Shining a Spotlight on the Incredible Prizes!

While we may not be able to change the world overnight, we can shape futures one chef, one steward, one opportunity at a time. The Inter-Hotel Challenge is a movement of hope, mentorship, and excellence. Together, we’re building a hospitality industry that reflects the very best of South Africa: its people.

The annual national competition identifies potential hospitality talent and then provides preparatory training and mentorship for participants. The Challenge is structured to fast-track training in hotel and restaurant services. This raises hospitality standards, expands job creation, and promotes economic inclusion. South Africa offers local and international tourists a world-class experience, enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a foremost travel destination.

Superb prizes to all the winners from Dr Susanne Reuther of Wings Group and KitchenAid Africa including KitchenAid Artisan Mixers, Gadget & Utensils, Ceramics, Bakeware and more from Wings Group South Africa.

Highly desirable and stunning prizes from AL&CD Ashley including SCANPAN the finest off Global Knives, Brabantia, Avanti, Severin and Joseph Joseph.

The Diamond Works Concierge of the Year’ Veeshanee Chetty (InterContinental O.R. Tambo) will receive a R10 000 cash prize from The Diamond Works Institute. Adding to this, African Eagle Day Tours has curated a collection of superb tours and experiences, valued at R11 500 for her and her partner in her region. They have also been invited to Food Jams to enjoy a fabulously fun cooking session in Gauteng.

The Diamond Works has created stunning exquisite diamond-studded, hand-crafted gold lapel pins for the winning Concierges; Veeshanee Chetty (InterContinental O.R. Tambo), Chelsea Jephthah (The Silo) and Nico van der Westhuizen (Sala Beach House), and they will each receive gorgeous gifts from Healing Earth for a touch of pampering and indulgence from Platinum Encounters.

The winning Wine Steward Sfiso Soldaat (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa with Simonsig Family Vineyards) will look forward to a two-week experience in France at Bistrot du Sommelier Philippe Faure-Brac Boulevard Haussmann 97, accompanied by Sommelier Jean-Vincent Ridon of Sommeliers Academy with accommodation by ACCOR. As well as receive further training and membership with Sommeliers Academy and South African Sommeliers Association (SASA).

We are thrilled to announce that Air France has joined the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ South Africa 2025 as an official partner, offering his flight to France!

The Invictus Education Group will award a bursary to Sfiso Soldaat to attain an online certificate with the International Hotel School designed to give the tools to further his business aspirations.

The runner-up, Most Promising Wine Steward Lunga Mbatha (Beverly Hills with Fryer’s Cove) has been offered a bursary by Lynn Naidoo, Managing Executive at the International Hotel School, valued at up to R105 000. This generous opportunity will enable Lunga to study online towards a Degree or Diploma qualification of their choice, selecting from the school’s wide range of highly regarded programmes.

The ‘Wonga Award’ is a R30 000 bursary to study with the Invictus Education Group by CEO Janet Pillai Multilayer Trade Corporation aimed at supporting the growth and development of young talent, this year awarded to third place Most Up & Coming Isiphile Mpiyakhe (Southern Sun Rosebank with De Wetshof Wine Estate).

Willem Jurie van Heusden (The President Hotel) – The Inter-Hotel Challenge Chef of the Year 2025 will embark on a three-week experience in bustling Dubai under the mentor of Executive Chef Miguel Huelamo at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. This dynamic setting offers a diverse experience with 12 restaurants – a culinary journey, featuring flavours from around the world and embracing a truly global dining experience. This extraordinary prize is made possible by Marriott International with flights by Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions, Tastic Rice and a R10 000 cash prize from ZA Foods. A world of culinary adventure awaits in Dubai with Marriott Hotels!

CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy will be sponsoring a bursary for Jurie to join an ARPL Chef Programme – The QCTO NQF Level 5 Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning Programme.

The ‘LANCEWOOD Ultimate Pastry Chef of the Year’ Cynthia Bombe Time Square, Sun International is invited to experience three-weeks in France, the home of fine patisserie with host DeVerra Auret at the exquisite La Creuzette in Boussac. A ravishing prize where the winner will continue to broaden their culinary skills and at the same time absorb incomparable French flair.

