Meet Thapelo Thage:

My name is Thapelo Thage, born in South Africa in 1995. I studied for a Diploma in Business Management with IIE Rosebank College. I have over 8 years’ work experience in sales & marketing in Higher Education. Currently I have been working for SHS for the past 3 years, the best 3 years of my career thus far.

1. What inspired you to join the hospitality/culinary education industry, and how did your journey lead you to SHS?

I have a belief that Hospitality is a natural skill that comes from the heart, the Hospitality industry is driven by compassion & humility, the main thing that attracted me to work for an institution that is the foundation or rather develops talent for the Hospitality industry is heartwarming for me. It feeds my soul knowing that I have a part to play in growing the Hospitality industry in my country of birth by being in the development stages of the whole value chain by nurturing talent.

2. What do you love most about working with students at SHS?

I personally live my life with passion & creativity so working in a hospitality/culinary school I am surrounded by the spirit of passion & creativity daily, that feeds my soul

3. In your opinion, what sets SHS apart from other hospitality or culinary institutions?

SHS faculty has a laser focus in ensuring they produce successful students for the industry, they work tirelessly in producing the best of the best for the industry. SHS focuses more on developing top notch talent for the industry.

4. What’s one thing students often don’t expect about studying at SHS — but love once they experience it?
   
   

Students come with an expectation that studying at SHS will be the beginning of their studies, only to realize that studying at SHS is the beginning of their career. They always appreciate exposure during their studies.

5. Can you share a proud moment you've had with a student recently (current or future students)?

A proud moment for me is always at a Graduation ceremony because I get to experience young adults that reach the finish line of their studies & get to see them pursuing their dreams & make us proud as an institution by raising our flag all over the world.

6. If you could give one piece of advice to a parent helping their child choose a career path, what would it be?

I would advise parents to allow their children to pursue what they are passionate about which positions them for success. Anyways we are living in a very robotic world, but robots lack passion.

7. What is your hidden talent or fun fact that students/parents might not know about you?

I am very creative & I am a quote collector, so I collect motivational quotes daily because one day I will write a book of positive quotes.

8. What’s the most rewarding part of your day at SHS?

The most rewarding part of my day at SHS is seeing students proud of themselves about what they created from scratch and getting it right. It Might be a meal in the kitchen.