Our Philosophy
SHS faculty combine academic knowledge with real-world experience in hospitality and the culinary industry. Students benefit from lecturers who understand both modern hospitality trends and the practical realities of the industry.
The Swiss Hotel School South Africa believes that hospitality education must be grounded in reality, shaped by industry, and delivered with a strong focus on the individual student. Our philosophy is built on the principle that learning should be practical, industry-led and deeply connected to the world students are preparing to enter.
We prioritise personalised attention in small learning environments, ensuring every student is supported, challenged and guided according to their strengths and ambitions. With a strong career-oriented approach, SHS integrates academic study with hands-on experience, mentorship, and industry engagement, producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also confident, work-ready, and aligned with the demands of a global hospitality career.
Select team:
Kuno Tschumi
Head of School
As Head of School, Kuno holds a Higher Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Zürich. His student-centred approach focuses on practical, applied learning to produce industry-ready graduates. Driven by Swiss values of precision, discipline, and high service standards, he finds his greatest professional fulfilment in watching his graduates succeed and steadily climb the hospitality career ladder.
Dr Cameron Martin
Academic Dean
Dr Cameron Martin holds a PhD in Education from Wits University and brings nearly 20 years of academic experience, including a decade at SHS. Driven by a philosophy of cultivating "Independent Capability" in students, he co-developed one of South Africa's first Bachelor of Hospitality Management degrees. He proudly leads SHS in reshaping the global hospitality educational landscape.
Wayne Fisher
Executive General Manager & Business Management Lecturer
Wayne holds an MCom in Strategic Management and a BTech in Hospitality Management from UJ. As an executive who has launched and led luxury hotels, lodges, and conference venues, he brings proven commercial leadership into the classroom. His teaching connects academic theory directly to practical business decisions, equipping students to drive real-world performance.
Lebohang Dibate
Head of Hospitality Management
Lebohang holds multiple hospitality qualifications alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (Cum Laude) from VUT, where she is currently an M.Ed. candidate. Her industry background includes Southern Africa's top hotel groups and the Marriott Marquis brand. At SHS, her constructivist teaching approach blends inclusivity and academic excellence to seamlessly connect theory with authentic hospitality practice.
Karen Rossouw
Head of Culinary
Chef Karen brings eight years of experience as an HOD of Culinary Arts, alongside a premium industry background spanning Lindt Chocolate, Asara Wine Estate, and luxury game reserves such as Ulusaba. At SHS, she blends critical theoretical knowledge with practical skills, fostering kitchen hygiene, core foundational excellence, and strong workplace mentorship for future culinary leaders.
Dr Hester Marieta van Schalkwyk
Economics & Finance
Dr van Schalkwyk holds a Doctorate from the University of Johannesburg, alongside specialised postgraduate qualifications in financial planning and online facilitation. An expert assessor and moderator, she leverages her rich academic background to deliver impactful economics and finance education, preparing students with the precise analytical and regulatory competencies required to thrive in the modern business and hospitality landscape.
Dr Nyasha Olivia Valerie Mugadza
Sales & Marketing Lecturer
Dr Nyasha is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and an MBA graduate from GIBS (University of Pretoria), bringing over 20 years of leadership experience with multinationals such as Nestlé and BP. Lecturing in Marketing, Sales, and Academic Research, she utilises experiential learning and real-world business strategy to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in her students.
Caroline Baumgarten
German Lecturer
Caroline holds an MA in translating and interpreting from Wits University and has provided language expertise to corporate giants like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes since 1985. At SHS, she focuses on the practical application of German, thriving within a close-knit campus family that gives her teaching genuine meaning.
Greg Pillhofer
Management & Leadership, IT
Greg holds a BEd (Honours) with Distinction from Wits University and an AHLEI International Diploma in Hotel Management. A veteran hospitality operator with 35+ years of senior industry and academic experience, Greg merges textbook theory with commercial reality. At SHS, his hands-on, interactive approach focuses on developing sharp, confident professionals who master the business side of hospitality.
Annette Weaver
Nutrition & PT Culinary Courses Lecturer / Chef Programme Facilitator
Annette holds a BSc in Dietetics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Dietetics. With 30 years of experience in the contract catering industry, specialising in nutrition, food service management, and quality assurance, she champions student-centred mentorship. At SHS, Annette nurtures independent thinkers, leveraging the campus's close-knit environment to build meaningful connections and develop real-world culinary skills.
Kristy Scholtz
Lecturer: Leadership
Kristy holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Johannesburg and is an HPCSA-registered Independent Psychometrist and ICF-credentialed Professional Coach. With extensive experience coaching executives across various sectors, she uses adult learning methodologies and meaningful dialogue to build critical thinking, self-awareness, and real-world leadership capability.
Chef Donald Wilson
Culinary Lecturer
An alumnus and SHS’s 2019 "Chef of the Year," Chef Donald holds diplomas in Culinary Arts, Patisserie, and Bakery. He brings invaluable local and international experience from roles like Commis Chef in Auckland and Sous Chef locally. His hands-on teaching approach combines practical kitchen technical skills with strong mentorship to cultivate future hospitality leaders.
Chef Edward Clegg
Culinary Lecturer
With 32 years of global culinary experience, Chef Edward is a South African Culinary Olympic squad medalist and an international judge on cooking shows. His distinguished background includes working at top luxury hotels such as the Mount Nelson and teaching in Dubai. At SHS, he leverages his extensive expertise to mentor the next generation, focusing on passion, hands-on training, and kitchen discipline.
Jean-Pierre Siegenthaler
Culinary Art Lecturer
Chef JP holds a Federal Capacity Diploma for chefs in Switzerland, bringing nearly six decades of global culinary experience spanning Switzerland, South Africa, and Tanzania. A seasoned restaurateur and international competition veteran, he has career highlights that include serving VIP guests at the historic Mandela Inauguration. At SHS, he is dedicated to passing his deep industry knowledge to future chefs.
James Banda
Food & Beverage Controller
James serves as the Food & Beverage Controller at SHS. He holds qualifications in Bookkeeping and Accounts from Soche Technical College, as well as a Sage Accounting certification. Having entered the hospitality industry in 1998 as a cashier, waiter, and chef, James leverages decades of foundational operational experience to manage back-of-house financial controls effectively.
Nathalie Alexander
Language Lecturer
Nathalie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Wits University. An award-winning educator, she received the prestigious French teacher's prize from Alliance Française for best lesson, earning a study tour in France. At SHS, she applies her student-centred approach to language teaching, thrives in a friendly campus environment, and broadens her insights into hospitality.
