As part of its ongoing efforts to equip the entrepreneurs in its Book a Guesthouse programme with the skills and tools to optimally manage their establishments, Tsogo Sun has partnered with the South African Chefs Association (SACA). The recently formalised partnership provides each guesthouse owner with a SACA membership through the Tsogo Sun Enterprise Development Programme as well as access to specific culinary training interventions facilitated at the Tsogo Sun Centre for Culinary Excellence which is situated at the University of Johannesburg and run by SACA.
Entrepreneurs in the Book a Guesthouse programme now receive all the benefits of being a member of SACA, including discounted rates on product purchases, a Chef! Magazine subscription, entry into exclusive SACA-affiliated competitions, invitations to trade events and the opportunity to participate in special promotions. “The partnership with SACA provides our entrepreneurs with access to the knowledge and skills of some of the top chefs in the country, ensuring the continuous growth and enhancement of their individual establishments,” says Candy Tothill, Tsogo Sun’s Group Internal Communications and Special Projects Manager.
BAGH entrepreneurs in their chefs jackets at Tsogo Sun’s head office, pictured here (left to right) is Mary Mbugua – Mzizi House in Sandton, Dolly Hlophe – Dakalo Bed & Breakfast in Soweto, Rebone Sesoko – Project Manager for Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse, Candy Tothill – Group Internal Communications and Special Projects Manager for Tsogo Sun, Pateni Mdima – Embali Guesthouse in Sandton and Kate Luthaga – Vhavenda Hills B&B in Soweto
This partnership is complemented with continuous input from a variety of partners and internal support, including the provision of assistance in skills development from top Tsogo Sun executives and IT systems installations and support from Micros South Africa. The specific programme needs are then assessed by Tsogo Sun and the required training interventions are supported by various specialists in different areas, such as the Micro Enterprise Development Organisation (MEDO) who develop small businesses.
“SACA is proud to be involved with the Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse Programme as it addresses a vital need in our ever growing hospitality industry – to address the inclusion of community based guesthouses to the tourism market. SACA is ideally positioned to offer key skills for the development of these entrepreneurs regarding the food side of their businesses ensuring that they can compete at a world class standard,” says Graham Donet, General Manager of SACA.
The Book a Guesthouse programme focuses on sustainability in tourism and aims to encourage growth in the hospitality industry by providing a proven comprehensive framework for success for its entrepreneurs. The programme currently supports 85 South African entrepreneurs, 92% of whom are woman.
For more information about Tsogo Sun Book a Guesthouse, visit www.bookaguesthouse.com or join the entrepreneurs on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bookaguesthouse.
