The incoming Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) were elected at the body’s recent 53rd AGM and will serve for the next 12 months.
Joao Po Jorge has been re-elected as AASA’s Chairperson. He is the Director-General of LAM Mozambique Airlines, with Interim CEO of South African Airways, Prof. John Lamola, as the Deputy Chair.
“National, regional and geopolitical shifts and uncertainties, macro-economic headwinds – driven by rising energy costs, weakened local currencies, inflation and unemployment – together with changed market dynamics and customer behaviour, have forced southern Africa’s airlines to become more agile, cost-efficient and innovative to satisfy their customers’ needs. Jorge and Lamola will provide guidance and support to AASA as we continue engaging governments and their agencies to ensure that policy, regulations, and standards promote competitive, affordable, economically and environmentally sustainable, secure, and safe air transport with comprehensive intra-African connectivity,” said AASA CEO, Aaron Munetsi.
New CEO for Johannesburg Tourism
The Johannesburg Tourism Company recently appointed Thandubuhle Mgudlwa as its CEO with effect from October 1.
“On behalf of the Johannesburg Tourism Company Board and Management, I would like to welcome and congratulate Mgudlwa in leading the Johannesburg Tourism Company. Kindly afford Mgudlwa the necessary support to execute the duties and responsibilities of his office,” said Chairperson of the Board of Johannesburg Tourism, Gugu Sithole.
The President Hotel appoints new GM
The President Hotel in Bantry Bay, Cape Town, has appointed its new GM, Reinard Korf.
Officially titled the General Leader, Korf brings nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new role, having worked for some of the largest brands and independent hotels in the world across Africa, Europe, Australasia and a stint in Asia.
In 2017, Korf worked as Operations Manager for The President Hotel for two years before moving to the Netherlands.
“We are excited to welcome Korf back to The President and we are confident that he will lead our hotel exceptionally in the coming years as Cape Town’s most loved hotel,” said the hotel’s MD, Jeremy Clayton.
F&B Manager promotion at Sandton hotel
@Sandton Hotel has recently promoted Ryan Myburgh to Food & Beverage Manager.
With this new role, Myburgh will be the custodian of all Food and Beverage outlets at the hotel, located on Benmore Road, while maintaining his oversight of the banqueting offerings and experiences.
Myburgh, who joined @Sandton Hotel as Banqueting Manager, has been with the hotel team since its opening in 2019.
GM of @Sandton Hotel, Anthony Batistich, commented: “We are thrilled to see Myburgh take on this new responsibility and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make. Myburgh brings a customer-centric approach to his role and is dedicated to offering value for money while exceeding guest expectations. He has already implemented exciting additions to our offering, such as introducing a live sushi bar in our Clubhouse on weekends, wine pairings, sip and paint evenings, and speciality coffees that will be rolled out in the coming months.
“We are excited to see the Food & Beverage department flourish under his leadership, and we invite our valued guests to indulge in the exciting culinary experiences he and his team will be bringing to @Sandton Hotel.”