A passion for purpose, meet Sandile Mnyuka

Enriching lives through luxury travel

As Food and Beverage Manager at Birkenhead House in Hermanus, Sandile Mnyuka is proud to see luxury tourism creating meaningful change in a community close to his heart. His mother’s crèche in nearby Zwelihle shows how giving back shapes young lives, bringing a sense of purpose to his role.

Starting as a runner at Birkenhead House 13 years ago, Sandile Mnyuka’s drive and strong work ethic secured him the position of waiter after just one year. Letting nothing stand in his way since then, he has been Food and Beverage Manager since 2016.

Food is such an important part of the experience at this luxury property and Sandile and his team continue to wow guests with incredible service, the freshest seafood and an incredible selection of wines and beverages – always served up with a spectacular ocean view.

Left: Birkenhead House, Right: Fresh Seafood at Birkenhead House

In addition to honing his skills in hospitality over the years, his job at Birkenhead House has given him a strong sense of self and the opportunity to grow.
“Curiosity got me to where I am today,” he says. “I think it’s important to know yourself and to know where you want to go in life.”

He spent his childhood in the Western Cape town of Worcester and moved with his family to Hermanus 18 years ago. As a teenager, he faced uncertain times and lacked direction and opportunities in a changing South Africa.
“I could have done so many things out there, bad things – but my sense of purpose and values have taught me who I am, where I am going and how to get there,” he says.

Community Impact and Family Legacy

While his time with The Royal Portfolio has shaped his personal story, Sandile’s desire to give back to those less fortunate lies even closer to home. His mother, Sweetness Rwexana, has been an incredible role model – inspiring the need for a meaningful connection between his work life and entrenched family values.
Masibulele Educare Crèche opened its doors in 1993, with Sweetness helping to establish the school before becoming principal in 2000. Together with caregivers and teachers, the crèche cares for 100 children, many from under-resourced communities.

Sandile and his mother, Sweetness

Through The Royal Portfolio Foundation, Birkenhead House, and the generous support of guests, Sweetness and her team have completed numerous renovations and new construction at the school – including building a school hall.
“I’m super proud of my mum because she used to cook, teach and run almost every department in the school. But now she has organised it into a proper school!” Sandile says. “My mother has so much love and care for the children, and seeing them smiling and happy is what makes her happy.”

Left: Christmas spirit at Masibulele Crèche, Right: Sandile visiting the Crèche

He points out that, like many other townships in South Africa, Zwelihle faces a myriad of socio-economic problems, with unemployment being rife and people turning to waste recycling to survive. Alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy continue to be a challenge, so providing a safe and nurturing environment where kids can safely learn and grow is a game-changer.

Funds also sponsor the crèche’s feeding scheme, which delivers nutritious ingredients for daily meals for all the children. Sandile mentions that there is an impressive vegetable garden that helps supplement the meals, and Birkenhead House assists in sponsoring the services of a resident gardener.

He says, “Guests enjoy hearing about The Royal Portfolio Foundation’s work. They are always keen to lend a hand, and sometimes taking them to the school to see the children makes it so much better, knowing their donation goes to a place they can revisit and witness progress, knowing they have made a huge impact in changing lives.”

Masibulele Crèche

From High-Level Service to Shaping Change

Affecting the lives of others through his work at Birkenhead House and sharing The Royal Portfolio Foundation’s story with guests gives Sandile the opportunity to take action and spread awareness about those less fortunate. He says ensuring positive social impact should be the cornerstone of every business. “It’s important for companies to give back to the community because it’s a small drop in the ocean, but it touches many different families.”

When he has time off, Sandile finds joy in visiting Masibulele Educare Crèche. His mother’s achievements and the vitality of the children there remind him of why his work and life matter – and the possibilities that lie ahead.

“One can dream of many things in life. My greatest hope is to see South Africa as a land of opportunity and freedom for all its children. I dream of these little bundles of joy growing up to achieve incredible success, transforming their families’ lives for the better, and becoming the next generation of leaders who will help shape an even brighter future for our country,” says Sandile.