Step into the world of finest concierges, the guardians of insider knowledge, curators of memorable experiences, and trusted guides to our city’s treasures. Their recommendations, built on years of personal connections and professional excellence, are more than just suggestions: they are keys to unlocking the true essence of hospitality.
THEO SNYMAN
THE OYSTER BOX
I was inspired to pursue a career in hospitality because I enjoy helping people and creating meaningful experiences. It’s rewarding to make someone’s day better, especially when they’re far from home. My long-term goal is to become a head concierge and earn my Le Clef d’Or keys. I am passionate about delivering exceptional guest service and constantly learning from every interaction.
In the future, I would love to lead a program like Local Legends, connecting guests with hidden local gems to create memorable stays while supporting our community. Currently, I am focused on building strong relationships, deepening my local knowledge, and growing into a trusted leader in hospitality. I take every day as a new challenge, seeking feedback from guests and colleagues, networking with other Le Clef d’Or concierges, and studying best practices for luxury service. I also plan to attend industry events, participate in tastings, and take every opportunity to grow into a concierge with keys.
NICO VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
SALA BEACH HOUSE
I have always enjoyed working with people. I enjoy the pressure of the hospitality environment and constantly having to learn and improve. My mentor is Henk Pieterse. I would like to grow and gain hospitality excellence experience abroad. I believe the more experience I gain in different areas of hospitality in different cultures and countries, the more I can build my knowledge and expertise to uplift the service standards back home. I am gaining more training in order to hone my skills to become an F&B manager.
ADRIAAN PETERSEN
TAJ CAPE TOWN
Love for people – I truly enjoy interacting with guests from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Passion for service – I am driven by a desire to provide exceptional service and create memorable experiences. Sense of accomplishment – I find deep satisfaction in helping guests and receiving their positive feedback.
My parents are my ultimate role models, and I deeply admire their unwavering dedication and sacrifices for our family’s well-being. Their selflessness and commitment to providing for my siblings and me have always been a constant source of inspiration.
My long-term career goal is to open a restaurant that celebrates authentic Cape Malay cuisine, a culinary tradition deeply rooted in my family’s heritage. As a proud descendant of the Cape Malay community, I aspire to share the rich flavours and history of this unique culture with the world, while also creating meaningful opportunities for my family to be involved.
Beyond the competition, I am actively building industry connections by networking with fellow concierges, hoteliers, and local businesses to expand my knowledge and resources. I make it a priority to collect and act on guest feedback, using it as a valuable tool to continually improve services.
I’m reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki, a book that has transformed the way I think about money, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial growth.
RAEESA BALLIM
RADISSON BLU UMHLANGA
I was drawn to hospitality by my love for creating meaningful guest experiences. In Guest Relations and Concierge, I found my purpose: turning ordinary and extraordinary stays into unforgettable moments through care, attention to detail, and connection.
My role models are Le Clef d’Or concierges, who wear their keys as a symbol of excellence. My long-term goal is to become a Le Clef d’Or concierge and eventually lead a Guest Relations and Concierge team that sets the standard for personalised service in Africa. I take every opportunity to learn from my seniors and cross-train with different departments to understand the full guest journey.
Beyond that, I am actively preparing my Le Clef d’Or application by refining my knowledge of local experiences, languages, and global standards to deliver world-class service with an authentic local flair.
I’m reading The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
COLIN MAVUSO
SUN INTERNATIONAL SIBAYA CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT KINGDOM
I love working with people and helping them, so being in a hospitality environment gives me the chance to look after guests and serve them with a smile. My long-term career goals are to become a qualified marketing manager and run a fleet business, transporting guests to and from the airport and giving tours around Durban, which I have experience in.
I have completed Logistics and Supply Chain Management and am now pursuing a Marketing degree.
I’m reading Build Don’t Talk by Raj Sharmani
IMRAAN SCHMIDT
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
I received a call from One&Only Cape Town after I applied for the Porter position. I did not know anything about hospitality, and I never looked back. Chris Noon was the Golden Key concierge at the time.
