Casa Toscana Lodge, Managing Member / CEO
Anette started her career in the SAP in 1990, moved on to work for an Attorney firm and then further expanded her experience with Southern Life as a Medical Aid consultant. In 1995, she started as Public Relations Officer for Dimension Data Northern Transvaal. From 1997 – 2003, she opened her first catering business “Execu Cater” and started relationships with a range of clients in Tshwane. She took over the venue contract at the Pretoria High School Old boys club and operated her catering business from there as well as functions and conferences in the facilities. She opened and operated a separate conference centre in Persequor Park as well. In 2004, she purchased Casa Toscana Lodge with 9 rooms and a small restaurant. In the past 13 years, she has expanded the business and property to 20 luxury rooms, 7 conference venues, a banqueting hall and wedding venue, tented function venue, full a la carte LeSi Restaurant, wine cellar, and Blou Hond Restaurant Theatre. She is currently expanding the room offering to 40 rooms before the end of 2017.

CSIR International Convention Centre, General Manager
Bronwen started her career in the hotel industry as a Receptionist at The Courtyard Arcadia when it first opened. Moving on through a number of positions over the years she is now the General Manager of the CSIR International Convention Centre, a venue which hosts over 700 events with in excess of 70 000 delegates a year. Amongst other awards Bronwen has recently been awarded a Top 40 Women in MICE award by 3S Media, a Fellowship Award by the SAACI Tshwane branch and a Certificate of Recognition by Gauteng Tourism Authority. Bronwen’s passion is the City of Tshwane and she is dedicated to putting the city on the global tourism radar as a must visit destination. Bronwen holds a degree in Commerce and various other business and industry certificates.

Villa San Giovanni and Eat In Italian Restaurants, Owner
Christian Maiorana was born in Milan and came to South Africa with his parents who started the Villa San Giovanni restaurant, at Wonderboom Airport in 1981, which he runs together with his brother Luca and father Giovanni. Christian was also the organizer of the Adrenaline how air show which won air show of the year 2016 & 2017. In 2019, in a partnership with Messe Frankfurt they hosted the first AERO show, a very successful B2B aviation show which has been hosted for over 20 years in Friedrichshafen, Germany. He is the owner of Eat In Italian restaurant in Sinoville together with his lovely wife Tanya and has also just recently launched a range of frozen Italian meals and Make-It-Yourself pizza’s in grocery stores around the city which is a good example of innovation in our restaurant industry during these very trying times. Christian has always taken a keen interest in his community and has for the last three years served as the Chairman of the Wonderboom Airport Interest Group (WAIG) investing their personal time and effort to get our city’s Wonderboom Airport back on track. Christian and his family also maintain close ties with the charities in their area and were one of the first restaurants to turn their facilities into a fully-fledged soup kitchen to aid the homeless in the city under lock-down. Christian has actively been involved in the TTA Restaurant Chapter committee for over two years now and continually demonstrates his commitment to improving and supporting the restaurant industry in Tshwane. During the COVID-19 pandemic Christian has been instrumental in bringing together our restaurants to work together to find ways to aid our industry.

 Eazy Events & Tours, Managing Director

Dimakatso Masukume started her career in the travel and tourism industry as a junior travel consultant for Rennies Travel and other travel companies including Travel with Flair for 6 years.

She then moved to the local government space when joining SALGA (South African Local Government Association) as a Travel Manager for SALGA Travel then later joined the Economic Development and Planning Department, dealing with projects including Tourism, Informal Economy, LED (Local Economic Development) and STR (Small Town/Township Regeneration).

She is currently moving to a different department dealing with Events and Protocol Management where they work on organizing events.

Dimakatso Masukume is also the founder and Managing Director of Eazy Events and Tours based in Mamelodi Township which started operating in 2016. Initially, the company was focused on promoting township tourism, creating jobs, a platform for small businesses, women, and youth to showcase what they have to offer. She believes that SMMEs have the potential to make a significant contribution to economic growth, employment, and development. The company also assists in giving opportunities to young graduates by giving them internships and learnerships.

Eazy Events and Tours is a Tour Operator which has now expanded nationally in South Africa and other African countries. Dimakatso travels to other African countries to learn more and explore different cultures and heritage and to promote our beautiful country, she loves traveling and event management is her passion organizing small to big events/conferences.

Southern Sun Pretoria, General Manager

She previously held the post of Deputy General Manager of Tsogo Sun, Durban, and before that  Deputy General Manager of Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Southern Sun, Elangeni.

