Kgomotso Surprise Nkabinde

Meet Kgomotso Surprise Nkabinde

Front Of House

Kgomotso Surprise Nkabinde

Kgomotso Surprise Nkabinde

Front Of House

Kgomotso Surprise Nkabinde was born in Luka, a village near Rustenburg in South Africa’s North West province. At the age of five, she moved west to Ledig, where she began her schooling and later pursued studies in business management and office administration in Pretoria, earning certificates in both.

Her journey into hospitality began on 21 November 2007, not by design but by chance. What started as a scullery position in Chef Chantel Dartnall’s kitchen at Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient soon became the beginning of a remarkable career. From washing dishes and helping clean the hotel, Surprise gradually worked her way into the kitchen, assisting with preparations and eventually becoming a commis chef.

Though she gained valuable experience behind the scenes, it was on the dining room floor where she truly came into her own. With a natural elegance and a deep love for people, Surprise found her calling in front-of-house service. Over time, she rose to become Restaurant Mosaic’s Maître D’—a role in which she brought grace, warmth, and precision to every guest experience.

While service is her passion, she remains closely tied to the kitchen. Surprise plays an important role in developing non-alcoholic pairings, exploring flavour combinations, and baking the delicate biscuits served with tea and coffee. Her understanding of both the dining room and the kitchen gives her a rare perspective on the full arc of hospitality.

With 17 years of experience under Chef Chantel’s mentorship, Surprise has cultivated a deep respect for detail, a refined palate, and a calm command of the floor. Her presence is steady, her smile ever genuine, and her devotion to excellence unmistakable.