The 11th Conference of Provincial Governors took place from November 27 to 29, 2024 in Kalemie, the capital of the Province of Tanganyika. Under the leadership of Head of State Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the provincial governors adopted strategies to strengthen governance and development in their respective entities.
Bush Camp and Groupe Number One had the honor of providing catering and hosting for this forum under their two large marquees.
The program included 3 coffee breaks for 200 people. 2 meals on Wednesday and Thursday for 150 people, a cocktail at the National Bank for 55 VIPs and a large buffet on Friday for 300 people.
For the GNO Bush Camp team, this was a challenge. That of ensuring impeccable comfort and catering to an assembly of very high personalities, for 3 days and this, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, 900 kilometers from Lubumbashi.
MARQUEES
The 2 marquees were transported from Lubumbashi. GNO hired local workers to set up the two marquees in just a few hours. Their dimensions are 35 meters long by 15 meters wide, or 525 m2 each. The maximum capacity is estimated at 500 people standing.
CATERING / MARKET
Most of the food products were purchased in Kalemie. Let’s start with the succulent fresh fish caught that day in the lake: the Ndagala fry, the delicious Kuwe and the Kasangala, giant captains of one meter fifty. The fruits and vegetables came from the large Kalemie market and from local vendors. The breads, pastries and other miscellaneous needs were provided by local actors.
For its part, GNO Bush Camp shipped from Lubumbashi the products of its farms and livestock such as beef, pork, sausages and platters of cold cuts and other specialties not found in Kalemie.
THE TEAM
GNO built the event by calling on a majority of local workers hired for the occasion. According to Christelle Demaeght, director of the Groupe Number One restaurant, it was impossible to carry out such a service only with GNO’s own agents. “We hired a lot of local workers to build a team of strong and courageous fighters. With work and determination, we can achieve all our goals!”
GNO had the chance to work on site in close collaboration with Mrs. Jeanne Kakera, a professional butcher who knows Kalemie like the back of her hand. Jeanne guided us and opened all the doors of the lakeside city. Not to mention her son Jeef who also saved us a lot of time.
The GNO team from Lubumbashi was composed of: Pascal, head chef; David, second; Fifi, head waiter; Albert, cold preparations; Sylvie, hot vegetables and Zadio, bartender; Mulunda, technical chef and Christian his assistant. They were supervised by: Mrs. Zena Demaeght, General Manager of Bush Camp; Mr. Frank Demaeght, Managing Director of Groupe Number One (GNO); Mrs. Christelle Demaeght, director of the restaurant Groupe Number One (GNO).
LOGISTICS & COLD CHAIN
Whether it was the transport of food from Lubumbashi or local purchases, respecting the cold chain was a priority. Frozen food was transported by refrigerated truck in mobile cold room cubes specially designed for air and land transport. The day before the closing, the blocks of meat were still frozen and hard as rocks.
OUR “FAVORITE” SUPPLIERS
“Chez RIO” is our go-to bakery in Kalemie. They bake the best bread in town: baguettes, toast, pistolets, round breads, hamburger buns, everything is fresh and quality. At RIO, there is also a bar overlooking the lake. Modern, cozy, billiards, the place is very nice. Tel. +243 828 680 987
Pastry Chez Saïdi. GNO bought excellent croissants, donuts, pancakes, samosas there, for coffee breaks and breakfast. At Saïdi, there is also the Café resto Tanganyika which is also very good. Mr. Saïdi is helpful and very kind, he even lent us his refrigerated truck for shopping in Kalemie. Tel. +243 821 911 033
Tanganyka Futur store. You can find absolutely everything at Tanganyka Futur: butter, Goma cheese, yogurt, milk, juice, towels, hygiene products. In addition, the staff is great and very helpful. Contact: Élysée Kitambo +243 821 041 414
