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A night that celebrated the best in the culinary business
The President’s Awards Dinner is always a very special date on the South African Chef’s Association calendar and the 2016 event, held in January at the Michaelangelo Hotel, was no exception. President of the South African Chef’s Association, Stephen Billingham, was given the honour of bestowing President’s Awards upon deserving individuals. Ten President’s Awards were handed out − eight Industry Recognition Awards and two Lifetime Achievement Awards − and each award recognised and celebrated important individuals within our country’s dynamic hospitality industry.
“When I look around this room, I feel extremely humbled to be here amongst such a respected, revered group of individuals – it is your passion, your integrity and excellence that makes our industry great,” said Stephen, before explaining why recipients deserved their respective awards.
A stalwart of the South African Chefs Association for over 20 years, as Finance Manager of the South African Chef’s Association, Connie Butler is an invaluable asset to SA Chefs and its members. Not only does she ensure the smooth, meticulous running of the Association’s finance department, she is also a warm, vibrant and incredibly positive presence at the Association’s head office. Nothing is too much for her, and during her time at SA Chefs, she has gone far beyond the call of duty.
As Director of Platinum Property Holdings (PTY) LTD, William Ford has had an immense and far-reaching effect on South Africa’s hospitality Industry. Always at the forefront, he sets standards and has made important contributions to the industry, not only through his role as a hotel professional, but through his presence on hotel boards and grading councils for the hotels in South Africa.
Leading the pack within hospitality training and innovation through her role as Director of the Protea Hotels Institute for Professionals Development, Mary McGuire has been a hospitality professional for over 35 years. She joined the Protea Hotel Group in1987 and is incredibly passionate about personal development and education. She can be credited with upskilling a vast number of hospitality professionals – instilling excellence and high standards in each student, and as such, improving our hospitality industry as a whole.
