Women and Men in Hospitality Awards 2023
By Annemieke Nijdam

Friday, 30th June 2023

30 June 2023 Purity, Thembisa and Annemieke (Volunteer visiting and working with us from Hilversum, Netherlands) excitedly attended the Women and Men in Hospitality Awards. With so much pride, Purity was awarded Best Tour Guide... so deserving!

We are forever proud and so grateful to have Purity as part of our team. Thank you to Francine of Exclusive Hospitality Concepts for the organising of such a special event.

Annemieke Nijdam:
"What a privilege to be able to attend this wonderful evening: the presentation of awards in the hospitality industry. Awards for best housekeeper, waiter/waitress, driver, front office employee and tour guide in this region.

I had goosebumps on my arms regularly and tears rolled down my cheeks. What a wonderful recognition for people in jobs who are generally not appreciated and who often don't have the easiest backgrounds in these contests. Radiant faces, often preceded by complete disbelief, stirred hotel managers as the awards were presented and the singing and dancing that erupted spontaneously in the audience. Spectacular.

The absolute icing on the cake was the presentation of the Award for Best Tour Guide to my colleague Purity, with whom I get to work with a lot!

Dear Purity, you are one of a kind, it's an absolute joy and privilige to work with you and this award could only be for you!!

Keep on doing what you're doing and keep on being who you are, you are an inspiration for many of us!

(and Karen, thank you, that I could be part of this!!)

And after the awards, of course, we had to dance for a while.

by: Annemieke Nijdam

Andrew Stewart:

"It was such a privilege to be asked by the one and only Tenjiwe Francin Zana to assist with judging and helping out with the awards ceremony.

The details of this incredible event are below... But I have to add that this truly was the most heartfelt and real awards ceremony I've ever attended.

Celebrating beautiful people who often are never thanked or seen within the hospitality /tourism sector.

Thank you Francine for your passion & hard work, and all who came together to make Friday night so amazing"

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

“Never stop dreaming. You can achieve anything you put your mind to” were the words echoed by Ms Francine Zana. As someone who started off in the service industry, she knows how important recognition is to everyone in hospitality. The annual gala dinners are one of her ways to say “Thank you” as everyone deserves the red carpet treatment.

MMC of EDTA, Mrs S Lindoor, represented the Executive Mayor and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality at the 5th Annual Hospitality Awards & Gala Dinner. Honouring hardworking women and men in the hospitality industry.

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Congratulations to every finalist and winners. I hope that your accolade will inspire you to maintain the momentum of service excellence. If you did not win, by virtue of being nominated, you are a winner and you must be proud of yourself. We are grateful to you and we are proud of you. As Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, we are committed to support and ensure that this event take place year after year.”

The Recipients of last nights awards for Excellence in the Hospitality Industry were

Best housekeeper category

1st Place Nomthandazo Tom

2nd place Cynthia Poswa

3rd Place Judith Shumba

Best Chef

1st Place Mthobeli Ndaleni

2nd place Dylan Lewis

3r place Phakamisa Kolisi

Best waitress barman

1st Place Zizipho Ntonzi

2nd Place Lenique Shanick