| Darren Meltz | |
| I believe that social responsibility and profitability are compatible | Consistently |
| I expect that all employees will be honest and ethical and I set the example | Consistently |
| I can be trusted with a confidence and admit my mistakes | Consistently |
| I share information to ensure that others can benefit and we can collaborate well | Consistently |
| I respect others and ensure that it is safe for them to be involved and to express their ideas and opinions | Consistently |
| I am involved in external projects which promote social prosperity and impact | Consistently |
| I give my time generously to support the efforts of my team | Consistently |
| I show my colleagues that I care about them by listening and helping them to solve problems | Consistently |
| I let people know what decisions they can make and show support by checking in on progress | Consistently |
| I interact with colleagues across the business to ensure that we deliver on customer expectations | Consistently |
Please provide examples of how you have shown responsible engagement in your career | |
| Responsible engagement has been fundamental to how I have built and led SecretEATS, ensuring that growth benefits all stakeholders within the hospitality ecosystem. I have prioritised building ethical, transparent and mutually beneficial relationships with chefs, suppliers and partners. SecretEATS operates on a collaborative model that allows chefs to retain creative ownership while providing them with access to new audiences, fair compensation and commercial exposure. This has enabled chefs to test concepts, build confidence and grow sustainable careers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I acted quickly to support vulnerable industry professionals by launching digital dining experiences and charity-driven initiatives. These efforts generated income for chefs, supported hospitality workers and raised funds for charitable organisations, reinforcing my commitment to social responsibility beyond commercial outcomes. It is also SecretEATS' firm commitment to give back at every event we host. We raise funds for a host of local charities - StreetSmart South Africa, Johannesburg Queer Chorus and CHOC to name a few. I have also developed trusted partnerships with global organisations, ensuring that collaborations are structured to create shared value while elevating local culinary talent. These partnerships have expanded opportunities for chefs while strengthening SecretEATS’ long-term sustainability. Responsible engagement also extends to the guest experience. I have built a brand founded on trust, discretion and consistency, resulting in high guest retention and long-term loyalty. Through mentorship, collaboration and ethical leadership, I have created a culture of mutual respect, accountability and shared success, ensuring that SecretEATS contributes positively to individuals, the hospitality industry and the broader creative economy. |
