INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE, SOUTH AFRICA 2025
SHOWCOOK ~ IGNITING CAREERS IN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
8th December 2025
To access images, click – HERE for the Winners
SOUTHERN SUN CAPE SUN was the magnificent venue for the Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa 2025 Awards, and what a glamorous evening it proved to be. The ballroom shimmered in a blaze of diamonds and platinum, glittering and overflowing with brilliance. It was truly a sight to behold.
Excellence took centre stage: a celebration of dedication to the hospitality and tourism industry. Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Guest of Honour Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and his wife, Tracy, with keynote speaker Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun). Guest speakers Sophie Bel (Consul General of France), Alderman James Vos, and Delia Johnston of Air France-KLM announced superb, life-changing opportunities, a tremendous vote of confidence in the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2025 and its value.
These awards are regarded as the Oscars of the hospitality industry, inspired by the achievements of our talented and motivated candidates who recognise the impact this can have on their futures and have embraced the Challenge with enthusiasm.
At the Inter-Hotel Challenge awards ceremony, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, shared remarks with industry leaders and emerging talent in the hospitality sector.
Alderman Vos said: “The hospitality industry truly makes the world go round, and here in Cape Town, it is one of our greatest engines of growth. We pride ourselves on world-class products, services, and experiences that strengthen our visitor economy and attract both tourists and investors. Being part of this celebration is a moment of real pride, because it shows how our collective work is paying off.”
He noted that the Inter-Hotel Challenge highlights the teamwork and excellence that underpin Cape Town’s tourism ecosystem. “Tourism is a team sport, and the talent, craftsmanship, and innovation showcased in this Challenge are exactly what power our success as a global destination,” he said.
Alderman Vos explained further that this level of excellence supports Cape Town’s efforts in international markets. “This excellence is what gives me confidence when I sit down with airlines to negotiate new routes, when we expand our city-to-city partnerships, and when we roll out major tourism campaigns,” he added.
Alderman Vos concluded by emphasising Cape Town’s strong position in the global visitor economy. “I know that back home, Cape Town has the very best to offer, and together, we are shaping an industry that creates jobs, boosts skills, and keeps South Africa competitive on the world stage.”
“France remains a global reference in gastronomy and one of the many bonds that unite France and South Africa is our shared passion for fine food. The relationship between our two nations has long been nourished by the exchange of taste and know how and French hospitality groups continue to invest, train and create jobs. Tonight we celebrate and applaud the Inter Hotel Challenge and the young talented winners,” said Guest Speaker Sophie Bel, Consul General of France.
“As Air France, we are proud to support the Inter Hotel Challenge and its extraordinary role in developing South Africa’s future hospitality leaders,” says Wilson Tauro Country Manager – Southern Africa, Air France-KLM.
“Excellence, mentorship, and cultural discovery are values we share, and it is a privilege to open the door for this year’s winning Wine Steward to experience France through an immersive experience next year. We believe that travel has the power to inspire talent and broaden horizons. By providing the journey to France, we hope to contribute meaningfully to a young professional’s growth and to strengthen the important ties between our two countries’ hospitality and culinary communities. We look forward to welcoming the winner on board Air France and witnessing the impact this opportunity will have on their career.”
South Africa is fortunate to be home to some of the finest wineries in the world, led by eminent winemakers whose remarkable achievements continue to impress. The South African wine industry is moving forward with great momentum, and our wines are increasingly appreciated on the world stage. As a result, our superb wine estates have become an irresistible draw for visitors.
We proudly acknowledge our wine, water and spirit partners whose exceptional collections showcase the depth and excellence of South Africa’s wine culture and premium beverages: 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.
We are deeply grateful to our Food Partners: Avanti Coffee, Bio-Wheat, Ciao, Clear World Suppliers, Früt SA, Italian Deli Online, Khoisan Sea Salt, Lancewood, LemonGold, Lurpak, Polli Marinated Italian Vegetables, Rio Largo Olive Oil, Tastic Rices of the World with Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions whose exceptional ingredients support and strengthen the Challenge.
Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2025 Album Hospitality and Culinary Excellence #InterHotelChallenge2025 #Showcook #DiamondWorksConcierge
WINNERS ANNOUNCED INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE ~ SOUTH AFRICA 2025
THE DIAMOND WORKS CONCIERGE OF THE YEAR:
1st Veeshanee Chetty (InterContinental O.R. Tambo)
2nd Chelsea Jephthah (The Silo)
3rd Nico van der Westhuizen (Sala Beach House)
1st THE INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE WINE STEWARD OF THE YEAR: Sfiso Soldaat (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa with Simonsig Family Vineyards)
2nd MOST PROMISING: Lunga Mbatha (Beverly Hills with Fryer’s Cove)
3rd MOST UP & COMING – THE WONGA AWARD: Isiphile Mpiyakhe (Southern Sun Rosebank with De Wetshof Wine Estate)
EXQUISITE SERVICE: Samuel August (Southern Sun Cape Sun with Anthonij Rupert Wyne), Edward Nkoadi (54 on Bath with Old Road Wine Company) and Mduduzi Zwane (Sandton Sun & Towers with Avontuur Wines)
RISING TALENT: Nicholette Botes (Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel)
BEST COCKTAIL WITH FLOR DE CAÑA RUM & SANPELLEGRINO ITALIAN SPARKLING DRINKS: Isiphile Mpiyakhe (Southern Sun Rosebank)
1st THE INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE CHEF OF THE YEAR: Willem Jurie van Heusden (The President Hotel)
2nd THE RIO LARGO MOST PROMISING CHEF: Brandon Erasmus (The Vineyard)
3rd MOST UP & COMING: Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani)
RISING TALENT: Nduduzo Buthelezi (Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town)
SCANPAN EXCELLENT KITCHEN PRACTICE:
Hot Kitchen Chef: Kaylyn Cobb (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani)
Cold Kitchen Pastry Chef: Lesego Bongani Lekome (Sun City Convention Centre)
1st THE ULTIMATE LANCEWOOD PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR: Cynthia Bombe (Sun International Time Square)
2nd MOST PROMISING: Chandré Summer Albertus (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa)
3rd MOST UP & COMING: Bianca Schreuder (The Silo)
1st KITCHENAID AFRICA BIO-WHEAT BAKER OF THE YEAR: Permission Mavasa (Southern Sun Rosebank)
2nd MOST PROMISING: George Nkolonzi (Southern Sun Newlands)
3rd UP & COMING: Priyen Pillay (Southern Sun The Edward)
RISING STAR AVANTI BARISTAS OF THE INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE ~ SA 2025
Leyla Green (NH Hotels Sandton)
Nomfundo Mbuyisile (The Vineyard)
Thobelani Shibe (The Oyster Box)
BEST FOOD & WINE PAIRING: Using ingredients such as Bio-Wheat Stone Ground Flour, Ciao Pulses and Beans (including Cannellini and Butter Beans), Früt SA, Italian Pomodoro and San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes, Khoisan Sea Salt, Lancewood, LemonGold seedless lemons, Lurpak butter, Polli Marinated Italian Vegetables (Artichokes and Roasted Peppers from CLEAR WORLD Suppliers and Italian Deli-On-Line), Rio Largo Olive Oil and Lemon Olive Oil, Tastic Rices of the World with Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions, and WWF-SASSI green listed fish.
Starter: Chef Brandon Erasmus & Wine Steward Gabriele Di Giorgio, The Vineyard
Creamy Potato and Bean Soup | Country Style Salsa | Potato Fondant | Olive Oil Frozen Mousse
~ Old Road Wine Co. Anemos Chenin Blanc 2024
Main: Chef Prudence Ntombela, Sun International Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom
Masala Slinger with Creamy Lancewood Arancini | Romesco Sauce | Pico De Gallo
~ David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2023
Dessert: Pastry Chef Bianca Schreuder & Wine Steward Fortune Thulani Hlope, The Silo
Lancewood Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta | Meringue | Früt SA Strawberry Consommé | LemonGold Confit Lemon | Früt SA Strawberry Sorbet | Fresh Berries
~ Avontuur Val De Ra Red Blend 2023
WWF-SASSI Environment Awareness Award TEAM TROPHY: Kaylyn Cobb Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
SHOWCOOK MAN OF THE MATCH: Executive Chef Christo Pretorius (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
MENTOR OF THE YEAR: Augustino Bedini (Restaurant Manager, Beverly Hills)
THE KITCHENAID AFRICA BEST TEAM AWARD: The Vineyard
GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Luis Pinheiro (The Silo)
JUDGES
Concierge skills: John de Canha, Horst Frehse, Lorna Gourlay, David Gummers, Aimee Lentz (The Diamond Works), Jeff Rosenberg, Mike Waller (Dragonfly Africa)
Wine and spirit service: Sandy Harper (CWM) and Jean Vincent Ridon (Sommelier)
Wine and food pairing: Aubrey Ngcungama, Wanda Cronje (CWM), Mike Buthelezi, Heidi Duminy (CWM), Karen Bloom (CWM) and Mark O’Flaherty
Food/cheffing skills: Chief Judge Hugh von Zahn, Jocelyn Meyers-Adams, Fatima Stanley and Elsu Gericke
Kitchen skills and hygiene: Julietta e Silva Overmeyer and Melissa Collop (Capsicum Culinary Studio, Cape Town), Candice Adams, Chef Lucky Masinya and John Mathi (Capsicum Culinary Studio, Rosebank), Denisha Padayachee and Kerusha Naidoo (CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy, Durban)
Barista skills: Wayne Abrahams, Elton Chikara, Oz Davids, Lebo Mahoko, Sabelo Mawonga, Moses Ndlovu, Lindo Nkosi, Prosper Sibanda, Robert Shazi and Paula Visser
Food Partners: Avanti Coffee, Bio-Wheat, Ciao, Clear World Suppliers, Früt SA, Italian Deli Online, Khoisan Sea Salt, Lancewood, LemonGold, Lurpak, Polli Marinated Italian Vegetables, Rio Largo Olive Oil, Tastic Rices of the World with Tiger Brands Food Service Solutions
Water, Wines & Spirit Partners: 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
The broader vision behind the event and its dynamic impact on South Africa’s hospitality industry?
The Inter-Hotel Challenge is much more than just a competition, it is about nurturing the next generation of South Africa’s hospitality talent. The goal is to build a strong foundation of skilled chefs, pastry chefs, wine stewards, and hospitality experts who can elevate the whole industry.
With a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and learning, it is designed to boost careers while also helping to strengthen our tourism sector.
The Challenge is a great driver of job creation and skills development, keeping South Africa competitive as a global tourist destination. Plus, international exposure and mentorship bring fresh ideas and global standards into our local industry, shaping the future of hospitality here in South Africa!
#InterHotelChallenge2025 #Showcook #DiamondWorksConcierge
Prizes Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2025
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