Legacy In Action: Innovative Staff Leading The Way

BONGANI WONDO: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP

Bongani Wondo’s career at the CTICC spans over 15 years, starting in 2008 when he joined the Operations Department as a parking controller. Since then, he has held the position of parking supervisor and in the 2024 financial year, he was promoted to parking and logistics manager.

His growth reflects both his professional evolution and his deep commitment to the organisation’s success. He has seen the CTICC evolve over the years and has been a key player in our journey. Dedication and hard work have seen him rise steadily through the ranks.

Bongani’s long tenure at the CTICC demonstrates his resilience and commitment to continuous growth. He has demonstrated an ability not only to manage complex operations but to do so while fostering an environment of collaboration and mentorship.

His proactive approach has helped streamline operations within his department, contributing to the overall smooth functioning of the CTICC. He has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and generating additional revenue, such as introducing additional container storage.
But for Bongani, leadership goes beyond logistical improvements – it’s about people. He has always emphasised the importance of mentoring young leaders, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering guidance and encouragement to help them unlock their potential.

Reflecting on his promotion, Bongani sees it as a natural progression of his time at the CTICC, one that has been shaped by the support and mentorship he received from colleagues. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me, and now it’s my turn to pass that on to the next generation,” he says. He bases his leadership style on collaboration, recognising that the team’s collective efforts determine the success of any department.
In addition to his operational contributions, Bongani has been deeply involved in our corporate social responsibility initiatives, reinforcing his belief in the importance of giving back to the community. These initiatives have not only provided a platform for personal growth but have also helped strengthen our role in uplifting the surrounding community.

“Knowing that I’ve made a positive impact in another person’s life is a blessing on its own,” Bongani said. His goal is to continue building a team that is empowered, collaborative and ready to take on new challenges, ensuring that the department remains a vital part of the CTICC’s operational success for years to come.

“Mentorship has shaped my journey and I’m dedicated to paying it forward by helping young leaders unlock their potential.”
says Bongani.

DIMITRI KOOPMAN: SHAPING CTICC’S CULINARY STANDARDS

Dimitri Koopman has been innovating in our kitchens for 16 years now, starting in 2008 as a demi chef de partie in the Catering division of our Food & Beverage Department. His journey through the ranks, now as senior sous chef, highlights his key role in developing the centre’s food and beverage offerings. Dimitri’s dedication was recently recognised with a long service award for 15 years of dedication at the CTICC.

To celebrate his 16th year with us, Dimitri attended the IKA Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany in February 2024, where he served as a taster. This event takes place every four years and is an excellent platform for chefs to exchange ideas and learn from one another in a collaborative environment.

This year’s event exposed him to new techniques and global culinary trends, providing valuable insights he could bring back to the CTICC. Reflecting on the experience, Dimitri noted: “Being surrounded by chefs from different countries opened my eyes to subtle differences in techniques and gave me ideas we can use in our own kitchens.”
Since returning, Dimitri has started implementing some of these ideas, particularly in the plated functions that are central to the CTICC’s hospitality services. His exposure to international practices has strengthened the CTICC’s ability to remain competitive in a fast-evolving industry.

Dimitri is also deeply committed to mentorship within the CTICC kitchens, having received training from different executive chefs himself and is now actively supporting many younger chefs who have progressed into leadership roles. “Mentoring younger chefs has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Seeing them succeed, and sometimes surpass me, is the best kind of achievement,” he said.

A significant milestone in Dimitri’s career was his involvement in planning the menu for our second building, CTICC 2. He credits the training and support he received from senior chefs for helping him manage kitchen operations smoothly under pressure.

“Understanding the business side of the kitchen is as important as the food itself and that’s something I’ve learnt through experience here,” he explained.
Dimitri has also contributed to the CTICC’s CSR initiatives, most notably by training students from disadvantaged communities.

Seeing these students advance in their careers is something Dimitri considers one of his proudest achievements. “Helping these young chefs support themselves and their families is incredibly fulfilling,” he reflects.

Looking ahead, Dimitri hopes that the ideas he has implemented and the people he has mentored will form part of his lasting contribution to the CTICC. “It would be great to see some of the dishes I helped create still being served in years to come,” he adds.

“Being surrounded by chefs from around the world opened my eyes to new ideas we can use in our kitchens,”
Dimitri says.