Newmark’s Inaugural Annual Employee Awards Gala: A Night for Those Who Leave A Mark

The very first Newmark Employee Awards Gala took place last week—a celebratory evening headed up by the Learning & Development (L&D) team to honour the talent that drives our business forward and shine a spotlight on individuals excelling in their roles. From Cape Town to the Kruger, Mauritius to the Karoo, team members from across the portfolio came together for a night dedicated to excellence, leadership, and personal growth.

Recognising the Top 1%

Twelve departmental and leadership awards were presented during the evening, celebrating the individuals whose contributions elevate both the guest experience and our internal standards, representing the top 1% of Newmark’s workforce of approximately 1,200 employees.

“The purpose of tonight is simple but important: to recognise and honour those employees—our colleagues—across the entire Newmark portfolio who have made a significant impact in their properties and departments.” – Garth Musikanth, Newmark CFO.

The awards ceremony featured department-based honours for excellence in guest relations, operational support, food and beverage service, culinary achievement, administration, and reservations. Leadership awards also acknowledge the many dimensions of leadership within the business and recognise those who embody key leadership qualities: providing unwavering stability in challenging times, cultivating people-centred cultures through mentorship and growth, driving problem-solving and process improvement, and leading with agility.

In a special message, CEO Neil Markovitz reflected on the journey and future of the company:

“Reflecting on how far we’ve come and where we’re heading, I truly believe there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of this company and this journey. What we’re building is exceptional. It’s exciting. It’s groundbreaking. As a regional African brand, we’ve achieved milestones no other company has—and we’ve done it by staying proudly, authentically African. That’s something I say with a full and grateful heart.”

The evening’s highest honour, Newmark Employee of the Year, was awarded to Ofense Omote, who leads Food & Beverage and Operations at Motswari Private Game Reserve—recognised for his outstanding leadership and commitment.

Fast-Tracking Future Talent: Management Development Programme (MDP)
The gala also acknowledged the first cohort of Newmark’s Management Development Programme (MDP)—an initiative designed to fast-track talent from within Newmark’s own gene pool. 

Launched just a year ago, the MDP has been a long-held ambition of Group People Director Kate Zaaiman and her team: to create a platform that nurtures internal growth and unlocks potential.

“The MDP is a fantastic step toward building the kind of foundation that will serve both our people and our business in the years to come. For those of you who participated—be proud. There’s no greater quality than a hunger to learn and grow. That mindset will open doors for you, just as it already has.” – Garth Musikanth.

“This is core to Newmark’s DNA: not only recognising potential but actively nurturing it. It’s about unlocking growth, building loyalty, and creating meaningful career pathways. This programme is a direct investment in our people.” – Neil Markovitz.

MDP participants across the group shared powerful personal reflections on how the programme has shaped their careers:

“QWABI was my first step into hospitality three years ago... As a non-operations team member (HR), the MDP gave me deeper operational insight, geared with understanding and know-how to support my team better.” – Adel Keyser, HR Manager, QWABI.

“I began working in hospitality in 2000 and worked my way through various operational roles, studying hospitality and club management along the way. Being selected for the MDP was a defining step. It shaped my approach to collaboration, leadership, and communication. My presentation skills have improved, and I have a broader view of hospitality management.” – Pieter Arendse, F&B Manager, QWABI.

“Since May 2024, I’ve been part of the MDP programme. From writing case studies, attending masterclasses, and meeting colleagues from across the group, it’s been deeply rewarding. I’m grateful and excited to continue growing.” – Wesley Jager, Night Manager, Victoria & Alfred Hotel.

Closing the MDP reflections, Garth offered this message to future participants:

“For anyone thinking about joining the MDP— here’s my advice: stop telling yourself you’re not qualified to take on new roles. Growth happens when you step into spaces you’re not yet qualified for. That’s how learning—and real progress—happens.”

Raising the Standard: SafetyCulture Roll-Out
Newmark is expanding its training initiatives, with the Learning & Development department fostering a culture of growth and excellence to ensure teams across the portfolio are equipped to thrive.

A key part of this momentum, highlighted during the evening, is the group-wide rollout of SafetyCulture—a next-generation platform designed to enhance communication, accountability, and training across operations.
Spearheaded by Group Learning & Development Manager Hazel Manzini and supported by the broader HR team, SafetyCulture enables Newmark to move beyond a traditional ‘tick-box’ approach into a more meaningful space of real-time operational empowerment. With tools for issue reporting, asset tracking, analytics, and mobile training, the platform equips frontline teams to perform at their best—every day.

“This has been a game-changer. It’s raised the standard of communication and accountability and created a structure that supports true development and holds us all to a higher standard.” – Neil Markovitz.

SafetyCulture marks the first of many forward-thinking initiatives as Newmark continues to invest in its people, its culture, and its future.

A Message for the Future
As the evening drew to a close, Garth left the room with a final thought—drawing inspiration from The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. He likened career growth to five essential “buckets”: knowledge, skills, network, resources, and reputation—each needing to be filled in turn. His message was simple but powerful:

“Prioritise growth, learning and experience. Build your career on strong foundations, and the rest will follow.”

A Night for Those Who Leave A Mark
Bringing the evening full circle, Kate returned to the heart of the gala evening:

“This evening isn’t just about recognition—it’s about celebrating our shared commitment to growth and the human spirit that drives everything we do. We see each other, we trust each other, and we’re building something extraordinary. And yes—we’re having a lot of fun doing it.”

“Leave a Mark” is more than a creed. It’s a mindset. Be the best you can be. Know what you stand for. Celebrate what makes you different.

This was a night for those who do just that.