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South Africa: Autograph Collection Hotels debut with rebranding of five African Pride hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s distinctive collection of passionately independent hotels, today welcomed five African Pride Hotels to its growing global portfolio, marking the debut of the brand in South Africa.
These hotels include, African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa, African Pride Irene Country Lodge, Arabella Hotel & Spa, Arabella Country Estate, and join the brand’s diverse portfolio of more than 135 one-of-a-kind hotels that champion values of vision, design and craft.
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
Ideally situated in the heart of Johannesburg, the 118 room, residential hotel is a unique blend of chic design and outstanding service. Located in a bustling neighborhood, brimming with cafés, al fresco dining, high street fashion and more, the hotel sets the tone for a distinctly contemporary urban experience within a pulsating city. Dine at the March Restaurant that offers global cuisine, or linger by the fire at the Library Bar over a drink or simply lounge by the crystal waters of the outdoor pool and be inspired by the oversized buckets and mirrors and the surprise design pop ups throughout the hotel that heighten the unique character and style of this hotel.
African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel
Set in the trendy Gardens area of Cape Town, the hotel is just a short distance from the city center and offers convenient access to the city’s world-famous landmarks. With 129 contemporary rooms, the hotel reflects a quirky style and stand-out decor. Soak up the Cape Town sun at the rooftop pool; indulge in a globally inspired menu at Savour; sip a cocktail in the elevated chandelier pod while enjoying panoramic views of the majestic Table Mountain; or pamper yourself with a relaxing spa.
African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa
Nestled amongst the ruggedly beautiful Magaliesburg Mountains, merely an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the 121 room intimate hotel offers a serene country escape. Ignite the imagination and rediscover yourself in the serene gardens of the famed hydrotherapy spa. Relax in the Jacuzzi while listening to the soothing sound of the waterfall or escape in the sound flotation pool and let time fade away. Relish wholesome fresh food that showcases seasonal fruits and vegetables perfectly complementing the relaxing spa treatments at the Spa Café, indulge in delicious country garden style food with a chic flair at the award-winning Rambling Vine restaurant that features quarterly seasonal menus and an award winning wine list or try a ‘fun’ meal at Twist where unlike other restaurants, the kitchen is brought into the restaurant with an unusual buffet style offering. The charming country setting makes this experience truly special.
African Pride Irene Country Lodge
In the quaint and historical village of Irene, in the heart of Gauteng, South Africa’s economic capital, lies African Pride Irene Country Lodge, a haven of peace and tranquility. The scenic long and winding oak- lined lane leading up to the lodge’s entrance leaves you feeling like you’ve left the city without actually having done so. With beautiful lakeside views, the lodge boasts of 75 spacious rooms a range of dining options and an award winning Spa. Irene is known for its roots in art and culture and the local markets are a testament to the creativity that abounds here. Irene Farm across the road from African Pride Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection provides an authentic country experience, where dairy cows are milked daily and the local shop stocks an abundance of farm fresh delicacies.
Arabella Hotel & Spa, Arabella Country Estate
Situated in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere, close to Hermanus’ the world-famous whale watching destination, the 145 room Arabella Hotel & Spa overlooks a spectacularly attractive natural lagoon, surrounded by a lush landscape. The hotel boasts a 18-hole golf course designed by Peter Matkovich, ranked amongst the best in the country, exquisite on-site dining options, an award winning spa, a fully equipped fitness center, multiple swimming pools and more. Just an hour away from Cape Town, the Estate places you near a wide selection of outdoor adventure activities that provide enough and ore for an adrenaline rush.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for us, and we are thrilled to have the African Pride Hotels join Autograph Collection Hotels’ dynamic hotels in some the most desirable countries of the world,” said Alex Kyriakidis President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “South Africa is a strategic growth market for us and key to our success in the region. A land of astounding diversity, it never fails to create an imprint on the minds and hearts of travellers from across the globe. This rebranding is in lockstep with the growing demand from consumers and their desire for unique and differentiated experiences wherever they travel.”
From contemporary urban to boutique country houses, each of these hotels offers travellers an enviable range of artistic, culinary and cultural adventures with a unique character and a defining sense of place.
“African Pride Hotels bring to life the vision of the brand and celebrate the distinctive character and individuality of each hotel by curating an authentic and enriching travel experience… Exactly Like Nothing Else,” said Neal Jones Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “We are delighted to see these hotels join the brand’s global portfolio of iconic hotels in destinations like Dubai, Rome, Kuala Lumpur and London amongst others.”
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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