Casa Toscana Lodge, Managing Member / CEO

Anette started her career in the SAPS in 1990, then moved on to work for an Attorney firm and 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 at the same time.

In 2004, she purchased Casa Toscana Lodge with 9 rooms and a small restaurant.

In the past 21 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 planning on expanding the room offering to 40 rooms.

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 Group Manager, CSIR Conferencing & Accommodation, a group within the CSIR which includes CSIR International Convention Centre, a venue which hosts over 700 events within excess of 70 000 delegates a year, the CSIR Knowledge Commons, Entabeni overnight accommodation and Newton’s a la Carté restaurant. Amongst other awards Bronwen has 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.

 Eazy Events & Tours, Managing Director

Dimakatso Masukume is an accomplished tourism and events professional with a dynamic career spanning over 15 years. She began her journey in the travel and tourism sector as a Junior Travel Consultant at Rennies Travel and went on to work with several reputable travel companies, including Travel With Flair, gaining six years of valuable industry experience.

Her career path evolved when she joined the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), initially as a Travel Manager overseeing SALGA Travel. She later transitioned into the Events Management Space. Currently, Dimakatso serves in the Events and Protocol Management Office at SALGA, where she plays a pivotal role in planning and executing events for the organization.

Dimakatso is also the Founder and Managing Director of Eazy Events and Tours, a township-based business located in Mamelodi, founded in 2016. Originally focused on promoting township tourism and creating platforms for small businesses, women, and youth to thrive, the company has grown into a nationally recognized tour operator with a footprint across South Africa and select African countries. Under her leadership, the company champions inclusive economic participation by offering internships and learnerships to young graduates and empowering SMMEs.

A passionate traveler and cultural ambassador, Dimakatso frequently visits African destinations to deepen her understanding of diverse cultures and to promote South Africa’s tourism offering. Her love for travel and commitment to impactful events make her a respected figure in the tourism and events industries.

Southern Sun Pretoria, General Manager

Versatile and Accomplished Hotel General Manager with over 30 years of progressive leadership experience in the hospitality industry, spanning luxury resorts and full-service hotels. Currently leading Southern Sun Pretoria (4*) since 2018, overseeing 240 rooms and the largest conferencing facility in Arcadia. Proven success in driving revenue, achieving sustainability goals, and managing high-profile events including Springbok Rugby Camps, World Choir Games, and PSL Bio-Bubble Operations during Covid-19.

Strong operational leadership with a background that includes senior roles at iconic properties such as Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani (734 rooms), Cabana Beach Resort, and the prestigious Oyster Box Hotel (5*).

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.

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.

Capital Hotel School, Managing Director and Owner

Her academic background includes matriculation from Alberton Hoërskool in 1973. She pursued higher education at both RAU and UNISA, focusing on a degree in Communication and Languages. Additionally, she accomplished a Diploma in Business Management at TUKS and have actively participated in a range of Management, Marketing, and Human Relations short courses.

Her career trajectory commenced as a Translator/PRO for the Dental Association of SA, followed by the role of Promotions Executive at Rooi Rose magazine. She then held the position of Marketing Manager at Overvaal/Aventura Resorts and later transitioned to the role of Sales Executive at Karos Hotels. Eventually, she ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing her own events company, RONPRO. Notably, her true passion led to the establishment of the Capital Hotel School (CHS) in Pretoria in 2001.

Throughout her career, she has also assumed leadership roles, chairing the Travel Trade Sports and Social Committee and SKAL International. She held the honourable position of Bailli (now an ex-officio honorary member) at the Pretoria Bailliage of Châine des Rôtisseurs , an esteemed international society dedicated to the art of fine dining and camaraderie. Furthermore, she has contributed as a coach at Lifework Leadership, serve as a board member of the Tshwane Tourism Association (education portfolio), and hold board positions at both S A Chef and Hospitality Educators Forum, and Invequity (a B-BBEE empowerment company).

Her unwavering passion for education and training, as well as her commitment to the welfare of children and animals, are key aspects of her character. She derives satisfaction from traveling, reading, engaging in Pilates, cultivating social and spiritual connections, and savouring fine wine and cuisine. 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. 

3@Marion Guest House and Pretoria Bucket List, Owner/Manager
Susan is an accomplished hotelier with more than 25 years’ experience working locally and internationally across all departments. This experience has given her a holistic view of the industry and a passion for learning and teaching. 10 years ago she started 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 Pretoria Bucketlist – a project which she conceived, got the public involved in and which was published in many media generating PR for the city.

Hospitality Chatbot Solutions, Business Developer

Sunelle van Heerden brings a wealth of experience across marketing, sales, and hospitality sectors. Born and raised in the small town of Barberton, Sunelle pursued her studies in Stellenbosch before relocating to Pretoria in 2002, where she has since made her home.

With a successful career in marketing and sales within the pharmaceutical industry, Sunelle transitioned fully into the hospitality industry in 2010, where her passion for tourism, communication, marketing, sales, and event management has flourished.

Currently, Sunelle serves as the Business Developer for Hospitality Chatbot Solutions, driving innovation in guest engagement through cutting-edge technology. Additionally, she supports the marketing team at Inani Hotels as a Marketing Consultant, contributing to brand growth and market presence.

Her combined expertise and dedication make her a valuable asset to any board focused on advancing tourism, hospitality, and innovative customer experience solutions.

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.

Primedia Malls, Sales Manager

Trust Masarirambi I am a dynamic business leader with a strong background in media sales, brand activations, and destination marketing. Currently I am the Sales Manager for Primedia Malls, one of South Africa’s leading out-of-home media owners specialising with media opportunities within the retail environment. With over a decade of experience in strategic sales leadership and stakeholder engagement, I bring a unique blend of commercial insight, community engagement, and a deep-rooted passion for local tourism development to the table.

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 ten years and has two daughters.