town
Prizes: AL&CD Ashley, Avanti Coffee, Books for life from Penguin Random House, Brabantia, Cape Wine Academy, Global Knives, Highfield and Didactix, Hope Distillery, IIE HSM, International Hotel School, KitchenAid Africa, La Creuzette, LANCEWOOD, LemonGold®, Marriott International, MLTCar Hire & Tours, National Youth Development Agency, Newmark Group, Penguin Random House, Richard Von Geusau Chocolates, Rio Largo Olive Estate, ScanPan, Simonsig Family Vineyards, Sommeliers Academy, South African Sommeliers Association, The Diamond Works, The Hall Collection, Valor Hospitality, and Von Geusau Chocolates.
PRIZES ANNOUNCED: Celebrating Excellence in Hospitality & Culinary Arts
Do see the array of extraordinary prizes for this year’s winners, highlighting the incredible opportunities awaiting the top achievers. From culinary experiences to generous educational bursaries, these prizes celebrate passion, innovation, and excellence in the hospitality industry. See more…
The Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa 2024 is more than a competition rather an important stepping stone for South Africa’s next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders, bringing together industry partners, judges, and aspiring talents to shape the future of South Africa’s most vital hospitality sector.
INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE ~ SOUTH AFRICA 2024
SHOWCOOK ~ IGNITING CAREERS IN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
#InterHotelChallenge2024 | #Showcook
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