My long-term goal is to become a Golden Key member, as this is something I have wanted for a very long time. Being part of the Concierge Forum will make this possible soon. I would also like to obtain my own tour guide license and pursue this after my hospitality career.
Through the Concierge Forum and my tour guide aspirations, I was given a book called The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, which I am reading at the moment.
CHELSEA JEPHTHAH
THE SILO HOTEL
My bubbly personality and passion for working with people drive my inspiration. I am also inspired by role models, such as colleagues Jessica and Kimone, who embody dedication and expertise in their work. My long-term career goal is to start my own business, a training centre for young adults interested in hospitality, helping them develop their skills to succeed in the industry. We have development opportunities at work, and I have taken advantage of courses offered through our company’s executive coach and head of training.
I’ve started reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Jason Daniels (Chef), Matshediso (Tshidi) Tloti (Concierge), Tristan Pillay (Pastry Chef), Nicholette Botes (Wine Steward) and Sinalo Ngqokuwe (Pastry Chef) Cape Grace
MATSHEDISO TLOTI
CAPE GRACE, A FAIRMONT MANAGED HOTEL, PART OF ACCOR
Hospitality has always been in my blood. Growing up, I had the privilege of watching my dad navigate life through hospitality, and that’s where the spark was lit. My long-term career goal in hospitality is to grow in concierge, in whichever way the opportunity presents itself. For a future project, I would like to partner with a local brand—specifically someone in the industry or an underprivileged entrepreneur—on a business venture supported by the hospitality industry. I aim to participate in industry-related events and opportunities, exposing myself to more knowledge for future development and upskilling.
I’m reading The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest and How Did We Get Here by Ledwaba Mpoomy
JODY PHILLIPS
SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN
I come from a family in which all members have pursued careers in the hospitality industry; therefore, my mother and my older brother are my role models.
My long-term career goal is to climb the corporate ladder, further improving my hospitality skills by participating in courses. Completing courses provides me with a foundation to make an impact in the hospitality industry. I am also further developing my skills through online courses.
YOLANDA NKQUBEZELO
THE PRESIDENT HOTEL
At first, I liked the sense of fulfillment I felt when I made a guest feel delighted, and I realised I wanted to do that for the rest of my life. Making guests feel happy inspires me. I would like to be involved in a project that is inclusive of all types of people, creating experiences that cater to everyone’s personal preferences. I am taking up mentorships, asking questions from people to learn more about the industry, and following peers.
I”m reading Atomic Habits by James Clear
JADEN-LEE JANE
THE VINEYARD HOTEL
My family was my inspiration when it came to choosing hospitality. They wanted me to grow as a person, meet new people, and better myself. The person who stood out to me as my role model because of her work ethic and drive was my mother, who has always been a people’s person and has been in hospitality. My long-term goals are to broaden my knowledge of the industry and its operations and to hold a supervisory position at the Vineyard Hotel. I believe that if we provide more information to schools, specifically high schools in different areas, most learners—who are often unsure about which career path to choose—would benefit. Organizing career days at schools to inform students of the opportunities in the hospitality industry would encourage them to explore it further. I am looking to learn administration within my department and further develop my skills. I recently attended a leadership program run at the hotel that helped me understand how to manage people and achieve the best possible outcomes.
I want to empower myself by gaining even more experience in learning, as well as fine-tuning the skills I have gained in my current position as a receptionist. I have also completed a Front Office Operations course through IHS, which has given me better insights into how the front office department is run—insights I was not aware of before. I am looking to gain local experience of the tourism industry, including local attractions, tourism hotspots, key sites to see, and understanding what brings tourists to our beautiful country.
I’m reading Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
MOLEBOGENG MOTSAGE
MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN
I enjoy assisting people, and I think that is what drew me to hospitality. It gives me so much joy to see guests satisfied with the service I have provided. I would like to grow within my career and be in a more executive role one day. I enjoy new challenges and tasks more and more. I currently do not have any active projects that I am involved with now, but I am eager to explore options in my future career. I am actively participating in online training to develop my skills.
