With over 300 years of winemaking heritage and routes stretching from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, Constantia to the Cape West Coast, South Africa’s Winelands are widely regarded as among the finest wine tourism destinations on earth — a place where world-class wines meets unmatched hospitality.
It is our Wine Stewards who carry that conversation to the table. As part of the Inter-Hotel Challenge SA, this year’s competitors represent some of the country’s most welcoming hotels, each bringing their own story of how they found their way into hospitality.
For many, the path began with a mentor’s guidance, or a moment behind the bar that sparked a lifelong curiosity about wine. Inspired to provide world-class wine service, our Wine Stewards have set their sights on a career to expand their knowledge, learn through rigorous study, blind tasting practice, cellar visits, and mentorship from senior sommeliers and CWMs, they are preparing not just to compete, but to become the next generation of ambassadors for South African wine, guiding the growing wave of international visitors through our winelands, one glass, one story at a time.
ASEZA MSUTU
Southern Sun Newlands & KWV Wines
I was inspired to pursue a career in hospitality because I genuinely enjoy working with people and creating memorable experiences. I find it rewarding to make guests feel welcome. My role model is Warren Buffett. Apart from him, my other role models are the leaders and mentors I have worked with, who lead by example and treat people with respect.
My long-term goal is to grow into a hospitality leadership role, starting as a supervisor and progressing to food and beverage manager, and eventually hotel general manager. One initiative I would like to pursue in future is developing a service excellence and staff development program, first focused on training employees in wine, cocktails, and coffee.
I’m committed to continuous learning and development beyond the competition. I actively expand my knowledge of wines, cocktails, beers, spirits, and food pairings through self-study. I also participate in leadership development through the Southern Sun Aspiring Supervisory Program, where I am building my communication skills.
Reading: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
ROBERT PRETORIUS
The Oyster Collection & Wildekrans
I’ve always enjoyed working with people and creating good experiences for them. Hospitality felt like a natural fit because it’s fast-paced, social, and no two days are the same. I also like being part of a team that makes someone’s day better, even in small ways.
My long-term goal is to one day move into a management role and help run a successful, well-respected establishment. I’d like to focus on improving customer experience, especially through better staff training and more personalised service — that’s what really makes a lasting impact.
I am gaining more experience in my current role as a barman, as well as working in other departments to gain the necessary knowledge. I’m also doing courses from the Showcook Grain and Grape to Glass programme, so I can one day make my long-term goals a success.
ALLAN VHEREMU
Queen Victoria Hotel & Ernie Els Wines
As a wine steward, I enjoy sharing my knowledge, recommending the perfect wine, and seeing guests leave having had an exceptional experience. My role models are Michael Fridjhon and Marlvin Gwese.
My long-term goals as a wine steward are to continue deepening my expertise in wine, elevate guest experiences, and grow into a leadership role where I can shape beverage programs that are both memorable and profitable. In future, I would like to pursue opportunities in wine education and mentorship, and create a more inclusive, innovative, guest-centred experience.
I’m currently doing my WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) training, and trying out as many wine estates and high-end bars as I can to see what they’re currently doing.
BUHLE MGOBOZI
The Vineyard Hotel & Paul Clüver Family Wines
My passion for hospitality was deeply inspired by my mum. When I was young, we used to have playful cooking competitions. It was in those moments, surrounded by her encouragement, that I found myself. Sadly, she passed away before I could fully pursue it, but every step I take in this field, I feel her spirit guiding me, it’s that love and dedication that keeps me going. My role model is my mum; I try to live up to her teachings and values.
I would like to become a sommelier. I’m working on a project – a podcast where I’d sit down with the people who form wine lists, as well as chefs, to showcase the process behind making a wine list and highlight other roles within the industry, because most people, when they think hospitality, think of becoming a chef, waiter, or manager – when there are so many other roles.
I’m using an App called Vivino, which gives customer reviews and knowledge about wine, such as its characteristics and the region where the grapes are grown. I’ve also been tasting a lot of wines on my off days and trying new wines I haven’t tasted before.
Reading: What’s Your Dream? By Simon Squibb
ALFRED MAMOFA
The Cellars Hohenort & Kleine Zalze
A desire to make people happy brought me to hospitality — I love connecting with people, and there is always space to grow. Marlvin Gwese is my role model, another Showcook alumni.
My goal is to become a winemaker and professional barista — mostly to equip every barman with wine knowledge and wine pairing with food, good coffee, and great feedback.
I’m currently gathering information from colleagues who have been there before.
