Latest news with #RadissonRed
The National
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
John Swinney meets Glasgow Commonwealth Games mascot Finnie
Described as a 'proud Glaswegian unicorn', mascot Finnie made her debut posing for pictures on top of the Finnieston Crane – her namesake and a landmark on the city's skyline. Organisers made the announcement as they mark one year to go until the Games get under way. READ MORE: Commonwealth Games' history a 'significant issue', says John Swinney The First Minister met with Finnie atop the Radisson Red hotel, well-known for its rooftop bar with views of Glasgow's iconic riverside. Finnie was accompanied by the schoolchildren who helped design the mascot. (Image: PA Wire) The children are known as the Mascot Makers and have incorporated the traffic cone that sits on top of the Duke of Wellington statue in the city into Finnie's horn. Other nods to the city's culture include a silver flash in her shoes to represent shipbuilding and the Glasgow coat of arms on her earring. Later on Wednesday, she is expected to meet Scottish athletes including Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan. READ MORE: Commonwealth Games Glasgow: Expected sports and full list of countries It was confirmed earlier this month the much-loved 2014 mascot Clyde would not make a reappearance at next year's Games. Last year, Glasgow was announced as the host of a revamped version of the Games after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to rising costs. The 2026 Commonwealth Games is expected to feature more than 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, competing across 10 sports in four venues. Swinney has previously said the history of the Commonwealth Games and its connection to the British Empire is a "significant issue" the UK and Scotland needs to 'face up' to. However, Swinney argued the Commonwealth was a positive way of bringing countries together at a time of huge conflict across the world. 'As I look at the world today I think the more efforts we've got to bring countries together, the better, because the world is a pretty strife-torn place just now, so the more we can bring countries together in collaboration, points of agreement, and working together, albeit in a competitive spirit, the better. I think that's where the future lies," he said last year.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Radisson Red Johannesburg-Rosebank's head chef curates tongue wagging winter menu
Executive head chef of the Radisson Red Johannesburg-Rosebank Keegan Maistry is inspired by an environment that cherishes creativity as much as it does happy travellers, and the proof is no doubt in the pudding. The 38-year-old, who joined the team last year, has set patrons' tongues wagging with a menu especially curated for this winter season. 'I've incorporated global trends, some local trends, good comfort-food, as well as something that I call a 'chef's playground' which is where I get really creative.' The KwaZulu-Natal born foodie rubbed shoulders with Michelin-star chefs in New York and Florida, and believes it is important to keep up with international trends, especially because he works at a restaurant which hosts many foreign visitors. Also read: Hone your sewing skills with the Union for Jewish Women's sewing programme While warmth is the overriding theme amid Johannesburg's traditional big freeze, Maistry has taken the hotel's modern, funky feel to heart, offering guests an unmistakable taste of his imagination. The Rosebank landmark has become synonymous with showcasing works by famous artists, an element that further motivates Maistry to let his creative juices run free in the kitchen. One of his creations is Ramen on Fire, a top-seller comprising spicy noodles, chilli oil made in-house, chicken broth, a soft-boiled egg, and grilled chicken thigh. Also read: Telkom Foundation continues Mandela's legacy through its work Maistry is especially pleased that his Seafood Solo Act: a boil of crabs, mussels, calamari, prawns, potatoes, eggs, and corn served in a plastic bag, is hitting the mark with the hotel's winter clientele. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Zawya
27-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cape Town's young hospitality stars rise through Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
As Youth Month honours the sacrifices that shaped South Africa's democracy, it also shines a light on the young talent now redefining key industries. Hospitality, long a training ground for creativity, resilience, and opportunity, continues to open doors for the country's youth. At Cape Town's Radisson Red Waterfront, three young professionals are proving what's possible when passion meets opportunity. Alicia Blauw, Julius Petersen, and Sibulele Fon are making their mark in the industry through their journey with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. Connecting youth to hospitality careers Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling youth unemployment by linking young people with skills development, work opportunities, and career pathways. By partnering with businesses and training providers, Harambee is helping build sustainable careers in sectors like hospitality. Alicia Blauw: Finding purpose through confidence "This programme gave me the training and support I needed to prepare for the hospitality industry," says Blauw, now a food and drinks creative. She has found not only confidence, but also purpose. "Before this, youth were often overlooked, many sitting at home without work or a future. But this programme gives hope." Alicia Blauw, Food and Creative, Radisson Red Waterfront A memorable highlight for Blauw was mastering barista skills — a seemingly small achievement that opened the door to self-belief. Her message to fellow young people is clear: 'Never give up hope. There's something meant for you. God gave everyone a purpose. Dream it, then put it into action.' Julius Petersen: Building professionalism and pride Petersen, also a food and drinks creative, credits Harambee with instilling professionalism and teamwork. 'It showed me what's expected in this industry and how to handle it." He values the diversity of the hospitality environment, and one memorable moment: 'I got to meet a celebrity who really liked me." Julius Petersen, Food and Creative, Radisson Red Waterfront For Petersen, Youth Month is a reminder to honour those who paved the way. 'It reminds me not to quit on my dreams and never forget who I am and what I'm capable of.' Sibulele Fon: Growth behind the coffee bar For Fon, now a barista at Radisson Red, the programme created both opportunity and personal growth. 'It educated me about hospitality and helped me get where I am now.' Pulling his first coffee behind the bar was a defining moment. Sibulele Fon, Barista, Radisson Red Waterfront It also boosted his social confidence. 'My communication skills have improved. I'm more interactive than ever before.' His advice to peers? 'Reach for the stars. Don't limit yourself. You CAN achieve more than you ever expected.' Investing in youth means investing in SA's future All three credit Harambee and Radisson Red for providing an environment where young people can thrive. Their stories capture the spirit of Youth Month, honouring the past while actively building a brighter, more inclusive future. Blauw, Petersen, and Fon show that with the right support, young South Africans can lead with creativity, courage, and heart.