I’m reading Rise: The Brand New Autobiography by Siya Kolisi
Pearl Mashigo (Concierge), Philani Malunga (Hot Chef) and Rebecca McGowan (F&B Manager) Southern Sun Newlands
PEARL MASHIGO
SOUTHERN SUN NEWLANDS
I have developed a passion for hospitality from school, but serving people and being in the service industry has always been a desire of mine to fulfil. My role model is ‘My Hungry Husband’ Food Blogger, Ilhaam Banoobhai-Anwar. My long-term career goal is to manage an establishment in the coming years. An initiative I would like to pursue is creating a safe training space for new trainers entering the establishment. I will be job-shadowing concierges for a few days to see what is expected of me, and I will also visit some selected places.
I’m reading Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
KARLOFF RIFFEL
THE OYSTER COLLECTION
I was born in the food capital, Franschhoek, and I wanted to be a part of this wonderful industry. My role models are Justin Mitchell, who is part of the Oyster Collection, and Paul Sequa from Plaine-Rust Farm in Franschhoek.
My long-term goal is to continue growing in the hospitality industry. I would love to inspire the youth of Franschhoek to be part of this amazing field that can change their lives.
This event is already a big step in my career, surrounded by people who love others and love the hospitality industry, helping me grow more and more.
I’m reading The Story: The Power of Storytelling by Daniel José Older
NOLUTHANDO MANDLA
SANDTON SUN & TOWERS
What inspired me to pursue a career in hospitality is the power of a single moment—the moment when a guest’s expression changes from tired to delighted. I still remember the first time I witnessed this transformation. I wasn’t even working in the industry yet; I was a guest myself, watching a concierge go above and beyond to help an overwhelmed traveller feel seen, heard, and cared for. That moment stayed with me, and I realised that hospitality is about much more than service. It’s about human connection, empathy, and creating small pockets of joy in someone’s day.
For me, hospitality is a calling. I’m passionate about making people feel like they’ve arrived somewhere special—not just in a beautiful hotel, but in a place where they truly matter. I love the pace, the challenges, and the constant opportunity to turn a routine interaction into something meaningful. Every guest brings a story, and I take pride in being part of a team that adds something positive to that story, even if only for a night.
My long-term goal as a concierge is to grow into a trusted expert in luxury guest services, becoming a key figure that both guests and colleagues can rely on. I also aspire to earn professional recognition, such as membership in Les Clefs d’Or, which represents the highest standard of excellence in the concierge profession. Achieving this would reflect my commitment to the craft and to upholding the standards of five-star hospitality.
Ultimately, I see myself mentoring new colleagues—especially women—helping them develop the same passion for guest service and potentially growing into a leadership role in guest relations or hotel operations, where I can influence the overall guest experience strategy and foster a culture of genuine, anticipatory service.
I am part of the Johannesburg Concierge Forum, which aligns with my aim to deepen my knowledge of high-end travel, dining, entertainment, and cultural offerings, both locally and globally, so I can provide more enriching and personalised recommendations.
I’m reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
VEESHANEE CHETTY
INTERCONTINENTAL JHB O.R. TAMBO AIRPORT
I was inspired to pursue hospitality by the opportunities it promised me. I saw the freedom it offered to explore my city, my country, and ultimately the world. My role model is my grandmother, who was also in the industry. One of my long-term career goals is to advance within the hospitality sector as a consultant, supporting establishments—particularly newly opened properties or those facing challenges. Currently, I am focusing on the concierge aspect of my role and am an active member of the Johannesburg Concierge Forum. Exploring the city and discovering hidden gems in Gauteng is how I continue to develop my skills beyond the competition.
I’m reading Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes
MAKHAYA KULA
NH JOHANNESBURG SANDTON
I have a passion for helping others, enjoying interactions with people, and a desire to create memorable experiences. My role model is my mother. I would love to join the Concierge Forum to help other concierges better understand this industry.
I’m reading The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
Follow on… #InterHotelChallenge2025 #Showcook
Facebook @SHOWCOOKcom
Instagram showcookcom
