City Lodge Hotel Group has announced that two of its General Managers (GMs) were recently announced as being among the 55 finalists in South Africa’s 2014 Rising Star Awards within the Tourism and Hospitality category! Abia Rakoma, GM at Road Lodge Carnival City, and Marvin Theron, GM at Road Lodge Rustenburg, will now undergo a vigorous judging process before winners are announced at an awards ceremony to take place on Monday, 28 July.

The Rising Star Awards

 The Rising Star Awards are held every year and were established in order to recognise and celebrate young business people under the age of 40 who have great talent and deliver above and beyond expectations. In the words of CEB’s SHL Talent Measurement Solutions, “A Rising Star is an individual who displays promising potential and pursues every opportunity to achieve great heights.”

Hundreds of entries are received every year – 310 were received this year alone – but only five finalists are selected for each of the 11 business sector categories. Laura Barker, MD of BlackBark Productions (organiser of the Rising Star programme), says that the Rising Star programme is far more than just an awards ceremony; "The programme will establish a living community of young South African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with necessary platforms for development and communication. This will enable them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future South African talent.” 

Marvin Theron

Marvin first gained experience in the hospitality industry when he joined the City Lodge Hotel Group in July 2009 as a Front Office Coordinator at the Courtyard Hotel in Sandton, after graduating with a higher diploma in Hospitality Management from The International Hotel School. In February 2010 he was promoted to Junior Assistant GM. Last year his name was put forward for the Management Development Programme offered by City Lodge Hotel Group and while engaged in the programme Marvin went on to complete his training at Senior Assistant General Manager Level. He then progressed to General Manager Level. This year Marvin successfully completed both management programmes and in doing so was appointed to the position of GM of Road Lodge Rustenburg, effective from July.

Abia Rakoma

Abia currently holds three formal qualifications, which include a National Diploma in Hospitality Management, a B-Tech Degree in Hospitality Management, and a Certificate in Labour Relations Management. Abia first joined the City Lodge Hotel Group in 2007 as a Junior Assistant Manager and worked his way up to being the current GM of Road Lodge Carnival City. At the 2012 City Lodge Hotel Group Leadership Conference in Turkey, Abia was awarded the Chairman’s Award for being a Rising Star. Abia has always been very passionate about mentorship and personnel career development as it was the very same guidance and mentorship that led him to where he is today.

City Lodge Hotel Group is proud to have such talent in their team, and wish Marvin and Abia all the best during the next couple of weeks! For more info check out the City Lodge Hotel Group blog here: blog.clhg.com