PRESS RELEASE - Addo African Home and Nukakamma Hospitality School Appoint New General Manager, Robert Thompson

A Unique Educational Model for Inclusive Excellence

Founded in 2023, Nukakamma Hospitality School is a one-of-a-kind non-profit training institution dedicated to uplifting young South Africans from underprivileged communities and townships. The school aims to train 100 to 150 students annually in the core disciplines of hospitality, including cooking, pastry, butchery, bartending, housekeeping, and service,  to meet international standards of excellence.

What makes Nukakamma unique is its immersive model: students are trained within a fully operational lodge and restaurant, Addo African Home, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with real guests from their very first day. This direct exposure to professional environments ensures accelerated learning and greater employability.

The school also benefits from the involvement of renowned South African and French chefs, as well as partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Ferrandi Paris and the Campus de Groisy in France. This international collaboration reinforces Nukakamma’s mission to raise the standard of hospitality training on the continent.

Currently, over 120 young South Africans are being trained as part of the talent pipeline for the upcoming Club Med Durban opening in 2026 — a major milestone in the school's journey.

A Strategic Appointment to Drive Scale

“It was essential for us to bring in someone capable of overseeing our entire ecosystem with a comprehensive, strategic view,” explains Laurence Diaz Armand, Founder and Director of the both entities. “Our long-term ambition is to replicate this model in other parts of Africa, and our Addo operation must serve as a flagship project for what we envision.”

Robert Thompson's career spans diverse hospitality operations: from high-volume casinos to the number one business school in Africa. His proven track record and deep-rooted experience will strengthen both the business operations of Addo African Home and the academic and training quality of Nukakamma Hospitality School.

He joins the team with the vision to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals and help scale a model that merges economic sustainability with social impact.

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About Addo African Home

Located just minutes from Addo Elephant National Park, Addo African Home is an eco-conscious lodge offering authentic, nature-aligned experiences in the Eastern Cape. With a restaurant-bar open to the public, organic gardens, and a warm local spirit, the lodge prioritizes sustainability, short supply chains, and personalized guest service.

About Nukakamma Hospitality School

Housed within Addo African Home, Nukakamma Hospitality School is a registered Non-Profit Company (NPC) and B-BBEE Level 1 organization. Its mission is to train young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in hospitality trades through a 6-month intensive program followed by 8 months of real-world internship. The school combines high standards of training with a strong social mission to foster long-term professional integration in the tourism sector.

ENDS

Issued by Addo African Home
South Africa: Gilles Blanc – Business Development Director
Email: gblanc@esus-group.com

France: Valentin Aglietta – Directeur General
Email:  valentin.aglietta@act4-studio.com