Matriculant wins R225,000 hospitality bursary

Brad Taylor

Five matric scholars, chosen from numerous applicants, competed in a series of "boot camp" challenges throughout for the coveted prize of an International Hotel School study bursary for a three-year chef or hospitality management course, valued at R225 000.

Matric pupil Brad Taylor of Fish Hoek High School was awarded the coveted bursary to study Hospitality Management after earning top marks in the week-long "boot camp" competition, held at the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel.

"The IHS bursary competition is an investment both in the ongoing success of The Peninsula Hotel and the future of the South African tourism industry. The boot camp stage is an enriching experience for all who participate and is sure to bolster the students' dreams of working in hospitality," says Chris Godenir, general manager of The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel.

The finalists were accommodated at the hotel for a week and were assessed on a series of challenges that took place in the front office, the restaurant and in housekeeping at the hotel - each challenge was judged by the respective head of department.

Contestants were kept on their toes by a number of "surprise" tasks, such as a midnight fire drill. On the last day of the 'bootcamp' the finalists were questioned about their motivations for entering the competition and aspirations within the hospitality industry.

The bursary winner was announced at an awards ceremony at Faces Lounge at the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel on the final day of challenges.

This is the seventh year in which the Western Cape finals of the nine-year-old competition have been hosted by The Peninsula. The hotel is a celebrated landmark on Sea Point's Platinum Mile and is internationally acclaimed as the epitome of Cape hospitality.