Article by Elize Parker
A hotel school’s 25th Silver Jubilee Celebrations brought together the people of the school’s past, present and future. It honoured the people who built the establishment, recognised students who are learning to serve with purpose and demonstrated that hospitality education can extend far beyond classrooms and kitchens.
The in Pretoria marked a significant milestone with a celebration of its achievements in hospitality education, people and community, and the spirit of Ubuntu.
The 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary dinner brought together alumni, current and former employees, hospitality industry role players and partners who supported the school’s journey.
The anniversary evening also offered a chance to reflect on the obstacles overcome along the way.
At the celebration in Pretoria east on September 5, owner and managing director Ronel Bezuidenhout described the journey as one of triumphs and disasters.
“It has been 25 years of triumphs and disasters, surviving Covid-19, and an attempt in the beginning to legally stop the hotel school from coming into being. This was done with courage, hope and much sacrifice.”
Her message underlined the determination that shaped the institution and the people behind it.
For Bezuidenhout, leadership is not only about running an organisation. It is also about developing young people who understand their responsibilities beyond the workplace.
“Leadership is about people, and we also wanted to show the students what leadership in the community is about by tackling 25 Ubuntu projects to give back to the community,” Bezuidenhout said.
Building on that spirit, the Ubuntu programme became a defining feature of the anniversary celebrations.
Students supported the Southern Africa Animal Cancer Association Potjiekos Competition, contributing their skills to the community event.
They also participated in a blood donation drive and visited the Flower Foundation old-age homes in Groenkloof, where they shared tea and treats with residents.
“We hope their involvement demonstrated how hospitality skills can be used to serve communities in practical and compassionate ways,” said Bezuidenhout.
Students also visited Bramley’s Children Home and Louis Botha Kinderhuis, where they prepared and delivered boerewors rolls.
That contribution extended into industry development, with students assisting with graduation preparations for 52 Kitchen Hand candidates from Built Africa. They also provided attendant training to unemployed candidates, helping them develop skills that could improve their prospects of future employment.
The anniversary dinner itself celebrated Pretoria’s growing culinary identity.
Guests were treated to a menu featuring truffles grown in Pretoria as a principal ingredient. Plant scientists Nita Breytenbach and Helga Dagitat are involved in producing the locally grown truffles, with their work representing an innovative contribution to sustainable food production. The truffles are cultivated in laboratory environments in Koedoespoort, adding a distinctive local dimension.
The school was established in January 2001, beginning with modest resources in a rented facility at Schoeman Street Forum in Hatfield, Pretoria. It opened with one classroom, an office, two permanent lecturers and several guest industry experts.
Its first intake consisted of 21 hospitality management students. One of its earliest and most important partnerships was formed with the newly opened Sheraton Hotel, creating opportunities for students to gain practical, work-integrated experience in the hospitality industry.
As the institution grew, it moved from its original premises to a freestanding campus in Arcadia, an area known for its embassies and diverse community.
