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Southern Sun Employees Unite for Mandela Day: Hundreds Volunteer in Community Projects

Once again South Africans honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, 18 July. Hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s hotels and resorts in South Africa. Heeding the call to collectively address social and economic security of Africans, Southern Sun volunteers acted in the spirit of the Mandela Day theme for 2024: Combat poverty and inequality, it is in our hands.

The hotel group’s commitment to making a positive impact in communities around the country truly embodies the uBuntu of Mandela Day. A total of 374 volunteers from 36 Southern Sun hotels supported 34 charities by spending their 67 minutes supporting those who are in need.

“Throughout the year, our hotel teams actively participate in community service, but Mandela Day is a special time for us to unite with the nation in driving positive change. Our support spans various causes, including health, welfare, and education, but given our position in the hospitality industry, we recognise the critical importance of alleviating hunger. This focus was the central theme of our Mandela Day activities, and we are proud to have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,” stated Candy Tothill, Southern Sun’s Corporate Affairs Executive.

Southern Sun’s Sandton Convention Centre once again provided the venue as part of their ongoing sponsorship for Rise Against Hunger’s food packing event in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 where more than 580,000 meals were packed. Among the numerous volunteers, 40 Southern Sun volunteers participated by preparing, weighing, and sealing 51 boxes, which contained over 13,260 nutritious meals. These meals are part of a larger effort to support Early Childhood Development Centres across the country, as part of the Rise Against Hunger SA organisation’s purpose of distributing meals.

In the greater Cape Town area, 215 dedicated staff members from 14 Southern Sun hotels came together to make a remarkable impact, supporting eight local charities. Their collective efforts saw a wide range of activities and donations aimed at uplifting the community. For instance, the Southern Sun Waterfront and Southern Sun The Cullinan hotels partnered with Ladles of Love, purchasing tickets and volunteering their time to feed the hungry through a network of NPOs, while also donating pre-loved linen to The Haven Night Shelter. Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa made significant contributions to Child Welfare Kleinmond, providing 100 litres of soup with bread, 25 litres of milk, and an array of hygiene products and educational supplies. Other hotels like StayEasy Century City, SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, and Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard also contributed to Ladles of Love and various other initiatives, ensuring widespread support across multiple causes.

Further demonstrating their commitment, Garden Court Mthatha’s staff supported Happy Homes Disabled Children Centre by donating pre-loved linen and crockery, planting vegetable seedlings, and providing a hearty lunch for 80 people. Similarly, Garden Court East London served lunch and donated fleece blankets to the Silver Crown Home for Aged and Handicapped, while Garden Court Kings Beach and Southern Sun The Marine provided meals, gift packs, and entertainment for the Protea Child Youth Care Centre. This collective effort from the hotels not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered a spirit of unity and compassion, embodying the true essence of Mandela Day and leaving a lasting positive impact on the Cape Town community.

In Gauteng and outlying regions, 96 volunteers from 16 Southern Sun hotels united to support 14 local charities through a variety of impactful activities. At Southern Sun and StayEasy Mbombela, staff donated seed packs worth R1800 to Cyril Clark High School to aid in crop planting. StayEasy Pretoria lent a helping hand to Arcadia Primary School and Pretoria Technical High School by making and distributing 67 lunch packs. Meanwhile, Garden Court Hatfield donated 60 fleece beanies and participated in a soup drive for the Give Them Hope Foundation, utilising bread collected through a plastic recycling campaign. Additionally, Garden Court & StayEasy Eastgate provided pre-loved linen, operating equipment, and gifts to the Home of Hope for Girls, further emphasising their commitment to community support.

