Gastronomy Africa is proud to celebrate Founder and CEO Lance Gibbons, who has been honoured with the prestigious Trailblazer Award at the 2nd Annual FEDHASA Hospitality Awards, held at the iconic Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, in Cape Town on Wednesday evening.
The FEDHASA Hospitality Awards shine a spotlight on excellence across South Africa’s hospitality industry, recognising the individuals and teams whose innovation, leadership, and dedication continue to elevate the sector.
In announcing the Trailblazer Award, FEDHASA said: “Lance has spent his career championing South Africa’s chefs and restaurant owners, amplifying their stories and elevating the culinary profession’s profile in ways that have benefited the entire hospitality sector. This recognition is a reflection of a legacy still very much in the making.”
The recognition arrives at a pivotal moment as the media company evolves from SA Chef Media into Gastronomy Africa, marking an exciting new chapter in its development.
Gibbons shared his appreciation, saying: “This award represents a significant milestone – recognising not only the journey and impact of SA Chef Media over the past 8 years, but also the powerful role media plays in driving growth across Africa’s food, hospitality, and tourism sectors.
“This evolution reflects both our growth and the incredible opportunities emerging across the African gastronomy landscape. Gastronomy Africa represents a bold, continent-wide vision – positioning African food, hospitality, and gastronomy tourism firmly on the global stage.”
“It is designed to deepen collaboration and unlock meaningful opportunities for growth across regions – connecting chefs, hospitality professionals, suppliers, and industry leaders beyond borders.”
Looking ahead, Gibbons emphasised a continued commitment to strengthening the sector:
“As this next chapter unfolds, we remain focused on advancing the business of gastronomy,showcasing excellence, sharing knowledge, facilitating trade between buyers and sellers, and supporting innovation across Africa’s hospitality and food sectors.
“We are proud of where we’ve come from, and even more excited about where we are going.”
Gibbons extended his congratulations to his fellow winners.
“It is a true honour to be recognised alongside such an outstanding group of winners at this year’s FEDHASA Hospitality Awards. Each accolade reflects the passion, innovation, and resilience that define our industry. To stand among you is both humbling and deeply inspiring, and a powerful reminder of the immense contribution that hospitality and tourism make to our country and its economy.”
HERE ARE ALL THE FEDHASA HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2026 WINNERS
Hospitality Consultant of the Year sponsored by StayNTouch
• Theresa Prins — Revenue Resolutions
Revenue & Distribution Manager of the Year sponsored by The Access Group
• Eddie Venter — Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year
• Tricia Wood — Profitroom
Front Office Manager of the Year
• Jason Powell — Saxon Hotel Villas and Spa
Concierge of the Year
• Masood Sadulla — Saxon Hotel Villas and Spa
Executive Housekeeper of the Year
• Enara Muza — The Silo Hotel
Beverage Professional of the Year (Sommelier/Mixologist)
• Bekithemba Moyo — Blue Wave Mobile Bar
Meetings & Event Manager of the Year
• Deidre Raubenheimer — University of Cape Town (Connect.Meet.Collaborate)
Chef of the Year sponsored by Bryte
• Christo Pretorius – The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Digital Innovation & Technology Professional of the Year sponsored by The Access Group
• Jose Soares — The Capital Hotel Group
Finance Professional of the Year
• Louise Waddicor — The Silo Hotel
Talent Manager of the Year sponsored by TBCSA
• Lee-Anne Burrows — Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Sustainability & ESG Professional of the Year sponsored by Santam
• Sonica Matthee — Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
Spa & Wellness Manager of the Year
• Joanne Lyons — The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Rising Star (Under 30 – Any Function)
• Thanaa Norodien — Singer Group
Trailblazer Award
• Lance Gibbons — SA Chef Media
General Manager of the Year sponsored by Ankerdata & RoomPriceGenie
• Yuri De Villiers — Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Leader of the Year sponsored by Motsamayi
• George Cohen — Saxon Hotel Villas and Spa
Don’t miss the Gastronomy Africa April/May Magazine dropping soon. See past issues here.
Join us at the Gastronomy Africa Conference & Expo taking place on 3-4 August 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Tshwane. Tickets from R250. Register now.
