Afika Mlenzana

Accomplished and guest-focused hospitality professional with extensive experience across fine dining, restaurant service, wine tasting, guest relations, hospitality sales and corporate environments. Experienced in delivering exceptional service to individual guests as well as corporate and private functions, including weddings, management dinners, galas and business events. Combines strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to drive sales, upsell food and beverages, build guest relationships and adapt quickly to new environments and operational procedures.

Wine Room / Bistro Waiter - VREDE EN LUST WINE FARM

(2025-04 - 2026-02)

• Delivered professional and attentive service in the Lust Bistro and Vrede en Lust Tasting Room.
• Conducted wine-tasting experiences while creating an engaging and welcoming guest environment.
• Generated tasting-room sales and effectively upsold food and beverage offerings.
• Supported Wine Tram guests and contributed to a complete vineyard and hospitality experience.
• Managed guest reservations and maintained accurate, efficient service.

Fine Dining Waiter - SAUVAGE FRANSCHHOEK

(2024-10 - 2025-04)

• Delivered high-standard service within a 5-star fine-dining environment at Le Franschhoek Estate.
• Provided knowledgeable wine-pairing recommendations to enhance the guest experience.
• Served hotel guests and large-scale functions, including weddings, parties, management galas and private business dinners and meetings.
• Maintained professional service standards in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment.

Senior Waiter / Junior Manager - HUSSAR GRILL — CENTURY CITY / FRANSCHHOEK

(2022-06 - 2024-10)

• Delivered premium guest service within a refined steakhouse environment.
• Supported junior management with day-to-day restaurant operations and service delivery.
• Promoted menu items and sales initiatives to achieve company and personal targets.
• Handled guest concerns and complaints professionally and participated in team incentives.

Internal Sales Consultant - INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SCHOOL

(2016-08 - 2022-03)

• Consulted with prospective students and recommended suitable qualifications and courses for full-time and online study.
• Managed invoicing and professional communication with relevant stakeholders via telephone and email.
• Contributed to marketing material and promotional initiatives for the group.
• Consistently worked towards and exceeded daily, weekly and monthly sales targets.
• Liaised with General Managers, HR/Learning & Development personnel and Finance Officers across hotels, restaurants and lodges.

Fine Dining Waitron - HARVY’S RESTAURANT — UMHLANGA ROCKS

(2012-02 - 2016-03)

• Delivered fine-dining service within a high-end restaurant environment associated with Celebrity Chef Andrew Draper.
• Worked across restaurant operations and high-end events.
• Provided professional service to government officials, corporate clients, wedding guests and charity-event attendees.

BSS - Psychology — Double Major: Clinical & Industrial Psychology - UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL (2009-02 - 2012-12)