Flights are courtesy of Lancewood plus a R10 000 cash prize from Lancewood to cover their VISA and Medical Travel Insurance at the time of travel.

The ‘KitchenAid Africa Bio-Wheat Baker of the Year’ Permission Mavasa (Southern Sun Rosebank) receives a KitchenAid Food Processor while the hotel collects a KitchenAid Commercial Mixer

The ‘GM of the Year’ Luis Pinheiro (The Silo) receives exquisite, hand-crafted and engraved gold cufflinks by The Diamond Works!

The KitchenAid Africa Best Team – The Vineyard hotel receives the coveted KitchenAid Africa Floating Trophy and Jonsson Workwear Gift Vouchers for the BEST TEAM!

’The Mentor of the Year’ Augustino Bedini (Restaurant Manager, Beverly Hills) will be awarded with a splendid weekend away with The Oyster Collection in Cape Town ~ A rewarding prize for a valuable key player for the success of the team. Flights for the mentor and their partner provided by The Diamond Works Institute.

“The Oyster Collection understands the value and importance of mentorship for the next generation of hospitalitarians, and would like to recognise the ‘Mentor Of The Year Award’ winner with a two night stay at Pink Door Villa by The Oyster Collection, for themself and three closest friends. Located in the heart of Franschhoek town, our intimate five-star luxury villa features beautifully designed living areas, three ensuite bedrooms, premium hospitality, and the flexibility to tailor your stay to your preferences. Breakfast in-villa is included, with a dedicated butler and discreet housekeeping service available at all times. At Pink Door Franschhoek, luxury meets a curated guest experience, offering privacy that feels like home—only better.” See more

The ‘Rising Star Avanti SA Baristas of 2025’ Leyla Green (NH Hotels Sandton), Nomfundo Mbuyisile (The Vineyard) and Thobelani Shibe (The Oyster Box) are rewarded with R5000 cash prizes by Avanti Coffee and enviable coffee accessories from KitchenAid Africa and AL&CD Ashley.

Didactix are awarding the ‘Scanpan Excellent Kitchen Practice Award’, hot chef Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani) and pastry chef Lesego Bongani Lekome (Sun City Convention Centre), a one-day training programme and examination, to achieve the Highfield Qualification Level 3 Award, international certificate in Food Safety & Catering – an exciting opportunity provided by June Steenekamp of Didactix and Edward Dawson Highfield.

A selection of fine linen from The Hall Collection to Man of the Match Christo Pretorius (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa) – Proudly rewarded by Debbie Hall of The Hall Collection, representing the finest European bed, mattress, and linen suppliers, The Hall Collection delivers exceptional quality to enhance sleep experiences in private residences and the luxury hotel industry across Africa.

The WWF-SA Awareness Award goes to Kaylyn Cobb of Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, which celebrates top chefs and pastry chefs championing environmental sustainability. This prestigious accolade recognises efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and minimise waste, while prioritising the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) green list seafood value chain. By committing to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices the hotel exemplifies leadership in promoting positive change in the culinary and hospitality industries.

The ‘Rio Largo Most Promising Chef’ Brandon Erasmus (The Vineyard) receives a R2000 cash prize!

Gourmand awarded books Passion for Pairing will be awarded by Jean-Vincent Ridon.

Further prizes from Jean-Vincent Ridon, Gourmand Awarded book A Passion for Pairing and superb books from Penguin Random House.

Digital access to the Platter’s by Diners Club App and its web-based counterpart, with wine reviews and essential winery information from 2008 to the present, Von Geusau Chocolates and wine.co.za

Gifts from our water, wines and spirit sponsors: Acqua Panna, Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Avontuur, Backsberg, Bellingham, Boschendal, Brampton, Cederberg Wines, Cocchi, De Wetshof, Ernie Els Wines, Flor de Caña, Fryer’s Cove, Kleine Zalze, Jordan Wines, Old Road Wine Company, S.Pellegrino, Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks, Simonsig Family Vineyards and Van Loveren Family Vineyards