CIZARIO FULLER
Southern Sun The Cullinan & L’Avenir Wines
An interest in customer service brought me to a career in hospitality.
My goal is to create a career out of wine service and sommeliering, and to be effective in each role I take up.
I’m a CPUT student in hospitality management, preparing to do my WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 by the end of this year.
Reading: The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins
THOBELA MBUS
Southern Sun Cape Sun & KWV Wines
The love and passion for people. My role model is Julie Reiner, renowned mixologist and owner of Flatiron Lounge, Pegu Club, and Leyenda.
Maybe one day I’ll be a wine steward owning a five-star restaurant that has the best wines from all over the world.
I want to learn more about wine and its history.
Reading: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
AARON KLAASEN
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town & Simonsig Family Vineyards
My inspiration to pursue a career in hospitality stems from my background — my parents and grandparents instilled in me a level of pride and belief that everyone deserves happiness, and I believe hospitality is the best way to deliver that joy, laughter, and happiness into someone’s life.
I would like to one day start a foundation that takes kids from underprivileged areas and introduces them to the world of open hands and hearts that is hospitality — it can range from cooking for someone, to simply talking with and interacting with them.
I have been doing my own research on wine management, as well as asking my management for guidance on how to improve.
Reading: The Devil in the Kitchen by Marco Pierre White
NEVAN JACOBS
Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel & Cederberg Wines
I’m a people’s person, and I love to make people happy, that’s why I love the industry.
Long term, I’d like to move into consulting.
Lots of self-learning and building my understanding of wine and spirits is preparing me for the competition and beyond.
Reading: The Candlelight
KHUSELWA KOLWENI
The Silo Hotel & Anthonij Rupert Wyne
Engaging with diverse guests, learning about the world through the people we meet daily, and the sheer joy of creating memorable experiences and turning everyday moments into lasting memories.
I would like to be a qualified sommelier, because I believe being able to elevate a regular meal into a more memorable experience is powerful.
I’m doing the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) course.
Reading: My favourite author is Paulo Coelho
EBRAIM ADAMS
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Jordan Wines
I love meeting people, all kinds of people, and making awesome experiences. No particular role models.
I’d like to become a top sommelier in the country.
I’m training with our in-house sommelier.
Reading: James Patterson novels
DESMOND MPILO
Taj Cape Town & Ernie Els Wines
The courage to serve has been my drive from a very young age — the love of seeing people happy after being helped has motivated my ambition. After my high school days, I volunteered for a local organisation serving the community with after-school programs, and it always made me believe I can be a good leader.
Being the owner of a restaurant one day would really bring my dreams to life. Between 2020 and 2022, I opened my own restaurant.
I’m seeking mentorship, and spending my daily time as a bartender. I’m giving my level best for this opportunity, and I believe I will make it.
Reading: The Bourbon Bible: The Complete Low-Down on the Spirit of America by Eric Zandona
C-JAY PHILLIPS
Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town & Bellingham Pandemonium
I chose this course because I am passionate about providing excellent service and creating memorable experiences. I’ve always been interested in connecting with people.
My long-term goal is to become better and strive for a higher position. I would love to make an impact within the company.
I’m willing to learn and study, and develop more knowledge about hospitality.
PHUMELELA NTOKO
The President Hotel & Ernie Els Wines
I needed pocket money as a college student, and my best friend Alessio helped me get my first job as a waiter. He went on to further his studies and is now a winemaker, which is why he inspires me.
I’d love the title of sommelier in the near future. My passion is teaching, so ultimately I see myself in a training role one day.
My main focus right now is mastering my space, becoming more familiar with the administrative side of the business, and exploring the food and drinks menu to its core.
Reading: The Other Side of Happiness by Brock Bastian
THENJISWA KONDLO
Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers & Wildekrans
To build a career in the hospitality industry, applying my skills in customer service and teamwork while gaining valuable experience. I want to be an expert mixologist and start my own academy to train youngsters joining the industry.
I’m furthering my studies with a mixology course.
Reading: The Everything Bartender’s Book by Cheryl Charming
BENJAMIN FAST
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg & Bellingham Pandemonium
I am a people’s person. I enjoy imparting memorable experiences through my knowledge and skills — that inspires me. My role model is Andrew Shelley — his humour mixed with wine knowledge and being a mentor.
I’m currently working toward my WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) diploma. I would love to be an educator of wines and spirits and uplift my fellow wine professionals.
I’m pursuing further education in wine, spirits, and hospitality.
