0

Mondisa Goduka, Administrative and Personal Assistant

Mondisa’s love for design and decor led her to obtain a qualification in Architectural Draughting. She was introduced to The Aleit Group whilst planning her own wedding and immediately realised a career in the Events Industry was for her! Mondisa’s creative flair and love for all things beautiful will ensure her a long and happy career at The Aleit Group.

Her incredible attention to detail and hands on personality will allow her to contribute to the team’s success – after all the Aleit Group brings her closer to what she is most passionate about. Mondisa is a strong believer in doing what she loves.

	0

Anne Mann, Project Manager

It started with an intuition and without a formal business plan...but it worked and Anne has never looked back. After 5 years of running an exceptionally busy banqueting department in Cape Town, Anne saw the need to assist distressed brides with their big day. Many were flying in from abroad with little or no help on the ground; “They simply needed a fairy godmother!” she says. And so in 1999 the foundation was laid for Anne Mann Weddings and things simply progressed from there. “Many of my decisions are passion driven and intuitive. If it feels right I sit up and listen! I love people, I love understanding people and interpreting their thoughts and dreams. I could not imagine life without this form of interaction.”

By 2004 the industry had changed dramatically – the word “wedding planner” was no longer a foreign concept - and a number of competing business had emerged. The bar had been lifted, growth was necessary and so Anne Mann Weddings rebranded and expanded! A few years down the line, two small children later, the sale of her business and a shift in vision, Anne is embarking on the events industry with a fresh approach and renewed vigour. “I believe one has to reinvent yourself every so often. It’s imperative in a creative capacity. I would almost go so far as to say that it’s a duty one owes your clients. In fact a good friend once told me that the Argentineans go a step further. They have a saying along the lines of, ‘don’t reinvent, evolve’ – I think that’s amazing!  And if you can execute and perfect a wedding, you can execute and perfect any event” So the need to fuel her creativity and passion brought Anne to the doors of Aleit Event Projects and the rest, as they say, is history!

We are thrilled to have been part of this internationally renowned conference, held in Basel Switzerland. The Africa Energy Forum which was launched in 1999 is Africa's premier annual power and gas investment and business forum where governments and state utilities address the international energy community on opportunities available in Africa's power and gas sectors. ABSA Capital was a sponsor for this year’s forum and hosted an elegant dinner for their clients in attendance.

The ABSA Capital Client Dinner was held at the 5 star Les Trois Rois Hotel in Basel. This hotel has hosted numerous high-profile guests since it opened its doors in 1681. These include General Napoleon Bonaparte, Pablo Picasso, Charles Dickens and the Dalai Lama. The stunning setting for this high-profile dinner was the ‘Salle Belle Epoque’; this historic ballroom is both enchanting and opulent.

The beautiful floral arrangements were created by florist, Thomas Sauer, who provided the decor for Tina Turner’s 70th birthday celebration. What a pleasure to work with him! The way in which his ideas were completely in sync with Aleit’s vision was uncanny! His work was truly magnificent and fit perfectly with the look and feel of the event. Guests were entertained throughout the evening by a classical string quartet and pianist.

The event kicked off with cocktails and French Champagne which allowed guests to network and relax after a long day of conferencing. Amongst other delightful flavours, the menu included Cold Melon Soup with Vodka and Parma Ham and Lamb Filet with Hummus, Lemon Thyme and Paprika Oil. Each dish was paired perfectly with wines from the exquisite Les Trois Rois wine list. The six course dinner was prepared by the Les Trois Rois chef Marc-André Dietrich. The meal was perfectly rounded with a delicious Cherry Trifle incorporating cherries from the “Baselbiet” region and white chocolate sorbet as dessert. Needless to say the cuisine served was outstanding as one would expect from this hotel with its two Michelin star-rating.

The service received by the staff of the Les Trois Rois Hotel was truly remarkable and made the coordination of this event an absolute pleasure. It was indeed refreshing to deal with individuals whose work is of such a high standard – we, in fact, learnt quite a bit from them!

