Addo African Home and NukaKamma appoint new General Manager, Robert Thompson

Posted on 11 August 2025.

This strategic leadership appointment marks a new chapter of growth for the lodge, restaurant and hospitality school.

Addo, South Africa, 08 August 2025. Addo African Home and NukaKamma Hospitality School are proud to announce the appointment of Robert Thompson as General Manager. With over 30 years of experience in South Africa's hospitality industry, Robert brings deep operational knowledge and strategic leadership to support the growth plans of both the lodge and the hospitality school.

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 each year 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 train within a fully operational lodge and restaurant, Addo African Home, gaining hands-on experience with real guests from their first day. This direct exposure to professional environments speeds up learning and improves employability.

The school also benefits from the involvement of renowned South African and French chefs, as well as partnerships with 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.

Over 120 young South Africans are currently training as part of the talent pipeline for the 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 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 track record and experience will strengthen the business operations of Addo African Home and the academic and training quality of NukaKamma Hospitality School. He joins the team with a vision to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals and help scale a model that merges economic sustainability with social impact.

About Addo African Home

Located 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 prioritises sustainability, short supply chains and personalised guest service.

About NukaKamma Hospitality School

Housed within Addo African Home, NukaKamma Hospitality School is a registered Non-Profit Company and B-BBEE Level 1 organisation. Its mission is to train young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in hospitality trades through a 6-month intensive programme followed by 8 months of real-world internship.

Issued by Addo African Home. South Africa: Gilles Blanc, Business Development Director, gblanc@esus-group.com. France: Valentin Aglietta, Directeur General, valentin.aglietta@act4-studio.com.