Rita’s Personal Brand of Sunshine

Meet Rita Nantongo

It’s early morning, and while Cape Town sleeps under the shadow of Table Mountain, the harbour at the V&A Waterfront begins to come to life. At The Silo Hotel, Rita is getting prepped for the breakfast service. It’s a time of day she loves, and she is ready and waiting, the world is quiet and the early light softly streams through the pillowed windows of The Granary Café moments before the busy morning begins.

Setting the Perfect Tone

For Rita, the role runs deeper than logistics and service; it’s about the gift of a new day and the role she can play.

A perfectionist in her work, Rita and her team make sure that everything is in place — from the table set-up with fresh fruit and juices, the very best pastries, and sweet and savoury delights, to knowing the menu and being able to advise guests on choices.

“The early morning breakfast shift is my happy place,” Rita explains. “I love starting my day with energy and positivity, making sure our guests feel welcome and at home.”

Having been in hospitality for a few years now, she says knowing her customers is a valuable asset. Generally, the guests who stay at The Silo are seasoned travellers, and Rita notes that they are used to a certain standard of excellence, shaped by previous luxury experiences in the best hotels around the world. Wherever guests come from is irrelevant, Rita approaches each encounter with a simple goal: making their time at The Silo Hotel memorable for all the right reasons. “They have come to Africa for an authentic experience and I want to make sure it’s a great one,” she says.

“It’s not about serving food. It’s about creating moments,” she says, happy to lean on her experience at The Silo Hotel, where she learnt the ropes with determination to know every aspect of the dining experience.

“Becoming a Breakfast Manager did not just happen. It took a lot of hard work, determination, and a belief that even the smallest effort can make a big difference.”

“I started out as a waiter, worked my way up to a team leader, and eventually I stepped into this role,” Rita recounts. Each position taught her something different — the technical and interaction skills of getting the service offering just right, the dynamics of team coordination, and the broader perspective needed for effective management when it’s all happening at the same time.

She says, “It’s been a journey of growth, and I’ve learnt that when you put in the effort, people notice.”

Beyond the Breakfast Room

While ensuring guests have an unforgettable dining experience, Rita also takes great pride in sharing her knowledge with others and helping her colleagues to develop their own careers. Her gentle nature, patience and attention to detail all help her to be a great teacher.

“I have a passion for mentoring. Sharing my knowledge and inspiring others to realise their full potential.”

Her care for others extends to taking part in The Silo’s outreach efforts through The Royal Portfolio Foundation, including regular visits to Leliebloem House, a youth care centre in Crawford.

Rita loves the excursions to Leliebloem. “We spend time with the kids, play soccer and just connect with them,” she explains. These visits reflect her understanding of how small gestures can have lasting impact. “I know how important it is for the kids to feel loved and supported. It’s amazing to be part of that.”

A love of life and children, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance, is deeply ingrained in who she is, and she says that her son is her greatest inspiration in building a future.”

Making it Count

When Rita talks about her work, it’s personal. “This is more than just a job for me. It’s something I truly hold close to my heart when I am at work. It feels like being part of something meaningful, contributing to moments of joy for our guests. Seeing the smiles and feeling their gratitude – that is what inspires me and gives my work purpose. Every single day.”

Rita’s approach is so much more than ensuring a guest receives the perfect Eggs Benedict or that the buffet breakfast is a work of art (because that counts too), but she believes that excellence in hospitality isn’t just about perfect execution; it’s about bringing genuine care and intention to every interaction, whether with guests, team members, or children in the greater Cape Town community.

“I truly love what I do and I put my heart into it,” Rita says. At The Silo Hotel, that heart makes all the difference.