WE’RE HIRING! Join our family. Serve with heart.
WE ARE HIRING FOR UPSTAIRS GRILLHOUSE & THORN-TREE CAFÉ
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Hospitality
- Closing Date: 2026-09-05
Key Responsibilities
Requirements
- Friendly, energetic & customer-focused individuals
- Previous restaurant / hospitality experience preferred
- Able to work shifts, weekends & public holidays
- Team players with a positive attitude
How to Apply
Send your CV to hr@diggersinn.co.bw
Closing Date: 5th September 2026
Closing Date: 5th September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a waiter/waitress role in Botswana?
A minimum of Junior Certificate (JC) or equivalent is commonly expected, though many employers prioritise customer service aptitude over formal education. Basic food hygiene certification — such as the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) Food Handler’s Certificate — is increasingly preferred and sometimes mandatory under national food safety guidelines.
What does a typical day look like for a waiter/waitress at a mid-scale restaurant like Upstairs Grillhouse & Thorn-tree Café?
Duties include greeting guests, taking orders accurately, serving food and beverages promptly, processing payments, and maintaining clean tables and service areas during shifts. Shifts often run across lunch and dinner periods, with flexibility required for weekends and public holidays — common in Botswana’s hospitality sector.
How does workplace culture and expectations differ for waitstaff in Botswana compared to other countries?
Respectful communication, use of polite Setswana or English greetings (e.g., 'Dumela' or 'Good afternoon'), and attentiveness to elders or senior guests are culturally valued norms. Punctuality, modest dress, and discretion when handling guest interactions are consistently emphasised by employers across Gaborone and major towns.
What career progression opportunities exist for waitstaff in Botswana’s hospitality industry?
With experience and demonstrated reliability, staff may advance to roles such as Senior Waiter, Supervisor, or Front Office Assistant — especially in establishments affiliated with hotel groups or larger restaurant chains. Some pursue further training through Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)-accredited courses in Hospitality Management at institutions like BOITE or BOCODOL to support longer-term growth.
What employee benefits can I realistically expect in this role, such as leave, medical aid, or pension?
Formal sector employers typically provide statutory annual leave (21 days), sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per Botswana’s Employment Act. Medical aid and pension contributions are not universal but may be offered by larger or corporate-linked restaurants — always confirm during the interview, as coverage varies significantly by employer size and structure.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in waiter/waitress candidates?
Applications are usually submitted in person with a printed CV and certified copies of certificates, or via WhatsApp/email if specified — walk-ins are still common in Gaborone’s hospitality sector. Employers value clear communication, prior experience (even informal), evidence of reliability (e.g., references), and alignment with local service values like humility, patience, and cultural awareness.