Page 25 - KZN Business Sense 10.4 - Jay Patel - Ebook

COOKING UP SUCCESS - FROM KITCHEN

DREAMS TO LEADING TEAMS

CHEF SAMANTHA STONE SERVES UP INSPIRATION THIS WOMEN’S MONTH

n the culinary world, the Developing Talent with suppliers and supporting
competition can be as Her early culinary career was operational teams.
Iintense as the heat in the run-of-the-mill, and Chef Stone
“Maintaining First Group’s high
kitchen. Chef Samantha Stone, says it wasn’t until she joined standards across all properties is
group food and beverage First Group in 2017 that she
development manager at First started realising her potential. crucial, but ultimately my role is
Group, one of South Africa’s “First Group puts hospitality on about delivering exceptional guest
leading leisure and hotel the map,” she says with pride. satisfaction,” she explains.
management companies, knows Starting with the company as Breaking Barriers
this firsthand. Having risen Group Training Chef, she quickly
through the ranks, she has met climbed the ranks, becoming Chef Stone’s journey hasn’t always
these challenges head-on and Group Development Chef after been easy. “A huge challenge for
thrived thanks to her talent, just a year. me was being a female in a male-
determination and undeniable dominated industry, especially in
passion for food. As we celebrate “The promotion was a game- the kitchens,” she shares. “However,
Women’s Month, Chef Stone’s changer,” Chef Stone recalls. First Group has always valued
remarkable journey within First “It allowed me to get into the talent and hard work. I was given
Group shines as a testament to operational side of the business, the opportunity to learn, develop Chef Samantha Stone (second from right) poses with culinary staff at a First
her resilience and the company’s working across all of First Group’s and prove myself and with their Group Resort following their completion of her professional development course.
dedication to nurturing and resorts and hotels with food & support, I will keep on growing.”
elevating female talent. beverage outlets.” Her advice to aspiring female commitment to growth shows Chef Stone’s successful journey
Chef Stone’s early love affair In 2021, Chef Stone’s leadership, chefs is straightforward: “This no signs of letting up. “I aspire to with First Group is about more
with food set the stage for her hard work and innovative industry can be tough, but it’s climb the ladder on the corporate than just career advancement;
future career: “Since childhood, approach earned her another also incredibly rewarding,” she side of the hospitality sector and it has enabled her to become an
I’ve always loved anything promotion to her current role says. “Keep your head down establish myself as an inspirational influential leader and mentor in
food related – whether it was as Group F&B Development and get on with it. The kitchen and successful businesswoman,” the organisation. Her story serves
making mud pies in the garden Manager. In this role, her is a challenging environment, she reveals. Her goals extend as an inspiration to all ambitious
or standing on a chair in the responsibilities are as varied as and you’ll need to fight for beyond personal success though: hospitality professionals, while
kitchen, helping my mom the food and beverage operations your position. But knowledge is “I want to make a meaningful also reminding us, this Women’s
make pizzas while I was still in she oversees across the group. your greatest asset – never stop impact in the industry by driving Month, of the incredible impact
nappies,” she recalls. “Food is my The position is a whirlwind of learning and trying new things.” innovation, fostering inclusivity and contribution women
love language and I come from a activity from driving revenue, and promoting sustainable continue to make in their
food-loving family, so becoming providing database support Back to the Future practices. This includes mentoring chosen professions. 
a chef was a no-brainer for me,” and developing new culinary As Chef Stone continues to break young hospitality enthusiasts,
she adds. concepts to training, negotiating barriers and inspire others, her especially women.” W: www.firstgroup-sa.co.za

SIBHUDU CAVE DECLARED A WORLD HERITAGE

SITE BY UNESCO

ibhudu Cave, nestled in the African heritage landscape.
south of KwaDukuza was The cave remains a prestigious
Sdeclared a World Heritage site embodiment of prehistoric
at the 46th Session of the World life and the modern world; a
Heritage Committee of the United priceless gem which underscores
Nations Educational, Scientific the world’s most valued
and Cultural Organization archaeological treasures is here
(UNESCO) in New Delhi, India. at home.
Sibhudu rock shelter shows This is a well-deserved
evidence of some of the earliest recognition that sets the bar
human innovations including much high for the nation - and
the earliest bone and stone arrow this must be celebrated under our
heads dating back to over diverse heritage as the people of
60 000 years. The Sibhudu Cave KwaDukuza and the nation.
has become the third World We will use this site to
Heritage site to be declared encourage dialogue and
by UNESCO World Heritage understanding amongst
Committee in the province of different communities and seek
KwaZulu-Natal, joining the to build new opportunities
Drakensburg Mountains and Members of the KZN Department of Arts and Culture at the Sibhudu Caves for our tourism and economic
Isimangaliso Wetland Park and development footprint.
the twelfth in the country. of our forebears and our unified Luthuli Museum in Groutville Nhaca added, “The Sibhudu We thank the collaboration of
“This is another formidable future,” KwaDukuza Mayor and the KwaDukuza Museum. Cave will re-connect the various stakeholders including
achievement which Lindile Nhaca remarked. “World Heritage status will people of the world and the KZN Department of Arts
underscores the origins of According to iLembe Chamber bring international recognition provide avenues for interaction and Culture, KZN Amafa and
human behaviour. These are president Cobus Oelofse, this and prestige to a much and social understanding of Research Institute and Friends
certainly our most defining and status will add to the North broader audience, including prehistoric human life - a true of Sibhudu Trust in making
cherished moments that must be Coast’s “must visit” attractions conservationists and domestic expression of our rich history KwaDukuza a beacon of tourism
celebrated as they help bridge the and will complement other and international tourists,” and cultural heritage which adds heritage opportunities in the
gap between the traumatic past historical sites such as the said Oelofse. more chapters to the South province,” said Nhaca. 

13