Stars of top service awarded

POLOKWANE -The ceremony at the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex on Thursday, 16 November was definitely one to remember.

Polokwane Tourism Association Chairperson and organiser of the awards, Gerhard Franken, said the aim of the awards was to recognise and honour employees in and around the city.

“Through this award ceremony we aim to recognise the work of petrol attendants who always ensure visitors and residents receive good service whenever they travel, and the waiters and restaurant personnel who always ensure partons get the best service.

“We want to recognise hospitality staff who warmly greet visitors at the respective hotels and lodges throughout the province as well as housekeepers who always ensure guests enjoy their stay with clean and fresh linen and sheets.

“Many of these people who provide these valuable services often go unnoticed which is why we decided to start the Polokwane City of Stars Awards to show our appreciation,” he said.

Entertainment for the ceremony was provided by dancers from Vida Danca, Mokone, Divine Dance Crew, Cido and Manana while one of the guest speakers, pastor Vusi Mashabane from Church On The Hill (COTH) closed the proceedings with a prayer.

Polokwane Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng, handed over the awards during the ceremony.

The award winners as as follows:

Hospitality and Community Involvement – Ruth Mallane Mamaregane

Community Builder of the Year – Saartjie du Toit (Polokwane Nasorgsentrum)

Chairperson’s Excellence in Service awards – Kgopisho Lwandzile Kekana

Best Maintenance – Park Inn by Radisson

Best Restaurant Manager – Alida Combrink (Da-Ga-Boys Pub and Grill)

Best Fast Food Outlet – Simply Pizza

Best Filling Stataion – Total Nobody

Best Petrol Pump Attendant – James Mamabolo (Total Nobody)

Best Receptionist – Piet Thaba (Limpopo Guest Manor)

Best Housekeeping – Park Inn by Radisson

Best Spa Therapist – Conny Manku (Tshoseletso Spa)

Best Waiter – Ruhamah Mawewe (Ambiance Restaurant)

Best Chef – Thabitha Dikgale (Ambiance Restaurant)

Runner-up Best Maintenance – Albert Sekwaila (Bolivia Lodge)

Runner-up Best Restaurant Manager – John Rapetsoa (Park Inn by Radisson)

Runner-up Best Fast Food Outlet – Debonairs Mall of the North

Runner-up Best Chef – Lipson Chuene (Bolivia Lodge)

Runner-up Best Filling Station – Sasol Bendor

Runner-up Best Receptionist – Gakile Paulina Maahlo (Thabs)

Runner-up Best Housekeeping – Bolivia Lodge

The award for the best petrol attendants went to Nobody Total Garage, best housekeeper went to Florah Malatji from Bolivia Lodge and best receptionist went to Piet Thaba from Limpopo Guest Manor.

anne@nmgroup.co.za