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Cresta Lodge Gaborone's Executive Chef secures first place in the country cuisine category and finishes second in the Southern African Chef of the Year competition.

Cresta Marakanelo Limited "CML" is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Chef Malebogo Dintwe, affectionately known as Chef Lebo, Executive Chef at Cresta Lodge Gaborone, following her impressive performance at the Southern African Food Festival (SAFFEST) 2026.

Chef Lebo was invited to participate in the festival in her capacity as a member of the Botswana Chefs Association, joining fellow culinary professionals in showcasing the country's cuisine and culinary talent on a regional platform.

Held in Matsapha, Eswatini, from 15 to 18 July 2026, the festival brought together culinary professionals from 15 Southern African countries to celebrate the region's diverse cuisine, indigenous ingredients and exceptional culinary talent.

In the country cuisine category, Chef Lebo prepared a traditional Botswana dish comprising bogobe jwa legala made with lebelebele (pearl millet), seswaa sa kgomo (pounded beef) and sautéed rape.

Her dish secured first place, positioning Botswana's traditional cuisine among the best showcased at the regional festival. The achievement demonstrated that indigenous dishes, when prepared with skill and presented with pride, can command recognition on prominent culinary platforms.

Chef Lebo also competed in the prestigious Southern African Chef of the Year category, where she earned an impressive second-place finish. First place was awarded to a chef from South Africa.

Her success is a proud moment for CML and a powerful reflection of the Group's commitment to delivering Authentic African Hospitality.

Across its hotels, Cresta Hotels seeks to provide guests with experiences that are genuinely connected to the destinations in which it operates. This extends beyond accommodation and service to include the flavours, traditions, stories and warmth that define Botswana.

Food plays a significant role in bringing this promise to life. By incorporating traditional dishes and locally inspired cuisine into its hospitality offering, Cresta Hotels creates opportunities for guests to experience Botswana's culture through food.

Chef Lebo's presentation at SAFFEST reflected this commitment. Bogobe jwa legala and seswaa are more than familiar local dishes; they form part of Botswana's cultural identity and tell a story of community, heritage and shared experiences around the table.

Her ability to elevate these dishes while maintaining their authenticity demonstrates the calibre of culinary talent within Cresta Hotels. It also reinforces the Group's commitment to developing its people and creating platforms through which employees can demonstrate their skills at national, regional and international levels.

Chef Lebo's achievement further supports Cresta Hotels' ambition to contribute to the growth and diversification of Botswana's tourism offering. While the country is widely celebrated for its landscapes, wildlife and natural attractions, its culinary heritage presents another valuable opportunity to enrich the visitor experience.

Through its chefs, restaurants and hotel teams, Cresta Hotels continues to showcase Botswana as a destination where guests can experience not only exceptional service, but also the country's distinctive flavours and generous spirit.

The Group believes that authentic hospitality begins with a genuine connection to place. It is reflected in the way guests are welcomed, the stories shared with them and the food served at the table.

Cresta Marakanelo congratulates Chef Lebo on her outstanding performance and for flying the Cresta Hotels flag high at SAFFEST 2026.

Her first-place finish in the country cuisine category and second-place achievement in the Southern African Chef of the Year competition affirm her dedication, creativity and passion for our culinary heritage.

Chef Lebo's success is a proud reminder that Authentic African Hospitality is not simply a promise, it is an experience brought to life every day by the talented people of Cresta Hotels.

About Cresta Hotels
Cresta Hotels is one of Southern Africa's leading hotel management groups, operating business and resort hotels in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Cresta Hotels run a total of 18 hotels; 12 in Botswana, 5 in Zimbabwe, and 1 in Cape Town, South Africa, all filled with African heart and soul.