Her experience also includes being in the position of Deputy General Manager, at Cabana Beach Resort.

Farana has a Diploma in Hotel Management from Durban University of Technology and a Diploma in Hotel Management from ML Sultan Technikon.

She is also currently a student at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Management Development Programme

Adventure Zone Cullinan, Owner

Hanro Davel is a self-employed, self-motivated and dedicated ambassador to nature conservation and the tourism sector.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism management from the University of Pretoria and immediately started his first venture in the tourism sector.

Having managed/owned guest-houses, backpackers, outdoor marketing business, game ranch, events/wedding venue, conference facility and now an adventure activity company, gives him a wide overview of attractions and general perspective of tourism as a whole.

He also served on various boards like: Dinokeng tourism, Cullinan Chamber of Commerce, Wild Ranching South-Africa, Cullinan Tourism and now Tshwane Tourism Ass.

He is passionate about tourism and the opportunities it creates.

James Martin, Regional Foreign Exchange Manager

James is a skilled General Operations Manager with a strong academic (MBA, Ndip. man, CM) and experiential (20+ years) background in all areas of management.

He completed an MBA general (2015) in managerial areas (operations, HR, International business, Finance, Marketing etc.) fields with his strongest competency in Strategic planning and management. He also served as Chairperson for company hearings and CCMA proceedings.

His career was formed in the banking industry, and he completed some semesters at IOB (Institute of Banking) whilst working for Volkskasbank, Absa and Nedbank in the 90’s. He spent most of his working career in foreign exchange, since 1990 to date, and has changed with the landscape controlled by SARB and FIC. He is currently the Regional Foreign Exchange Manager for Travelex (Tourvest owned) and covers the regions of Tswane, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Freestate and Eastern Gauteng.

He also has experience in SANDF training of officials (campers) in counterintelligence and commercial operations (DTKS -old 3SAI intelligence unit) whilst completing his national service.

He is a strong believer in succession planning and personal growth.

La Luonde Tours, Managing Director

Mpho is a resident of the City of Tshwane and Managing Director of La Luonde Tours, a South African Tour Operator company that specializes in inbound destination management, specifically Tours and Transfers.

He holds a Batchelor of Technology degree in Tourism, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and is currently studying towards a master’s degree in Tourism Management at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Mpho worked in the Car rental industry for over four years at National Alarmo (now First Car Rental) as a Rental Agent and later become a Branch Supervisor from 2003-2006

He also worked for the Travel insurance industry with two major Travel Insurance companies: International SOS (AIG) and Europ Assistance (TIC) as Travel Insurance Consultant from  2007-2008

In 2009 Mpho joined the Public TVET Sector where he worked as a Lecturer in Tourism at Central Johannesburg TVET College and later in 2015 Joined the Tshwane North TVET College.

In addition, he is an accredited Grading Assessor for the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) since 2018.

N Squared – Hospitality & Digital Transformation Experts

As the previous CEO/Owner of the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria, Nico brings a wealth of experience and a passion for hospitality to the forefront of the organization. With a dynamic leadership style and a commitment to excellence, he have played a pivotal role in shaping the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria into a premier destination for travellers.

Nico commenced his professional journey at the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria in December 1999, where he held key positions such as Manager on Duty, Food & Beverage Manager, HR Manager, Rooms Divisions Manager, Assistant General Manager, General Manager, Sales & Marketing Manager, Managing Director & CEO/Owner. His dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences and his innovative approach to hotel management quickly propelled him into many leadership roles & ultimately CEO/ownership.

In 2019, Nico assumed the role of CEO at the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria, a position he have held with distinction. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to elevating the guest experience, implementing sustainable practices, and ensuring the Manhattan Hotel remained at the forefront of the hospitality industry in Pretoria.

Known for his hands-on and “it’s all about the guest” approach, Nico fostered a culture of hospitality excellence within the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria. He prioritized attention to detail, personalized service, a commitment to exceeding guest expectations, made all employees competent, feel noticed and valued that cultivated a family at the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria that made this hotel the preferred choice for travellers that was coming to Pretoria.

After 27 years’ experience as a hotelier, Nico sold the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria in 2022, he started N Squared (Hospitality Business Consulting and Digital Transformation). N Squared assists hospitality businesses with their operations and digital transformation.

