The 2nd annual FEDHASA Hospitality Awards, held at the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, in Cape Town on 15 April, welcomed the country’s hospitality community for an evening of celebration and a statement of collective ambition. With 18 categories, expanded from the inaugural edition in direct response to industry calls for broader recognition, the awards reflected a sector that is continually raising its standards.
“The expansion of these awards categories was deliberate, driven by what we were hearing from the industry – that talent across every discipline deserves to be seen. Hospitality is one of the most significant contributors to employment and economic activity in this country. A single tourism job typically supports up to seven people, meaning the ripple effect extends across entire households and communities. The people powering that contribution are too often invisible,” said FEDHASA Cape Chair and organiser of the event, Lee-Anne Singer.
“Recognition is not ceremonial. It’s a retention tool and a statement to the next generation that this is an industry worth dedicating a career to,” she added.
Guests were welcomed with signature cocktails from Motsamayi Tourism Group, while the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra provided an evening of entertainment befitting the occasion. Comedian Dalin Oliver served as master of ceremonies, bringing warmth and energy to a room that needed little encouragement to celebrate.
Rashid Toefy of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (EDAT) and Tracy Mkhize of Cape Town Tourism were also in attendance, serving as a reminder that the health of South Africa’s hospitality industry is not a private sector concern alone, but a matter of economic and social consequence for the country at large.
“FEDHASA is here to ensure that the professionals and businesses making up this industry have the advocacy and support they need to do what they do best. South Africa’s hospitality sector is projected to contribute more than R554.6 billion to our GDP and support nearly two million jobs by 2032. Realising that potential requires investment in people and policy that enables rather than constrains, and in an association that fights for this industry every single day. That’s what FEDHASA is here to do, and evenings like Wednesday’s are a reminder of exactly why it matters,” said FEDHASA National Chair, Brett Tungay.
The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards Winners:
- Hospitality Consultant of the Year: Theresa Prins, Revenue Resolutions
- Revenue & Distribution Manager of the Year: Eddie Venter, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
- Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year: Tricia Wood, Profitroom
- Front Office Manager of the Year: Jason Powell, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
- Concierge of the Year: Masood Sadulla, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
- Executive Housekeeper of the Year: Enara Muza, The Silo Hotel
- Beverage Professional of the Year: Bekithemba Moyo, Blue Wave Mobile Bar
- Meetings & Event Manager of the Year: Deidre Raubenheimer, University of Cape Town
- Chef of the Year: Christo Pretorius, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- Digital Innovation & Technology Professional of the Year: José Soares, The Capital Hotels & Apartments
- Finance Professional of the Year: Louise Waddicor, The Silo Hotel
- Talent Manager of the Year: Lee-Anne Burrows, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
- Sustainability & ESG Professional of the Year: Sonica Matthee, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
- Spa & Wellness Manager of the Year: Joanne Lyons, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- Rising Star of the Year: Thanaa Norodien, Singer Group
- Trailblazer Award: Lance Gibbons, SA Chef Media
- General Manager of the Year: Yuri De Villiers, Shamwari Private Game Reserve
- Leader of the Year: George Cohen, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards were made possible through the generous support of:
Motsamayi Tourism Group, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Access Group, TBCSA, Bryte Insurance, Ankerdata, RoomPriceGenie, StayNTouch, Smart Operator, HotelTime, Santam, FNB, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Fuel.