Step out of the spotlight and into the soul of the city, one counter at a time. Behind The Counter is a Time Out Johannesburg series celebrating the real people who power the city, from artists and baristas to tailors and traders. These are the everyday legends giving Joburg its soul, one story at a time.
At the iconic Sandton Sun & Towers, luxury doesn’t only live in the marble and glass, it lives in people like Mduduzi “Duzi” Maphanga, whose service is less of a job and more of an art form. Born in Numbi, a village outside Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Duzi’s story is one of quiet defiance, hard work, and unrelenting passion for hospitality.
“I grew up watching my father’s artistry in the kitchen,” he says. “He worked with Southern Sun for nearly 30 years. I used to watch him cook with wine, the aromas filling our home, and that’s where it all began.”
Though his parents imagined a future in engineering for him, Duzi’s heart was already set on service. From humble beginnings as a runner at Spur in Nelspruit to completing his postgraduate studies in Hospitality Management at the University of Johannesburg, he’s carved a path that’s as refined as the wines he now serves.
Today, Duzi works as a Butler and Service Maestro at the five-star Sandton Sun, where he believes luxury lies in the details. “I tailor my service to each guest, anticipating their needs, reading the room, and ensuring they leave with a smile. That’s when I know I’ve done my job.”
A memorable moment over a bottle of wine
One of his favourite memories involves a bottle of Hamilton Russell Chardonnay. “It had been gathering dust in the cellar until I recommended it to a guest who loved it,” he recalls. “Later, when Hamilton Russell hosted a tasting at San Deck, I volunteered to serve and met the winemaker himself. That connection, through wine and service, is what I live for.”
The makings of a sommelier
It’s no surprise that Duzi’s next dream is to become a certified sommelier. “Wine tells stories, of geography, culture, and time,” he says. “Working with wine connects me to people and places in a deeper way.”
He recently completed training with the South African Butler Academy, earning the title of 7-Star Service Maestro, and plans to pursue WSET accreditation next. “Ultimately, I’d love to work alongside a winemaker, learning the heart of viticulture. Every tasting, every vineyard visit, every conversation adds a new layer to that journey.”
What guests don’t see
Behind the scenes, Duzi says, excellence comes down to empathy and attention to detail. “It’s the chipped wine glass you replace before a guest even notices. The tired traveller you check in with an extra smile. The small things that prevent big problems.”
That same care runs through every part of the hotel. “From the doorman to the butler, every team member plays a role in creating something beautiful. We communicate, we respect each other, and we work towards one goal, making memories that last.”
Words to live by
When asked what keeps him going, Duzi’s philosophy is simple: just show up.
“Even when you’re tired or unseen, show up. The genius hangs around the lab long enough to catch the magic. That’s what hospitality is about. Every shift is a chance to do better, for your guests, your teammates, and yourself.”
Off-duty indulgences
When he’s not curating experiences at Sandton Sun, Duzi unwinds with a glass of wine and a book. “Mindfulness in the morning, jazz and Merlot in the afternoon,” he laughs.
His favourite Jozi wine spots? Mr. Pants Wine Bar, Father Coffee’s Winebar, and Saint Germain top the list for their simplicity and charm. For dinner, he swears by Proud Mary, Quoin Rock, and Fire Room, while his partner’s pick is Aduna Bistro.
For sundowners, he’s drawn to the skyline at Alto234, or the theatre of open-fire cooking at Marble. “Johannesburg has incredible places to eat and drink — but it’s the people, the service, and the stories that make it truly special.”
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