Additional contributions saw Garden Court Milpark staff serving lunch and spending time with the elderly at Eventide Old Age Home, while Garden Court Polokwane donated soup, bread, and pre-loved linen to Tiangmatla Multi-Purpose Centre. Southern Sun Pretoria distributed hot meals and lunch packs to the displaced people living under the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and Garden Court OR Tambo donated dry goods to Khanyisa soup kitchen. Collaborative efforts between Garden Court Morningside and Southern Sun Katherine Street led to grocery donations for Mpabale Children’s Home in Alexandra. Garden Court Sandton City organised a soup kitchen and winter warmer drive for Ratang Bana, a community child support project in Alexandra, and Southern Sun Hyde Park sponsored accommodation for Ladles of Love staff hosting a Mandela Day event aimed at breaking a world record and raising substantial funds and items for underprivileged pre-school children. Additionally, Riverside Sun Hotel served a hearty lunch for 100 people at Vukuzenzele Old Age Home, and 54 On Bath and Southern Sun Rosebank partnered with Avanti Coffee to provide sandwiches, coffee, and donated pre-loved linen to Immaculata Shelter. These collective efforts exemplify the hotels’ dedication to making a significant positive impact in their communities.

In KwaZulu-Natal, 63 committed staff members from six hotels and three resorts came together to support 12 local charities, demonstrating a strong sense of community and solidarity. Employees from the Beverly Hills Hotel painted children’s bathrooms at Northview Primary, while Garden Court uMhlanga donated lunch packs to 100 school kids at St Michaels Primary School in Avoca. Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani made significant contributions, not only engaging with the children but donating grocery items and pre-loved linen worth R146,179.12 to St Philomena’s. They also donated pre-loved linen valued at R79,327.67 to Fundiswa. Garden Court Marine Parade provided financial support to Nhlakanipho EDC Center, and The Edward hosted a fun-filled day for Eyethu Creche & Day Care with lunch, a jumping castle, face painting, toys, and party packs. Garden Court South Beach contributed by painting classrooms, performing maintenance, cleaning windows, and donating snacks and arts and crafts items to Toddlers Inn.

Widening the impact, Drakensberg Sun Resort donated groceries, a kettle and pots, and performed maintenance work at Umfolozi Creche, along with donating pre-loved linen to Kwazamakuhle School for Disabled Children. Cabana Beach Resort and uMhlanga Sands Resort jointly participated in a food parcel packaging event organised by Rise Against Hunger SA in Durban, and Cabana Beach Resort supported The Sahara Shelter, a safe haven for abused women and children facing domestic violence. Additionally, uMhlanga Sands Resort organised an exciting race activation and foam party for 25 children through Reach for a Dream. These efforts collectively showcase the hotels’ dedication to uplifting their communities and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they support.

“Participating in days like Mandela Day is incredibly humbling as we witness the entire country coming together through volunteer programs. At Southern Sun, our people exemplify caring spirits by identifying needs and engaging in initiatives that uplift others. This commitment is most powerfully demonstrated during Mandela Day each year, where our collective efforts truly make a difference in the lives of those our efforts uplift,” concluded Tothill.

A Harmonious Blend of Timeless Elegance and Contemporary Sophistication

Southern Sun The Cullinan, an iconic landmark hotel situated in the vibrant heart of Cape Town, has officially reopened its doors after an extensive refurbishment that blends its award-winning classical grandeur with modern amenities. This grand reimagining entrenches Southern Sun The Cullinan as a symbol of luxury and innovation in the city’s bustling hotel landscape.

A Masterful Redesign

In its latest transformation, The Cullinan has adhered to a design philosophy that respects its timeless classical aesthetic while introducing a contemporary twist. This careful balance is evident from the moment guests arrive. The newly tiled marble port cochere now greets visitors with a sense of fresh elegance, setting the tone for their stay.

Stepping into the lobby, guests will be met with a familiar yet rejuvenated scene. Renowned as one of the most photographed hotel lobbies in the country, the space has retained its iconic pillars while embracing a lighter, more modern colour palette. Stone and light beige hues replace the former yellow tones, creating a serene atmosphere complemented by stylish furnishings and rich mahogany woodwork.

