The Swiss Hotel School in Randburg opened its doors in 1995. The curriculum and educational philosophy were modeled on that of the Hotel School Belvoirpark in Zurich where the founder, Jürg Vontobel had been Director for 10 years.

Enrolling small numbers of students each year the school quickly found favour with the Johannesburg hotel industry for the competence and “can-do” attitude of its students. Returning each year to his native Switzerland, Vontobel was able to maintain the currency of the educational offering adding elements and refinements each year. Through maintaining his contacts with Swiss Hoteliers and immigration authorities he was also able to establish work placement opportunities for second-year students. Graduates of the School have been singularly successful in securing career opportunities both locally and overseas and form a growing reference group for new students.

In January 2005 leadership of the School passed to Nicholas S. Martin whose experience in the international hospitality industry and commitment to providing world-class hospitality education ensures that the School continues to meet the needs of each generation of new students and the industry it serves.

Different from local schools the SHS programme offers high levels of faculty attention through more classroom hours, small groups, good practice facilities and strong general education component through such subjects as Manage Yourself and foreign languages.

By January 2006 the original 2-year diploma was aligned with the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and re-launched as a three-year programme. In September of the same year, the School was provisionally accredited by Umalusi, the appointed quality assurer of the Department of Education, Further Education and Training.

• In June 2007 the School moved to spacious new premises down the road in Ferndale which offer enhanced practical training facilities, spacious teaching and recreation areas and first-class secure parking.

• In 2008 The School opened the doors to the student residency – Honeyguide house – behind the campus building.

• In 2010 the school was accredited by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) for its main three-year diploma.

• In 2011 the school was appointed by the SA Chef’s Association to deliver part-time culinary programmes, accredited by the City & Guilds of London, funded by the Expanded Public Works Programme, supervised by the Department of Tourism.

• In 2015 the school launched its first stand-alone culinary, Professional Chef Programme.

• In 2015 SHS purchased its own 100Kva Generator, keeping the lights on through frequent bouts of load shedding.

• In 2016 – CHE accredited the first two years of the Professional Chef Programme.

• In 2016 CHE accredited the first programme of the Professional Chef Programme.

• In 2017 CHE accredited the second programme of the Professional Chef Programme.

• In 2017 SHS Opened its new Pastry Kitchen in the Culinary Workshop.

• In 2019 CHE Accredited the Bachelor of Hospitality Management and the Advanced Certificate in Kitchen Operations.

• In 2021 our in-house coffee shop Legit Brew was established.

• In 2021 the new Professional Culinary Arts Programme was developed in alignment with QCTO & City & Guilds.

• In 2022 Development of the entrepreneurship programme in conjunction with the Pastry & Bakery Higher Certificate began.

• In 2022 our Wine Library was developed in conjunction with Cape Wine Academy.

• In 2022 33 on Bond the Restaurant was officially launched.

• In 2022 the first phase of our kitchen garden was established.

• In 2022 the expansion of campus facilities including an innovation hub, boxing gym & upgraded classrooms took place.

• 2023 – The renovation and re-equipping of classrooms, addition of a walk in fridge in main kitchen

• 2023 – Opened the Swiss Chalet adding accommodation for a  further 9 students on campus

• 2023- Extensive maintenance of equipment in all kitchens

• 2024 - installation of 160 solar panels for sustainable clean power

• 2024 - To enhance artisanal skills a multifunctional space was built for cheese making, charcuterie and micro greens. Known as 'The Beehive'

• 2025 - Purchase of equipment such as large screen TV's, new whiteboards and further items to elevate classroom experience

• 2025 - One of our biggest projects so far. The complete upgrading of our culinary workshop. SMEG ovens, new work surfaces, refrigeration,  mixers and other appliances and small equipment

• 2025 - Upgrades on our 33 on Bond restaurant and kitchen. New crockery, decor, kitchen equipment such as industrial tilting pan, ice cream makers, new storage. This will be ongoing in 2025 with the addition of new tiling and bar renovation in the Restaurant

• 2025 - Creation of our new 'quiet study space' A purpose designed room for students to study without distraction. Think Biophilic decor, noise counselling sound, calming diffused aromas, cell phones on silent.

ACCREDITATIONS

The Swiss Hotel School is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate No. 2010/HE07/006. The programmes at The Swiss Hotel School are accredited by the Council for Higher Education.