We are thrilled to spotlight one of our accomplished alumni Mandy Mavuso, who has made remarkable strides in the hospitality industry. From her early days as a student at the International Hotel School to her current role as Group and Events Manager at the prestigious Mount Nelson Hotel, Mandy’s journey is a testament to her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Join us as we explore her path to success, the significant milestones she has achieved, and the invaluable insights she offers to aspiring hospitality professionals.
Please describe your journey to becoming Group and Events Manager at Mount Nelson Hotel.
My journey started directly after completing my studies with IHS in 2009. My career started off as being part of the opening team at The Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, what an incredible way to lift off! I started off as a receptionist for 3 months and directly after that I was offered a position to work in the Restaurant Reservations department under the leadership of Jennifer Munstermann, who saw great potential in me. A year down the line, I successfully joined the Groups and Events Department as a Banqueting Coordinator and have not looked back since. My career in the Groups and Events field has been blessed with different avenues, from working for an Events Company to learning how to build exhibitions stands for expos, travelling in the US and thriving as an Events expert in the Hotel world.
I moved to Cape Town in 2022 and am now in my dream job as a Groups and Events Manager for Mount Nelson, one of the best hotels in South Africa.
What piece of advice would you give to an aspiring Groups and Events Manager for one of the leading hotels in Africa?
Keep your head in the game, stay collected and never let the overwhelming days get you down. Always remember why you fell in love with Hospitality and keep moving until you reach your desired destination. The sky is truly the limit!
Please describe the most significant highlights of your career.
Being part of the opening team for Oyster Box Hotel (as my first job!) and opening the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel -Melrose Arch as a Cluster Events Booking Centre Manager. Leading the Groups and Events Team at Mount Nelson is also an achievement that I am extremely proud of.
What challenges have you faced along your professional career?
Covid 19 was really challenging, and I think our Industry peers will all agree, but what a turn around our Industry has made, I am incredibly delighted to be a Hotelier.
In what ways did International Hotel School equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the hospitality industry?
The International Hotel School not only gave me a platform to grow in my career from being a very shy young lady and leaving as a confident Hotelier, but I also had the opportunity to be led by industry veterans, as we were placed in Iconic hotels to complete our traineeship. Had it not been for both the conjunction of theory and practical elements of our studies, I would not have walked into a job as easily as I did when I started working. I always proudly tell anyone who will listen that I am a product of International Hotel School!
 We are immensely proud to celebrate Mandy Mavuso as one of our distinguished alumni. Her remarkable journey from a student at the International Hotel School to her current role as Group and Events Manager at Mount Nelson Hotel is a shining testament to her dedication, passion, and exceptional talent in the hospitality industry. Mandy’s impressive achievements not only highlight the importance of a strong educational foundation but also illustrate the boundless opportunities for growth and success when one seizes every chance for advancement.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mandy for taking the time to share her inspiring journey with our students and aspiring hoteliers. Her story serves as a beacon of motivation and excellence, and we are honoured to have played a role in her path to success. We eagerly anticipate her continued achievements and look forward to witnessing the further impact she will undoubtedly make in the hospitality industry.
Thank you, Mandy, for being a true embodiment of the values and aspirations we cherish at the International Hotel School.
