1 June 2026
There are exciting developments within the Conferencing and Accommodation Group with some new appointments over the past year, marking a return to the CSIR ICC for former employees and trainees, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to developing talent and fostering long-term career growth within the hospitality and events industry.
ICC Reservations Office appointments
Tshepo Mabitsi and Thando Gumede were appointed as International Convention Centre (ICC) Event Coordinators, bringing with them a combined 13 years of industry experience. Thando returns to the organisation as a former CSIR ICC in-service trainee, which highlights the value of the Group’s capacity development initiatives.
ICC Sales department appointments
Sello Ditsoabare, appointed in 2025 as ICC Key Accounts Manager for Associations and NGOs, and Lebogang Pilane, also appointed in 2025 as Key Accounts Manager for the Public Sector, both bring extensive experience in client relationship management and stakeholder engagement to the ICC.
C&A Marketing department appointment
Pabalelo Serepo joined the C&A Group as Marketing Coordinator in 2025 as well. Also, a former CSIR ICC in-service trainee, Pabalelo, returns to the organisation with more than eight years of experience gained at leading communications agencies, bringing with her the expertise she gained in strategic communications, multiple brand management, and media engagement with these agencies.
C&A Culinary department appointments
The Culinary Department welcomed Obakeng Dire as C&A Executive Head Chef. With over 18 years of experience in the culinary industry, including more than six years in executive leadership roles, Obakeng leads a growing team that includes Commis Chefs Neo Seroka, Penelope Ngobeni, Rewaldo Lottering, and Lungile Buthelezi, all appointed in 2025. Neo and Penelope are also former CSIR ICC in-service trainees who have returned to continue their careers with the organisation.
C&A Banqueting department appointment
Rofhiwa Mulidzwi was recently appointed C&A Banqueting Manager. With 15 years of industry experience and having previously served as a Banqueting Supervisor at the CSIR ICC for six years before leaving to gain experience in an internationally renowned university hospitality school and in the corporate environment, Rofhiwa brings a focus on delivering operational service excellence and seamless guest experiences.
C&A Procurement department appointments
Terrence Dlamini, Procurement Manager, and Luthando Mkhize, Food Safety and Hygiene Assistant, appointments in 2025 support efficient procurement processes and compliance, food safety compliance, and quality assurance standards within the C&A Group.
“The CSIR C&A Group’s success is built on the expertise, passion, and dedication of its people”, said Bronwen Cadle de Ponte, CSIR C&A Group Manager. “The CSIR ICC has always had a very strong and positive team culture, which we are pleased to expand into the businesses of Knowledge Commons, Newton’s and Entabeni, which were added to the Group portfolio over the past few years”, she added.
“The aim of the CSIR ICC is to be the most fit-for-purpose venue available, to support conference organisers, committees and association boards and members in achieving their strategic objectives when making use of the CSIR ICC for their events. An experienced cohesive team with an excellent team culture plays a meaningful central role in maintaining that offering,” Ms Cadle de Ponte concluded.
As the C&A Group continues to develop the value it offers the CSIR, and its external clients, these valuable new appointments position the team to further strengthen its service offering, enhance operational excellence, and maintain the ICC’s reputation as one of South Africa’s leading business events venues.
