The Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa continues to cement its status as one of the country’s most prestigious platforms for recognising excellence, innovation and collaboration in the hospitality industry. Widely regarded as the “Oscars” of hospitality, the challenge brings together some of South Africa’s most talented chefs and hospitality professionals, rewarding skill, resilience and passion while opening doors to life-changing career opportunities.
The event draws strong support from government, diplomatic and industry leadership, underscoring its value to South Africa’s tourism and hospitality sectors. High-profile figures, including Alan Winde, Consul General of France Sophie Bel, James Vos, and Air France-KLM representative Delia Johnston, have all publicly endorsed the competition, highlighting its role in nurturing future industry leaders.
Celebrating talent and career-defining achievements
Among the standout performers was Cynthia Bombe from Time Square in Pretoria, who was crowned Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year. With several years of experience behind her, Bombe describes the award as one of her proudest professional milestones. Known for her precision and creativity, she credits butter as her essential ingredient and a thermometer as her most valuable tool, with sticky toffee pudding ranking among her favourite dishes for its simplicity and flavour.
In the Food and Wine Pairing (hot) category, Prudence Ntombela from Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom earned second place after presenting a sophisticated masala slinger paired with creamy arancini, romesco sauce and pico de gallo, matched with a David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Pinot Noir. Ntombela says the recognition reflects the perseverance required in a demanding industry.
“Hospitality is physically exhausting and mentally demanding, but passion is what keeps you going,” she says. “It’s the joy of serving others and the fulfilment that comes from delivering excellence. Passion turns challenges into opportunities to grow.”
Recognising excellence beyond the plate
The Scanpan Kitchen Excellence Awareness Award, which focuses on hygiene, safety, work ethic and overall quality, was awarded to Lesego Bongani Lekome from Sun City EC Banqueting. According to Adrian Vaughan, the category reflects the standards that underpin professional kitchens and long-term success in hospitality.
Vaughan emphasised that the Inter-Hotel Challenge provides far more than trophies. “It allows our teams to compete alongside industry peers, learn from icons, engage with world-class suppliers and gain qualifications and expertise they take back into their workplaces,” he said. “This kind of knowledge sharing is critical in developing the next generation of hospitality leaders.”
Driving growth across the industry
Participants from multiple Sun International properties delivered award-winning performances, reinforcing the group’s long-standing presence in the competition. Vaughan noted that recent wins included categories that had previously been elusive, reflecting growing depth, mentorship and skills development across the group.
He congratulated all winners, mentors and participants, describing them as part of a hospitality future that is confident, competitive and filled with opportunity.
Beyond individual accolades, the Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s hospitality sector. By recognising excellence, encouraging peer competition and creating pathways for professional growth, the challenge is helping shape an industry defined not only by skill, but by ambition, pride and possibility.