Reading: The Shining by Stephen King
REGOMODITSWE LETWABA
Sun City Convention Centre & L’Avenir Estate
My love for helping people is what inspires me the most, because I also enjoy meeting new people and learning how they do things and where they come from. My mother and brother are my role models — they always encourage me to enjoy the present moment by being the best version of myself.
My long-term goal is to become a well-respected hospitality and wine professional who contributes to raising and growing service standards by developing future talent in the industry. I would like to create a hospitality mentorship for unexplored talent, prepping our industry for today.
I always give to myself by meditating and going to the gym. I also enrolled in a short wine course to be ready for this competition this year, 2026. My place of work always gives me practical experience to keep improving.
Reading: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
NANGESI NTUTSHANA
Southern Sun Rosebank & KWV Wines
I was inspired by the desire to create memorable experiences and to connect and learn with diverse people. It’s impactful for me to know I have made someone’s day better through a warm smile and a great meal. My role model is Ellie Wray.
I would like to become a successful and well-known wine sommelier and waitress. I want to open a platform for young children and youth to become exposed to hospitality, so they can understand it better along with its impact and opportunities.
I am attending wine tasting functions, reaching out to other wine stewards, going through learning webinars on GoOne, and taking part in wine courses and bar trainings.
Reading: The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
THAPELO TSOAELI
Sandton Sun & Towers & Paul Clüver Family Wines
I always had a dream to run my own restaurant, with the love of food coming from my mother’s cooking. I realised that if I need sustainability in my dreams, I would definitely have to go professional about it, and a career in hospitality would assist me in excelling across all hospitality sectors.
I would honestly like to climb up the hierarchy of the hotel industry and become a general manager, open up my dream restaurant chain, create job opportunities, make my mark, and be world-recognised.
I’m currently exploring the wine industry from production to sales, interviewing experts, and learning about sales and service with wine professionals.
IVY MAAKE
54 on Bath & Simonsig Family Vineyards
My inspiration to pursue a career in hospitality stems from a deep passion for creating memorable experiences and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Hospitality is a unique convergence, offering endless opportunities to make a positive impact on others’ lives. My role model is Mr. Mark Wachsberger, founder of Capital Hotels.
My long-term goals focus on leveraging advanced technology to transform the hospitality industry into a more personalised, efficient, and environmentally responsible sector.
I’m researching and reading journals focused on wine trends, networking, attending wine tastings, and following influential wine critics and bloggers.
Reading: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
RONALD NEMAKHAVHANI
Sun Time Square & Anthonij Rupert Wyne
Connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and immersing myself in different cultures, and mostly the thrill of turning an everyday moment for a guest into an unforgettable experience.
My aim is to become one of the best sommeliers in the hospitality industry.
I’m going to pursue courses to become a certified sommelier.
Reading: One Piece
GODFREY THABANG XULU
Sun City The Palace of the Lost City & Jordan Wines
I always wanted to make people feel welcome, safe, and valued, and to create a memorable experience for our travelling and local guests. My role model is Brendan Govender.
My long-term goal is to see myself elevate within the company and be part of decision-making. I would like to be part of the team that puts together the ingredients to create the cocktail menu.
I’ve been entering cocktail competitions to further my bartending skills, and I’ve completed the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 1.
Reading: The Bartender’s Book by Jack Townsend & Tom Moore McBride
FALLO MOHAMED BA
NH Johannesburg Sandton & Kleine Zalze
My role model is my mother. I chose to study hospitality because she inspired me with her passion and dedication to the industry. She had to stop working in hospitality after an injury to her left hand, and I want to continue the dream she could no longer pursue.
In the next five years, I want to have my master’s degree and be running a five-star hotel as a general manager, and also open my own barista training company.
Reading: Coffee Making — The Perfect Cup of Coffee and Delicious Cakes to Have with It by Michelle Finn.
MILTON KUBHEKA
Toadbury Hall & Cederberg Wines
I love working with wines and pairing them with food. My role model is Jean-Vincent Ridon.
Having my own sommelier academy and becoming a top sommelier in the world — that’s my biggest dream.
I’m learning more about wine and reading through wine magazines.
Reading: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
SANELE MHLONGO
Durban International Convention Centre & Kleine Zalze
Helping other people with a smile, and helping one another in a hospitable way is what brings me to having a career in hospitality.
My aim is to become a guru in the hospitality industry and help upcoming professionals.
I’m learning more about hotel, convention, casino, and lodge environments in terms of operations, dos and don’ts.
