Durban ICC tributes six hospitality stalwarts 

With 21 years of service under their belts, six employees of the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa have received tributes for their dedication and commitment to the hospitality industry. Serving as part of the Centre’s opening team (Durban ICC opened on 8 August 1997), these ‘service stalwarts’ have helped to ensure the leading venue continues to attract international visitors. The group honoured by Durban ICC CEO, Lindiwe Rakharebe includes: John Moatshe – executive chef Johannes Basi – operations manager Jabu Madikizela – functions manager Mbuso Shandu – duty manager Bongekile Tabete – chef de partie Mandla Cele – Supply chain management administrator “We owe a debt of sincere gratitude to these dedicated team members,” said Rakharebe. “We would not be where we are today without them. Their institutional knowledge is priceless and their commitment to sharing this knowledge and developing other people in the team is an example to us all.” As a catalyst for regional economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal the Durban ICC has played host to leading global events over the past two decades. High profile events in which these six team members were involved since the Centre’s inception include: The Non-Aligned Movement Summit in 1998; The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1999; and the XIII International AIDS Conference in 2000. They were also the first operations team to host a banquet dinner for 4,000 people in honour of LIV Village, which cares for orphaned and vulnerable children in the country. When approached for comment, Jabu Madikzela, functions manager, said: “Long-term success is only a result of passion, and commitment for the industry and deep desire to exceed client’s expectations.” Executive chef, John Moatshe was recruited by the Durban ICC as a sous chef in 1997 and was thereafter promoted to senior executive sous chef before the appointment to his current position. Moatshe has cooked diverse cuisines for a myriad of personalities including former SA presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, Queen Elizabeth II, president Lucas Mangope of Bophuthatswana, Sir Elton John, King Goodwill Zwelithini and Grammy-award winning musician, Hugh Masekela. At the launch of the Durban ICC, the opening vegetarian dish was a classic beans bunny chow – a reflection of true Durban hospitality. To read Issue 93’s Big Interview with Elizabeth Thabethe, deputy minister of tourism in South Africa, click here