CTHS students shine in prestigious competition
WINNING TEAM: Students from the CTHS showcased their talent during the Reaching for Young Stars 2025 competition.
Wednesday, 16 July 2025
Staff and students at the Cape Town Hotel School (CTHS) are brimming with pride after three of its students were among the prize winners of the prestigious Reaching for Young Stars 2025 competition – with two of them securing internships in the United States (US).
Hosted at the prestigious Cape Grace Hotel, the competition celebrates creativity, excellence, and innovation in food and hospitality. CPUT’s young stars made quite the impression, showcasing their talent across multiple categories.
Phillip Masotha, who entered the Hot Chef category, walked away with the Rio Largo Young Achiever prize, while Tidimalo Manhique, who entered the Pastry Chef category, clinched the Früt Jam prize. Valencia May also made her mark, earning third place in the Beverage category.
Along with Slindile Ngema (Baker category) and Litha Boloti (Barista category), they made up the five-member CTHS team who entered the competition.
Phillip and Tidimalo will soon be packing their bags for Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they’ll take part in an internship programme, thanks to the Reaching for Young Stars initiative.
“I’m very excited about the internship and going to America”, said Phillip.
Tidimalo said the competition was a wonderful learning opportunity.
“I learned that you have to challenge yourself. Don’t limit yourself,” she said.
“We are very proud of our students,” said Executive Sous Chef at the CTHS, Danielle Barkhuizen, adding that the internship in the US will provide “great exposure” for the two students.
CTHS students also made quite the impression during the 2024 competition and are currently participating in internships in the US.
“Our 2024 winners, Musa Ntantiso and Tshwanelo Sekharume, are currently in Cape Cod with Chuma Cetywayo and Nkosikhona Sandi to further their careers and participate in the mentorship programme offered by Reaching for Young Stars,” said Barkhuizen.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za
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