Meet This Year’s Diamond Works Concierges for the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026 supported by Union Tiles Every year, a new group of hospitality professionals step forward to represent The Diamond Works Concierges Choice and this year’s candidates are no exception. Chosen for their skill, warmth, and genuine care for the guest experience, they carry […]
BAKERS – The Magic of Baking
Introducing the Bakers of the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026, supported by Union Tiles. The Cook-Off & Service Presentation takes place in October, with the winners announced on 1 December. Baking has not always been recognised as a serious career path in South African hospitality. It has often stood in the shadow of the pastry section, […]
Getting to Know the Hot CHEFS
Precision, creativity and consistency are the hallmarks of an exceptional chef. In this challenge, competitors will have four hours to prepare and present two outstanding courses for four guests, showcasing refined culinary technique, thoughtful flavour combinations and professional execution. The menu begins with a starter inspired by the quality and versatility of Ciao Pulses and […]
Meet the WINE STEWARDS: Our ambassadors to the Cape’s liquid gold
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 […]
Prize Announcements…
“Winners are not those who never fail but those who never quit.” – Edwin Louis Cole The winners of the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026 Supported by Union Tiles will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 1st December at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. Chef Awards Chef of the Year and Ultimate […]
2026 INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE TEAMS ANNOUNCED!
We are delighted to announce the teams for this year’s Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026 Supported by Union Tiles! Gauteng & North West Province 54 on Bath & Simonsig Family VineyardsWINE STEWARD Ivy MaakeCHEF Silindokuhle KubekaPASTRY CHEF Levy MogaleBAKER Loyiso MlondoBARISTA Monwabisi Jalatini Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg & Bellingham PandemoniumCONCIERGE Ashton AbdulWINE STEWARD […]
INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE SOUTH AFRICA 2026 LAUNCHES ITS 14TH YEAR OF DEVELOPING HOSPITALITY TALENT
Union Tiles joins as headline partner as the programme continues to build careers, transform lives and strengthen South Africa’s hospitality future 1 July 2026: The Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa 2026, one of the country’s most respected hospitality skills development programmes, is proud to announce Union Tiles as a headline industry partner for the forthcoming competition, […]
2026 PRIZES Where Talent Meets Opportunity
Wonderful prizes for ALL the winners from Dr Susanne Reuther of Wings Group and KitchenAid Africa including KitchenAid Artisan Mixers, Gadget & Utensils, Ceramics, Bakeware and more… Hot Chef Jessie Olivier (CTIA) and ‘Ultimate Lancewood Young Star Pastry Chef of the Year’ Jenna van Niekerk (IHS) will earn an extraordinary three-month working experience in France, […]
WINNERS ANNOUNCED – Where Talent Meets Opportunity
Cape Town, 11th June 2026 – The culinary spotlight shone brightly on the Cape’s most promising young talent at the iconic TAJ Cape Town. Now in its 18th year, the Reaching for Young Stars 2026 competition has officially crowned its winners. Congratulations to all! Reaching for Young Stars is more than a competition; it advances […]
TAJ CAPE TOWN HOSTS WINEMAKERS’ LUNCH FOR REACHING FOR YOUNG STARS PROGRAMME
South Africa’s finest winemakers gather at Bombay Brasserie to celebrate wine, food, and the next generation of hospitality talent Cape Town, 7th May — TAJ Cape Town recently played host to the eagerly anticipated annual Winemakers’ Lunch, a highlight on the Reaching for Young Stars calendar, now proudly in its 18th year. Held in the magnificent […]