Mangwanani African Spa, Regional Operations Manager
Nitasha has gained a vast amount of experience and knowledge in Health, Skincare/Spa, & Cosmetics Industry since 2000. A firm belief in positivity, perseverance, passion added to determination in her daily tasks keeps her focused. Nitasha began her career graduating as Somatologist with her ITEC and CIDESCO ( Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie) qualifications. Her career spear headed off as a Make Up Artist/Skin care Consultant for Estee Lauder to the Finance sector of Standard Bank South Africa. Her passion and interest led her back into the Skincare Industry which led her into opening up her business in Make Up Artistry for Bridal entourages as well as skincare/body treatme Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie. nts. She was offered the position thereafter of National Education Trainer for a South African Skincare brand Nutriwomen at Dischem Stores Nationally. Once acquiring further experience and knowledge, she drove her expertise to heading the Marketing and Training division for a Snail Care Skincare brand, opening up opportunities to feature herself on weekly Radio sessions featuring Skincare advice to the public. She acquired a thirst for more knowledge and landed herself into the Medical Dermacuetical Field of Dermatology. Continuous striving to achieve her goals which led to meeting the inspirational and admirable CEO of Mangwanani African Spa, Erin Limbert. An opportunity to further grow her wings, Nitasha was appointed as the Regional Operations Manager for Mangwanani. This created a pathway to greater heights in the Spa Industry. A firm believer of empowering females via motivation and encouragement is what drives Nitasha to a state of sheer joy, women need to look and feel beautiful, therefore my position at Mangwanani allows me to do so in assisting women to achieve success in heir careers, whilst allowing passion to drive this success. Mangwanani is a phenomenal woman empowered platform that certainly defines strength. Nitasha she has settled in her home at the sanctuary of Mangwanani African Spa.

Capital Hotel School, Managing Director
Sincerity and a sense of humour are the qualities she seeks in people; “I sat at a table where rich food and wine in abundance were, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board.” Henry David Thoreau. Ronel matriculated at Alberton Hoërskool. She studied at RAU and UNISA toward a degree in Communication and Languages, also completed a Diploma in Business Management at TUKS and attended several Management, Marketing and Human Relations short courses. She started her career as Translator/PRO for the Dental Association of SA; she was Promotions Executive at Rooi Rose magazine; Marketing Manager Overvaal/Aventura Resorts; Sales Executive at Karos Hotels before starting her own events company, RONPRO. Finally Ronel decided to pursue her real passion and in 2001 launched Capital Hotel School (CHS) in Pretoria. She visualises to further expand the CHS education and training footprint, powered by technology, in SA and neighbouring countries within the next three years. Ronel chaired the Travel Trade Sports and Social Committee, as well as SKAL International. She is an honorary Bailli of the Pretoria Bailliage of Châine des Rôtisseurs, an international society devoted to choice dining and the camaraderie of the table and a coach at Lifework Leadership. She is passionate about education and training and the wellbeing of children and animals, enjoys travelling, reading, social interaction, wine and food and the company of her adorable Staffie, Piaf. She believes firmly in the anonymous saying that we are very apt to measure ourselves by our aspiration instead of our performance. But in truth the conduct of our lives is the only proof of the sincerity of our hearts.

3@Marion Guest House and Pretoria Bucket List, Owner/Manager
Susan is an accomplished hotelier with more than 15 years’ experience working locally and internationally across all departments. Her experience with companies such as Protea Hotels and Tsogo Sun has given her a holistic view of the industry and a passion for learning and teaching. She has recently been fortunate enough to become the owner and manager of 3@Marion Guesthouse, a unique property where she combines professional efficient service with a good dash of fun. She is passionate about the city of Tshwane and hopes to continue showing locals and visitors alike what a great place this is through projects such as the ultimate #pretoriabucketlist – a project which she conceived, got the public involved in and which was published in many media generating PR for the city.

Matebook Company, Founder & Director
Tshifhiwa Makani completed his national diploma in Ecotourism and BTech in Tourism management at Tshwane University of Technology. While pursuing the Btech Qualification, Tshifhiwa recognized that his unique mix of technical knowledge and interest in business would lead him to opening his own company. Tshifhiwa is a creative director of Matebook Group.

Famba Famba Tour Design Specialists, Founder

Valentino Meirotti is the founder and director of a luxury travel company, Famba Famba Tour Design Specialists. He is a national award-winning cultural tour guide with a degree in International Studies from the University of Pretoria. Valentino enjoys sharing his knowledge of South African culture and wildlife with travellers to the country. He has a passion for beautiful cars and has experience as an advanced driving instructor. Valentino is half Italian and half Zulu, originally from Limpopo. He has been married for Six years and has two daughters.