Hospitality Excellence Shines at the 2025 Celebrating Men and Women in Hospitality Awards

Nelson Mandela Bay’s hospitality heroes were celebrated in style at the 2025 Celebrating Men and Women in Hospitality and Excellence Awards, held on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the Boardwalk Hotel and Convention Centre. The evening honoured the dedication, professionalism, and heart of the individuals whose service defines the city’s renowned warmth and hospitality.

Delivering the official welcome, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA), Councillor Bassie Kamana, expressed pride in recognising those whose hands and smiles create unforgettable visitor experiences.

“Hospitality is not just an industry — it is a calling rooted in kindness, resilience, and heart,” said Cllr Kamana. “The hospitality community is the fragrance of fresh vegetation about to bloom — the glimmer of a new dawn, a new hope. True beauty in tourism does not come from buildings or décor, but from people — from hearts that serve with warmth and spirits that give without measure.”

Cllr Kamana reaffirmed the City’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable tourism sector that recognises the essential role of men and women across all levels.

“On behalf of the National Hotel and Theatre of Humanity and EDTA, I thank all industry stakeholders for being the essence of our city’s excellence — a city with heart, a city with hope, a city where we leave no one behind,” he said.

Celebrating the Heart of Tourism

Delivering the keynote address, MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Nonkqubela Pieters, commended the men and women who form the backbone of the hospitality industry.

“This evening, we honour the dedication, professionalism, and passion of those who often work behind the scenes, yet whose impact is felt by every visitor to our beautiful province,” said MEC Pieters.
“Excellence lives in the small touches — the warm smile, the carefully prepared meal, the clean and welcoming room. These gestures define a visitor’s experience and shape the Eastern Cape as a destination of choice.”

She highlighted that while the province aims to attract five million visitors to the Eastern Cape, it is the people who ensure visitors return.

“Investors may bring the money, but you bring the magic — the warmth that turns visitors into friends, and friends into loyal guests,” she said.
“Hospitality lives in human touch — in kindness, humility, and service. These qualities define the Eastern Cape as a destination of choice.”

Inspiring Industry Growth

Guest speaker Mr Sibusiso Thusi from the Tourism Transformation Council of South Africa (TTCSA) delivered an empowering address, encouraging professionals to push boundaries and pursue innovation.

“Recognition alone reflects your impact — you are already a winner,” he told the audience. Sharing his journey from receptionist to hotel general manager, Mr Thusi highlighted that ambition and resilience open doors.
He urged hospitality practitioners to explore new frontiers such as township tourism, gastronomy, arts, culture, and heritage tourism, transforming challenges into opportunities for ownership and sustainable growth.

Honouring Excellence Across All Roles

Awards were presented across multiple categories celebrating individuals and teams whose efforts breathe life into the sector, including:

• Guest Relations Members

• Event Coordinators

• Receptionists

• Drivers

• Gardeners & Maintenance Staff

• Cleaners

• Chefs

• Housekeeping Staff

• Waiters & Waitresses

• Bartenders

• Long Service Awardees

• Managers & Supervisors

These categories recognise the passion and commitment of every person who contributes to creating memorable guest experiences across Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape.

Lifetime Achievement Honours

The evening concluded with a heartfelt tribute delivered by Francine, who presented three Lifetime Achievement Awards to outstanding trailblazers whose dedication, leadership, and mentorship have profoundly shaped the region’s hospitality and tourism landscape.

The honourees were Mr. Adrian Gardiner, Mr. Shawn Blunden, and the late Ms. Mandlakazi Skefile, whose award was graciously accepted by her daughter, Sethu Skefile.

“These awards are more than accolades — they honour legacy, inspire the next generation, and recognise the heart and humanity that keep this industry thriving,” said Francine.

The 2025 Celebrating Men and Women in Hospitality Awards highlighted the unwavering commitment of hospitality professionals who embody the values of service, pride, and passion — continuing to make Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape destinations defined by genuine warmth and excellence.