Hilton's Four Head To Dubai
Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday September 21, 2021 06:00
This comes as part of Hilton’s talent mobility and growth initiatives, which are aligned to the company’s own efforts to see development within its people, to become a global representation of Botswana's talents.
The beneficiaries are front officer Sadie Keboitse, food and beverage supervisor Kagiso Sebele, accounts clerk and mixologist Rodwell Mampane, and reservation officer Marcia Boenyana. Hilton general manager, Thabani Ndlovu said they continue to train and mentor their teams across various roles within the hotel with a firm focus on growth. She said the selected have demonstrated true excellence and now shine a light on vast potential in Botswana that needs to be shared with the rest of the world. “Being able to contribute towards the professional and personal growth of our team is something we treat as a priority. Our goal is to see individuals excelling in our offered training programmes and taking the next steps in their vocations. We, therefore, offer our staff reputable career progression and a solid support system meant to hone and fine-tune their capabilities,” she said.
Currently, Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone also has four food and beverage team members being sponsored to complete their three-year diplomas with the Hospitality Trainers and Associates School of Culinary Art. In addition, the company has also partnered with Ivy League schools such as Harvard University and Cornell University to offer exclusive learning opportunities for its employees. Hilton Garden was funded by Botswana Public Pensioners Fund (BPOPF) to the tune of P300 million.
BPOPF board chairperson of Letsema Hospitality, Rutang Moses applauded the hotel for making an impact on the local hospitality but also the development of its staff. “We are proud of the fruits of our investment at Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, not simply in investment terms, or the impact on the local hospitality industry, but also the development of such great talent,” she said. Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone continues to support local talent and the creative industry in other avenues too by partnering with Brand Botswana, Botswana Tourism Organisation and Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development.
This collaboration has since led to other initiatives including the Women in Tourism High Tea and Women in Tourism BW engagements.
Furthermore, space within the hotel lobby is ringfenced for local exhibitors to display their artwork at no cost on a rotational basis, an initiative that began with the hotel’s launch. Some of the celebrated masterpieces featured include works by Thato Khomela, Thabo Keorapetse and Itumeleng Motswetla.