Modern Luxury in Every Detail

The meticulous attention to detail continues throughout the hotel. Each of the conference areas on the mezzanine floor has been outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including built-in Wi-Fi speakers and individual plug points for each delegate. This modern approach ensures a seamless and productive experience for all events.

The hotel’s culinary offering has also seen significant upgrades. Peachtree Restaurant now features a live cooking grill, adding a dynamic and interactive element to the dining experience. The menu offers a selection of South African dishes with a unique twist, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Guests looking for a more relaxed dining experience will enjoy the revamped pool deck. The new pool deck patio, with its built-in braai and pizza oven, is perfect for alfresco dinners and intimate group gatherings. This space is poised to become a favourite for braai-style conference lunches and dinners.

Enhanced Guest Rooms and Amenities

The Cullinan’s rooms have undergone a complete soft refurbishment, marrying modern comforts with the hotel’s classic charm. Each room now features advanced smart TVs, individual Wi-Fi access points, and updated lighting with dimmable options. Modern conveniences such as USB and USB-C ports, alongside standard plugs, are installed on both sides of the comfortable beds.

The bathrooms have been enhanced with illuminated mirrors, providing both functionality and style. The new infrastructure improvements, including updated air conditioning systems and optimised water temperature control, ensure a comfortable stay, unseen but deeply felt by guests.

A Commitment to Exceptional Hospitality

Behind the scenes, significant upgrades have been made to the hotel’s infrastructure, including new heat pumps, central air conditioning units, and hot water tanks. These changes guarantee that The Cullinan’s high standards of hospitality are maintained across all aspects of the guest experience.

Reflecting on the extensive refurbishment, the hotel’s General Manager, Jacques Moolman remarked, “The Cullinan has always been a symbol of elegance and luxury. Our goal with this refurbishment was to honour our heritage while embracing the future. We believe we have succeeded in creating a space that offers both timeless beauty and contemporary comfort. We look forward to welcoming guests old and new to experience the enhanced Cullinan.”

An Invitation to Rediscover

Southern Sun The Cullinan is more than just a place to stay; it is an experience. With its blend of classical elegance and modern sophistication, this newly refurbished gem invites guests to rediscover the charm and luxury of one of Cape Town’s finest hotels.

Southern Sun The Cullinan’s is celebrating their re-opening, with a fantastic offer. Book before 12 July and enjoy an in-room bottle of bubbles and snack platter on arrival, a luxurious room turndown and after a great night’s sleep, indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast for just R2,500 per room per night for 2 people sharing. Of course, two children under 18 stay and eat breakfast free when sharing with adults in a Family Room.

For bookings and further information, please visit our website or contact our reservation team on +27 21 415 4000.

Escape to the Southern Sun The Cullinan’s New Boutique Spa

Tsogo Sun’s Southern Sun The Cullinan is a well-known landmark at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront. The hotel is renowned for its luxurious accommodation, opulent suites, world-class service and spectacular views over Table Mountain and the harbour.

Southern Sun The Cullinan has now partnered with Mangwanani Spa to offer guests the chance to relax, unwind and rejuvenate in luxurious style with a range of treatments tailored to meet the needs of business travellers, leisure guests and locals alike. The Mangwanani Boutique Spa at Southern Sun The Cullinan joins the portfolio of exclusive boutique spas at Tsogo Sun’s Sandton Sun, Palazzo, Beverly Hills, Suncoast Towers and Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani properties.

The spa opens onto the Southern Sun The Cullinan’s beautiful pool deck and is the perfect place to leave the city behind and indulge in uniquely African therapeutic wellness experiences. Treatments take place in the spa’s tranquil interiors, outdoors around the pool or in the privacy of hotel guests’ rooms.  

