Excellence on a plate at national culinary awards
Food
Prudence Ntombela from Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom came second in the Food & Wine Pairing (hot) category.
Image: Supplied.
SUN International’s culinary talent dominated the 2025 Inter Hotel Challenge South Africa Awards, widely regarded as the hospitality industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. Chefs from Sun City, Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, and Time Square earned top honours, showcasing skill, creativity, and leadership on a national stage.
The Inter-Hotel Challenge is an annual event that celebrates excellence and innovation in hospitality. Competitors face a rigorous multi-day programme, culminating in a gala awards dinner on Monday, 8 December, where winners are announced. This year’s event attracted distinguished guests, including Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and his wife, Tracy, alongside guest speakers Sophie Bel, Consul General of France, Alderman James Vos, and Delia Johnston of Air France-KLM, who highlighted the event’s significance and opportunities for the country’s hospitality professionals.
Among the standout winners was Cynthia Bombe of Time Square in Pretoria, crowned Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year. Bombe, who also won Pastry Champion of the Year in 2023, credited butter as her essential ingredient and cited sticky toffee pudding as her favourite creation. “It’s the joy of turning simple ingredients into something memorable,” she said.
Prudence Ntombela from Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom in Durban placed second in the Food & Wine Pairing (hot) category, presenting a dish of masala slinger with creamy Lancewood arancini, romesco sauce, and pico de gallo, paired with David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2023. Ntombela described the challenges of hospitality work as physically and mentally demanding but said passion transforms pressure into purpose. “It’s the pride in making someone’s day better and the fulfilment that comes from delivering excellence,” she said.
Lesego Bongani Lekome from Sun City EC Banqueting won the Scanpan Kitchen Excellence Award for cold kitchen pastry skills. This category evaluates health, safety, cleanliness, effort, and the overall quality of the dishes, according to Sun International Group Executive Chef Adrian Vaughan.
“The Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa allows our teams to compete alongside industry peers, gain qualifications, and absorb knowledge they can take back into their hospitality sectors,” Vaughan said. “It also creates a platform for the next generation of hospitality leaders and showcases the skill levels within our industry.”
This year, four Sun International properties, including Cascades at Sun City, contributed exceptional entries, with competition fostering internal rivalry and encouraging all properties to participate. Vaughan highlighted that several awards previously elusive to Sun International — including Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year, Scanpan Kitchen Skills Excellence, and Food & Wine Pairing runner-up — were captured in 2025.
“The biggest congratulations go to our winners, mentors, and all candidates who participated,” Vaughan said. “They are shaping a hospitality future that is exciting and full of promise.”
Cynthia Bombe of Time Square in Pretoria, crowned Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year. Bombe, who also won Pastry Champion of the Year in 2023, credited butter as her essential ingredient and cited sticky toffee pudding as her favourite creation. “It’s the joy of turning simple ingredients into something memorable,” she said.
Prudence Ntombela from Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom in Durban placed second in the Food & Wine Pairing (hot) category, presenting a dish of masala slinger with creamy Lancewood arancini, romesco sauce, and pico de gallo, paired with David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner Pinot Noir 2023. Ntombela described the challenges of hospitality work as physically and mentally demanding but said passion transforms pressure into purpose. “It’s the pride in making someone’s day better and the fulfilment that comes from delivering excellence,” she said.
Lesego Bongani Lekome from Sun City EC Banqueting won the Scanpan Kitchen Excellence Award for cold kitchen pastry skills. This category evaluates health, safety, cleanliness, effort, and the overall quality of the dishes, according to Sun International Group Executive Chef Adrian Vaughan.
“The Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa allows our teams to compete alongside industry peers, gain qualifications, and absorb knowledge they can take back into their hospitality sectors,” Vaughan said. “It also creates a platform for the next generation of hospitality leaders and showcases the skill levels within our industry.”
This year, four Sun International properties, including Cascades at Sun City, contributed exceptional entries, with competition fostering internal rivalry and encouraging all properties to participate. Vaughan highlighted that several awards previously elusive to Sun International — including Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year, Scanpan Kitchen Skills Excellence, and Food & Wine Pairing runner-up — were captured in 2025.
“The biggest congratulations go to our winners, mentors, and all candidates who participated,” Vaughan said. “They are shaping a hospitality future that is exciting and full of promise.”