2019 Distell Inter Hotel Wine Steward Candidate: Mduduzi “Mdu” Njenjese

We introduce you to 2019 Distell Inter Hotel Wine Steward Candidate: Mduduzi Njenjese from the De Hoek Country Hotel.

Mduduzi Njenjese “Mdu” for short is a young energetic hospitable person who loves this industry, he enjoys putting a smile on his guests faces through his style of service. Born 27 November 1988 in Soweto, he grew up being thankful for every little opportunity he fought for. Initially studying IT, Mdu soon realised his love and passion for hospitality. He started out as a kitchen porter working tirelessly to the position of a cook within the Magaliesburg area first at Magalies Manor then at Valley Lodge & Spa. He made a swift move to the front of house area where he became (for a short stint) a barman at Urban Tree.
The next three years he spent as a waiter at Mount Grace African Pride, completing a Restaurant service course at the International Hotel School. Mdu has been employed at De Hoek for just over a year and has made the biggest difference in the team,
he enjoys reading and listening to music in his free time.
The hotel has been matched with Nederburg and Black Bottle Whisky 

More about The Inter Hotel Challenge
The Distell Inter Hotel Challenge aims to encourage development in the hospitality industry, giving a much-needed leg up to young talent. It is an annual challenge run by Showcook, where hotels in South Africa are matched with Distell's fine wines and spirits. Young wine stewards & chefs are nominated by their hotels and compete annually for the top spot. The candidates receive training, do cook-offs and exams to improve and test their skills and awarded at a glittering 'Oscars' event in August.