Mangwanani massage treatments are infused with traditional African healing rituals and contemporary wellness therapies that nurture body, mind and spirit. The spa’s signature treatment is the Korean Scrub with African Rituals, a vigorous and rejuvenating full-body exfoliation that combines an original Korean technique with African traditions. The treatment starts with a twenty minute soak in a warm glass spa, removes dead and aging skin cells and leaves the body feeling young, refreshed and revived. The African Sunrise Pamper, African Tranquility and African Indulge signature packages combine sheer indulgence with pure relaxation.

Mangwanani Boutique Spa at Southern Sun The Cullinan is open daily from 09:00 to 23:00.

Address: Southern Sun The Cullinan, 1 Cullinan Street, Cape Town City Centre
Telephone: (021) 415 4075/415 4076
Email: info@mangwanani.co.za

Southern Sun The Cullinan is one of the properties within Tsogo Sun’s portfolio of over 90 hotels and 14 casino and entertainment destinations throughout South Africa, Africa and the Seychelles. For more information visit tsogosun.com

For more info on Mangwanani visit mangwanani.co.za

With just over a week to the first centre pass of the Netball World Cup 2023 (NWC2023) in Cape Town, the Local Organising Committee and World Netball are pleased to announce the addition of a further wave of sponsors and partners, fuelling excitement and anticipation ahead of the global sporting spectacle.

In an overwhelming display of support for the world’s pinnacle netball event, a multitude of new sponsors have thrown their support behind the NWC2023, which is being held on the African continent for the first time.

The NWC2023 is set to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 28th July to 6th August, bringing together 16 teams from across the globe in a contest for the sport’s ultimate prize.

The new partners are:

Hollywoodbets: Official betting partner of Netball World Cup 2023
Red Bull: Official energy drink supplier of Netball World Cup 2023
Southern Sun: Official hotel partner of Netball World Cup 2023
Woodlands Dairy – First Choice: Official hydration & recovery supplier of Netball World Cup 2023
Mitchum: Official deodorant supplier of Netball World Cup 2023
Bloc Footwear: Official supplier of Netball World Cup 2023 Volunteers

Tournament Director for the NWC2023 Priscilla Masisi said: “We are thrilled to welcome all these new partners onboard.

“Netball is a team sport after all, and we are delighted to have them as an integral part of our team.

“Partnerships like these are essential to the tournament’s success, and beyond that, to the growth and recognition of netball and women’s sport as a whole.

“As we look forward to 10 days of incredible action in Cape Town, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and partners who are making this all possible.”

World Netball CEO, Clare Briegal added: “We are excited to have Hollywoodbets, Red Bull, Mitchum, Woodlands Diary, and Bloc onboard for the Netball World Cup 2023.

“We are now just days away from the start of our pinnacle event in Cape Town.

“Our roster of partners and sponsors, including our premium partners Telkom and SPAR, official hotel partner Southern Sun and our official ball supplier, Gilbert will help to ensure that NWC2023 is a huge success, helping us increase global participation, reach, revenue and capacity.

“We’re delighted to celebrate this family of sponsors, who help to make this the most successful sponsorship programme ever for a Netball World Cup; thank you to them all.”

Devin Heffer, Brand and Communication Manager at Hollywoodbets said: “We as Hollywoodbets are extremely excited about partnering with this year’s Netball World Cup, which will be staged in the beautiful City of Cape Town.

“We look forward to leveraging this sponsorship, not only in exposure for our Purple brand, but in being able to further invest into the sport of Netball at development and grassroots levels.

“We are expecting a highly competitive tournament and will be offering a fantastic array of betting options on every match. The organisers have promoted this tournament incredibly well over the past 12 months, and we can’t wait to witness the world’s best right here in our home country!”

Candy Tothill, Head of Marketing for Southern Sun, said: “We’re delighted to be the Official Hotel Partner of the Netball World Cup 2023 and extend our signature hospitality to teams from across the globe as we welcome this auspicious event to Cape Town, South Africa.