All work and no play? Well no, not exactly! The boys of The Aleit Event Projects Team came to a firm decision to spend some time on the slopes of Zermatt. And the resulting advice they have to offer is;
“Be wise enough to book a ski class before you attempt to ‘slide on ice’ at the speed of light.”

Aleit ended his trip in the UK where he enjoyed a glass of wine (or three) with a few previous Aleit clients, delivered several consultations and successfully met with a number of leading magazines who confirmed the publication of no less than fifty of our events in their glossy pages.

The Aleit Event Projects team had the opportunity to once again coordinate ABSA Capital’s client soiree. Each year the Mining Indaba is attended by more than 4,000 individuals representing over 800 international companies. As they say – “location, location, location” – and I believe we got this spot on! The event was hosted at the trendy Azura Restaurant which is located on the 7th floor of Mandela Rhodes Place in Cape Town, granting all in attendance sweeping views of the city from the pool deck. Smoothly executed and perfectly coordinated, the evening was absolutely flawless - to the sheer delight of ABSA Capital, a platinum sponsor for the Mining Indaba.

The Aleit Team share some of their trend-setting ideas for this event

Interactive ‘braai’ stations saw the chef’s cooking up a mouth watering feast. Guests were able to indulge in a variety of bowl-food dishes, providing an assortment of colours, flavours, textures and oh such delicious fragrances!

Whoever said disco balls absolutely MUST hang from the ceiling surely were not part of the Aleit Event Projects team! Disco balls set afloat on the beautiful swimming pool at Azzura left guests gaping in wonder (not to mention our team – thank goodness they didn’t sink!)

Awe inspiring lighting – and here we do not use the term “awe inspiring” lightly! Making use of gobos we projected ABSA Capital’s logo onto adjacent buildings in the Cape Town CBD. We were quite proud when Hans received a call on his mobile from a friend dining at the V&A Waterfront who just wanted to let him know about an awesome lighting idea he had just seen - he thought it would be a great idea to pass on to us for use in future events...! Ha!

This black tie affair, hosted in honour of Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing’s 85th birthday, was held on her beautiful wine estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands. With only high profile guests in attendance we are proud to say that this event was executed to perfection!

What we loved

Tasting the Mouton Rothschild wine given to Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing by her father dating back to her birth year - 1925. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

A three minute laser show projected onto the beautiful Glenelly vineyards - much to the delight of all in attendance.

Being enchanted by the melodies of the Amy Bheil Foundation children’s string ensemble before dinner.

Presented in partnership with The Aleit Group and the Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA), The Aleit Academy offers a combination qualification that covers all aspects of the industry, including Event Management & Planning, Hospitality Management and Professional Culinary training. The intensive three year course has an equal focus on both academic and practical training, ensuring that students obtain the necessary skills and experience for the events industry.

Ask any of the Aleit Academy students how they feel about the institution, their experiences and the various events they have participated in and the common answer seems to be; “WHAT an incredible experience!” One of the second year students goes on to say; “We are blessed to have the support and guidance from the entire company in everything we do. It’s like being part of a large family. “

We then asked the students what they believed their greatest independent achievement has been to date - and received an enthusiastic; “Oh, without a doubt our greatest feat would have to be the Gallery Event we planned and executed. It was a surprise party for over 50 people which comprised of all the staff of the Aleit Group along with their partners. It was left up to us and I have to say we are very proud of the result! It was such a remarkable learning experience for all of us. One gains so much by actually getting out there and putting the theory into practice! But the best of all, is that if you ask anyone about the evening, they all comment on an occasion filled loads of laughter, great music, good food, fantastic wine and incredible company. On the whole it was an amazing evening for everyone involved – both in the planning process as well as for those attending the event. As the second years and so called seniors, are very proud of all that we have achieved and unbelievably excited for what is in store for us here at the Aleit Academy!”