Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Thembekile Tshuma

Thembekile Tshuma

Johannesburg

Summary

I am a hospitality professional with extensive experience in fine dining, guest service, and staff training. Over the years, I have developed strong skills in customer care, team collaboration, wine knowledge, and restaurant operations. My background includes certifications in Hospitality Management, Customer Service, and Hotel Operations, where I gained expertise in communication, complaint handling, and working in fast-paced environments. After finishing my WSET Level 2 Award in Wines,which enhanced my wine and beverage knowledge to deliver exceptional dining and guest experiences. I am currently doing a cross training to become a sommelier within my department in front of house operations, which includes customs declaration, inventory management, customs declaration, crunch time, wine tastings. I am passionate about raising service standards, developing teams, and creating memorable guest experiences both in person and remotely. I am also a

wine professional with commitment to high standards and achieving results. Extensive background in wine selection, inventory management, and enhancing dining experiences. Known for team collaboration and flexibility in dynamic environments, with focus on customer satisfaction and wine expertise.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Waiter

TUI Cruises
05.2025 - Current
  • Supervising and supporting junior waitstaff.
  • Ensure excellent customer service and satisfaction.
  • Take and serve orders accurately and efficiently.
  • Handle guest complaints professionally.
  • Coordinate with kitchen and bar for smooth service.
  • Train new staff on service standards.
  • Monitor table setup and cleanliness.
  • Promote menu items and upsell when appropriate.

Waitress

TUI Cruises
12.2024 - 05.2025

Bar Waitress

Opera Bar and Cigar lounge
02.2024 - 11.2024
  • Ensured excellent customer service and guest satisfaction by attentively taking and serving orders.
  • Handled guest complaints professionally, resolving issues quickly to enhance customer experience.
  • Coordinated with kitchen and bar staff for seamless service delivery during busy shifts.

Restaurant Waitress

Gemelli Cucina Bar
11.2021 - 12.2023
  • Accurately took and served orders, coordinating closely with kitchen and bar staff to ensure smooth service flow.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction and handling complaints professionally.
  • Trained new waitstaff on restaurant protocols, customer interaction techniques, and upselling strategies.
  • Promoted wine selections and menu items to enhance guest dining experience and increase sales.

Bar Waitress

News Cafe Emperors Palace
03.2016 - 12.2019
  • As a club waitress, you are a key contributor to the vibrant atmosphere of the venue. The primary responsibilities include taking orders, serving beverages and food, and ensuring exceptional customer experiences. With a focus on providing prompt and friendly service, you navigate a dynamic environment, addressing customer inquiries and managing payments efficiently. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with the bar and kitchen staff to fulfill orders accurately. Your role requires adaptability, a keen sense of awareness for customer needs, and the ability to contribute to the overall energetic and enjoyable ambiance of the club.

Education

Bachelors Degree - Tourism and Hospitality Management

Blantyre International Unversity
Blantyre

Wset level 2 wine certification - Wine

Wine Spirit Education Trust
London
10.2025

Diploma - Hospitality Management

Allison Online Learning
12.2024

Diploma - Hospitality Management

Allison Online Learning
01.2024

Diploma - Customer Service

Allison Online Learning
01.2024

Certificate - Customer care and serving skills

Diageo Bar Academy
12.2023

Certificate - Customer care and serving skills

Diageo Bar Academy
12.2023

Skills

Achieved high customer satisfaction ratings through effective problem resolution Enhanced service delivery by implementing feedback mechanisms Increased customer engagement through proactive outreach initiatives

Certification

  • WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Oct 2025
  • Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry Jul 2025
  • Mastering Luxury Hospitality: Fundamentals to Leadership Jul 2025
  • Wine Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis Jun 2025

Languages

English
German

Timeline

Senior Waiter

TUI Cruises
05.2025 - Current

Waitress

TUI Cruises
12.2024 - 05.2025

Bar Waitress

Opera Bar and Cigar lounge
02.2024 - 11.2024

Restaurant Waitress

Gemelli Cucina Bar
11.2021 - 12.2023

Bar Waitress

News Cafe Emperors Palace
03.2016 - 12.2019

Diploma - Hospitality Management

Allison Online Learning

Diploma - Hospitality Management

Allison Online Learning

Certificate - Customer care and serving skills

Diageo Bar Academy

Certificate - Customer care and serving skills

Diageo Bar Academy

Bachelors Degree - Tourism and Hospitality Management

Blantyre International Unversity

Wset level 2 wine certification - Wine

Wine Spirit Education Trust

Diploma - Customer Service

Allison Online Learning
Thembekile Tshuma