2019 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge Wine Steward Candidate: Sicelo Xaba

Sicelo was born in Dundee, Northern KZN. He is 32 years of age, single, a people person and goal driven. He completed matric in 2006 and is now a way through into completing his human resources management course. He gets great satisfaction from selling and interacting with guests and making them feel at home. ‘’I am delighted to learn about wine, I believe I will gain experience and knowledge during the course offered to me by entering the Inter-Hotel challenge.

This is an opportunity for me to grow and I'm taking it with both hands and I will always give of my best,’’ enthused Sicelo. Sicelo presently works the evening shift of The Sugar Club, the signature restaurant of the Beverly Hills hotel in uMlhanga, he is a very dedicated and diligent waiter. He arrives for work 30 to 45 minutes early to prepare his set up. He is a people person, team player and has a strong service ethos and is often seen checking up on people in the Lounge and Terrace. Sicelo just completed Wine Professional course on lobster ink. Sicelo used to play rugby and football at school, but now only exercises when he has free time. He loves watching football on TV and Masterchef Australia is his favourite TV programme.

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 Show cook, 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.