“Over 50 years of hospitality and exceptional service with flair have made Southern Sun the Official Hotel Partner to the likes of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2022 World Cup Rugby Sevens – and now it is with great pride that we host the Netball World Cup 2023 at our world-class hotels.”

Thulile Memela, Brand Manager at Woodlands Dairy – First Choice said: “As Woodlands Dairy we are so delighted to be a part of this prestigious tournament.

“First Choice High Protein Recovery will aid to assist the athletes to Push Past Possible.

“The Netball World Cup brings together national teams from across the globe to compete at the highest level of netball excellence and serves as a platform to celebrate the remarkable talent and achievements of female athletes in the sport.

“The athletes are taking up space on the Africa soil. We are proud!”

Red Bull South Africa said: “We are thrilled to be the official energy sponsor for the Netball World Cup. As a brand that is passionate about giving wings to people and ideas, our partnership with the Netball World Cup reaffirms our dedication to empowering athletes and enhancing sporting experiences worldwide.

“As an energy drink that fuels performance and celebrates the spirit of competition, Red Bull aligns perfectly with the dynamic and exhilarating nature of netball.

“We wish teams all the best and hope they get to celebrate and experience the spirit of Mzansi.”

Heather Goate, Marketing Director at Revlon South Africa where Mitchum is one of the organisation’s portfolio brands said: “Our partnership with the Netball World Cup 2023 marks a significant milestone for Mitchum South Africa as we align ourselves with one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

“We are excited to support the exceptional athletes competing at the tournament and to contribute to the growth and recognition of women’s sports globally. Through our official deodorant sponsorship, we aim to inspire individuals to embrace an active lifestyle, celebrate their achievements, and reach for new heights.”

Gift Sithole, Founder and CEO at Bloc Footwear added: “The partnership between Bloc Footwear and the Netball World Cup aims to celebrate and elevate the sport of netball, which has captivated audiences worldwide with its athleticism, skill, and teamwork. By joining forces, both entities seek to foster the growth and development of netball, while inspiring young athletes to excel in their passion for the game.”

Henrico Grobbelaar wins Unilever Food Solutions Senior Chef of the Year 2016

Henrico Grobbelaar, Executive Chef at Southern Sun The Cullinan in Cape Town has been awarded the Unilever Food Solutions Senior Chef of the Year 2016 at the final competition cook off which took place in Durban last week. Started over 40 years ago, the UFS Chef of the Year is one of the oldest culinary competitions in the country and is a key event on the culinary calendar.

“It is an honour to be chosen as the winner of this prestigious competition, particularly as this year’s inclusion of the mystery pantry as well as the addition of the energy efficiency and sustainability mark raised the standard of the competition even further. I have been privileged to win a number of competitions and awards throughout my career but this was the cherry on the cake for me as it is one of the awards that I have been striving to win for some time,” says Grobbelaar.

Grobbelaar is one of South Africa's most creative and celebrated young chefs with a long list of accolades and an enviable resume, which includes: Sunday Times Chef of the Year 2009; San Pellegrino International Young Chef of the World 2009; Executive Chef to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland 2010; 2010 FIFA World Cup; Winner of Chopped South Africa 2013; and most recently, selection as captain of the National Culinary Olympic Team who will represent South Africa in the IKA Culinary Olympics in Germany in October 2016. 

His rise to ‘fame’ hasn’t been meteoric. It has been steady and consistent. After more than a decade in the industry, Henrico joined Tsogo Sun’s Southern Sun The Cullinan hotel in February this year as the Executive Chef. This luxurious, iconic hotel is no stranger to awards and accolades, which made this partnership a perfect fit.

 “We are extremely proud of Henrico and his achievements. This award once again reflects his enormous level of commitment and effort to succeed. His cuisine is innovative and exciting as is evident in his ability to elevate classic dishes to mouth-watering new heights,” concludes Garry Reed, General Manager at Southern Sun The Cullinan.