Southern Sun Limited, re-established under its iconic name since 2022, is Southern Africa’s premier hotel group operating over 90 properties across South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Seychelles, and the UAE. With a rich heritage dating back to 1969 under visionary Sol Kerzner, Southern Sun remains at the forefront of hospitality excellence, innovation, and B-BBEE transformation.
The company regularly invests in future talent through its graduate internship opportunities. These internships help university graduates transition seamlessly into hospitality careers, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and a clear pathway to long-term roles within the group.
This guide provides a detailed blueprint for aspiring interns: from understanding internship programs and eligibility to application strategies, on-property experiences, and transitioning to a full-time career at Southern Sun.
Understanding the Internship Program
Southern Sun offers internships through several pathways:
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Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Structured placements for hospitality students from accredited institutions.
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Graduate Internship: Multi-departmental internships for recent graduates in fields like Operations, Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Front Office, and HR.
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Department-Specific Programmes: Occasionally available in areas such as Human Resources or Culinary Arts.
These programs:
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Are structured with mentorship and defined learning outcomes.
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Offer placement in diverse propertiesfr om luxury (Sandton Sun & Towers) to mid-tier (Garden Court) and economy brands (StayEasy, SUN1).
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Provide a clear pipeline: strong intern performance can lead to supervisory or management roles.
Why Intern at Southern Sun?
Industry-Leading Culture
With a 4.0+ employee rating on Indeed, Southern Sun is celebrated for its fast-paced growth, cross-departmental training, and commitment to staff development. The group received Booking.com Traveller Review Awards in 2025, reinforcing its reputation for guest and employee satisfaction.
Rich Training and Mentorship
Southern Sun is accredited with CATHSSETA and partners with educational bodies, ensuring interns receive both academic recognition and practical skill development.
Diverse Property Experience
Interns gain exposure across:
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Luxury hotels (e.g., Beverly Hills, Arabella Golf & Spa)
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Business hotels (Sandton Sun & Towers)
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Resorts (Beacon Island, Paradise Sun)
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Mid-market and economy brands (Garden Court, StayEasy, SUN1)
This diversity equips interns with adaptable skills and global exposure.
Transformation and Career Opportunity
As a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, Southern Sun actively hires graduates from diverse backgrounds. Interns develop leadership, operational, and guest-service capabilities, often earning full-time offers upon completion.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
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For WIL placements, current study in hospitality, tourism, or related programs is required.
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Graduate internships typically require a completed diploma or degree (NQF Level 6+) in fields like Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, HR, or Business.
Skills & Traits
Candidates should be:
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Passionate, team-oriented, and flexible to work irregular hours
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Strong communicators with guest-service focus
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Adaptable, resilient, and eager to learn
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Proficient in English; additional languages are beneficial
Location Flexibility
Disposal for onsite roles in major hubs especially Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban is often necessary.
Legal
Legal South African residency or valid work permit is required.
The Application Process
Step 1: Research Available Roles
Visit the Southern Sun Careers page; review current internship listings and note application dates or contact details for your preferred institution.
Step 2: Prepare a Targeted CV
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Highlight your qualification, year of study or graduation
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Include relevant work-integrated learning or volunteer experience
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Showcase teamwork, customer service, language, or technical skills
Step 3: Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Frame your submission as a narrative: academic journey, hospitality passion, why Southern Sun, and how you’ll contribute to their service standards.
Step 4: Submit Online
Use the official careers portal or campus recruitment system. Apply early and follow instructions Southern Sun prefers completion of profile first, then current vacancies.
Step 5: Interview Preparation
Expect a behavioral or situational style interview. Research the company values, brand portfolio, and recent awards.
Step 6: Feedback and Follow-up
Post-application, patience is key. If no update within two weeks, sending a polite, professional follow-up facilitates visibility.
What to Expect During the Internship
Structured Onboarding
Initial orientation includes:
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Property tours
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Introduction to departmental systems (e.g. Opera PMS, HRIS)
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Team introductions
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Company culture briefing
Departmental Rotations
Graduates rotate through various functions Front Office, F&B, Back Office to build a well-rounded skill set.
Mentorship & Training
Supervisors guide interns through:
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Service standards
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Guest interaction
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Operational procedures
Soft-skills training communication, leadership, problem-solving is standard.
Real-World Responsibilities
Interns take on duties such as:
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Front Desk: check-ins, reservations, guest queries
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Housekeeping: room audits and cleanliness inspections
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F&B: serving, stock inventory, customer preparation
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Back Office: payroll, reporting, HR administration
All tasks are supervised but require independence and professionalism.
Performance Evaluation
Mid-internship reviews focus on:
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Guest feedback
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Operational proficiency
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Punctuality and adherence to standards
A strong evaluation can lead to an offer for a supervisory trainee role.
Benefits During the Internship
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Stipend or allowance depends on location and role
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Uniform and meals are generally included for residential properties
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Networking and exposure through professional development sessions
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Certification in recognized hospitality systems and service modules
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Transport or accommodation support, depending on the property
Tips to Succeed
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Embrace flexibility: working shifts, weekends, and public holidays
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Observe and absorb: emulate experienced staff and ask questions
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Build rapport: network with colleagues and maintain positive guest engagement
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Seek feedback actively—your supervisors can guide your strengths and growth areas
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Stay professional: be punctual, organized, proactive, and respectful
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Show leadership: identify service opportunities and take initiative
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Engage in training: enroll in additional internal learning workshops to enhance your profile
Pathways Beyond Internship
Southern Sun frequently employs interns into roles such as:
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Guest Relations Officer
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Front Office Supervisor
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F&B Supervisor
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Assistant Housekeeping Manager
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HR Coordinator
From these, upward movement to managerial positions is achievable through performance, internal learning, and cross-property rotations.
Supporting Career with Training & B-BBEE
Graduate interns benefit from:
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Upskilling via CATHSSETA
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Internal and external professional courses
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Performance-linked career progression
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Focus on development for B-BBEE employment equity
Frequently Asked Questions
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When are internships available? Rolling basis especially at semester start.
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Is prior work experience required? Helpful, but not mandatory.
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Are internships residential? Depends on the property; benefits included in select locations.
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Will interns be paid? Yes typically a modest stipend.
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What is the selection timeline? Applications in < 2 weeks; in-person interviews follow.
Conclusion
Southern Sun Hotels South Africa offers an exceptional platform for graduate interns to launch successful hospitality careers. Through immersive training, exposure to global standards, and a values-driven culture, interns build a solid foundation. Performance during the internship can lead to permanent employment or even advancement into leadership roles.
Aspiring candidates should prepare a strong online application, bring a learning mindset, and actively engage throughout their placement. Southern Sun’s legacy stands as proof that dedication and excellence are rewarded in this hospitality powerhouse.