Reading: Hospitality Management: A Restaurateur
NDUMISO MSOMI
Southern Sun The Edward & Anthonij Rupert Wyne
At first I was looking for a part-time job, but the moment I saw how happy the guests were with my service, that changed everything, providing the best experience changed everything. My role model is Mr Phakemi Zondi. Since he left, it is my management team, simply because of the way they represent themselves with respect and honour within the workplace and outside of it.
My goal is to work hard and dive deep into the industry, to understand what it means to be part of the hospitality team, maybe even to become a brand ambassador of one of the Southern Sun institutions. I would use my talent as an entertainer to make the guest experience the best they’ve ever had, in a professional way.
I have been doing cross-training as a cashier and bartender. I’ve also been training on GoOne, which has been helpful in understanding exactly what’s expected of me.
MENZI BHENGU
Radisson Blu Umhlanga & Simonsig Family Vineyards
My interest in hospitality comes from my passion for customer service. The industry also offers continuous learning and opportunities to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. My role model is my uncle, who is in the business and has a positive teaching style.
My long-term career goal is property development. I would like to be part of a project where we open a new restaurant, where we could mentor and give opportunity to the youth and people who are willing to learn and have a passion for hospitality.
To further my skills in wine and hospitality, I watch YouTube videos and do research on the internet.
Currently Reading: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
SITHABILE VILAKAZI
Beverly Hills & Jordan Wines
Monitoring essential skills like customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving drew me to a career in hospitality. I like creating unforgettable memories for our guests, and learning and understanding other cultures.
With great mentorship and encouraging senior leaders and real role models like Mr Augustino Bedini, they help bring out the best in me.
I would like to advance to a leadership position where I can take on important responsibilities. I will be able to accomplish this by studying further with leadership courses and learning from the team so I can contribute to the company’s long-term goals.
I would like to further my education in hospitality to upgrade my service skills.
FREDERICK LANCE MOONSAMY
Sun International Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom & L’Avenir Estate
The love of food and meeting new people made me turn to hospitality as a career. My role model is my grandfather, he was a bar manager and ran a country club.
I aim to one day be part of a restaurant group, managing my own and eventually owning one.
I would like to improve and lower wastage in restaurants, and continue to take more leadership courses through Sun International.
LUXOLO NGEBHE
Sun International Wild Coast Sun & Anthonij Rupert Wyne
I am from a rural village, and I was inspired by the environmental and economic benefits of the hospitality industry. I enjoy working with people and creating memorable experiences for guests. My studies in tourism and hospitality management strengthened my passion for the industry and gave me a deeper understanding of how excellent service and positivity impact people’s experiences.
I look up to Sol Kerzner and Nelson Mandela.
My long-term career goal is to grow into a senior leadership position within the hospitality industry, such as food and beverage manager, operations manager, or general manager. I would like to combine my hospitality experience with entrepreneurship by owning or managing successful hospitality ventures that create employment opportunities and contribute to local economic development. I would like to establish a hospitality skills and youth development academy in rural areas.
I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth beyond this competition. I actively seek opportunities to improve my hospitality knowledge through practical experience, self-study, and learning from industry professionals. I believe learning never stops, and I am committed to growing both personally and professionally so I can take on greater responsibilities in the future.
Reading: Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
LUTHANDO DLAMINI
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani & Paul Clüver Family Wines
I was inspired by the chance to turn everyday moments into unforgettable experiences, and the idea of travelling while working. My role models are Tinashe Nyamudoka, Zimbabwe-born sommelier and winemaker, and my mother.
My long-term goal is to become an expert in my field of work. I’m currently working on starting a podcast based on the hospitality industry, to educate and share knowledge about hospitality and tourism.
I will continue to further my studies — luckily for me, I work for a company, Southern Sun, that invests in furthering our skills.
Reading: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
A note on his role model: Tinashe Nyamudoka’s own career began right in this competition — he was the inaugural winner of the Inter-Hotel Challenge in 2013, representing One&Only, mentored by Luvo Ntezo. He has since become one of South Africa’s most respected sommeliers and the founder of Kumusha Wines.
INNOCENT MAHLOBO
Sala Beach House & Bellingham Pandemonium
I enjoy working with people, solving problems calmly, and being part of a team that makes people feel valued. My role model is my general manager, for his dedication and going the extra mile when it comes to service and guest satisfaction.
My aim is to build a solid career in hospitality, grow into leadership, and create a strong bond where both guests and staff feel respected and valued.
I’m building my skills by learning online, practising service and communication at home, and looking for short courses and more work experience in the hospitality industry. I’m committed to growing even outside the competition.
Reading: Stand Firm and Act Like Men by Joby Martin
#InterHotelChallenge2026 #UnionTiles #Showcook
