The final preliminary round in the ninth edition of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition concluded last weekend at Soweto Market in Windhoek. The competition saw the crowning of the professional chef winner, as well as the selection of the four participants who will represent the central region at the final of the competition on 26 August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, in the northern town.
Chef Markus Ferreira from the Ocean Cellar Restaurant in Swakopmund walked away with N$ 10 000 in a Nedbank account, as he emerged victorious in the competition’s professional chef round which took place on Friday, 4 August. He was followed by Chef Azeem Kadwa, in second place who won a cash prize of N$ 7 000, and Chef David Kambonde in third with a cash prize of N$ 5 000.
At the prizegiving ceremony, Ferreira said: “I didn’t expect to win. I thought I would come third, but I am so honored. I will make it my mission to tell other professional chefs to take part in this competition because it’s awesome”.
The central preliminary round, which took place on Saturday, 5 August, saw 57 entrants take part in the competition with hopes of securing their spot in the final. Rauha Simon, Ester Silas, Eliakim Amunyela, and Hasheni Mandume, emerged victorious on the day and will join Loise Iimvula, Johannes Haulyondjamba, Cleopatra Shipanga, Laura Egumbo, Veueza Kasemba, and Rivaldo Pietersen, at the final of the competition slated on Saturday, 26 August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.
Finalist, Rauha Simon said: “I am very excited, and I can’t wait to show my skills in the final. I actually do charity work so if I win, I am going to continue with that, so I inspire the youngsters,” she said.
Speaking at the prizegiving ceremony, Nedbank Namibia Communication and Public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge said: “On behalf of Nedbank Namibia, I would like to say that the reason we have this competition is to celebrate Namibian food and bring focus to businesses who operate in the informal business sector. I would like to thank our co-sponsors because without your partnership, without them we could not take this competition to the heights it is today.”
The grand prize winner of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition walks away with a fully furnished mobile food trailer worth N$ 100 000, a cash prize of N$ 10 000, and a Bakpro Vetkoek Voucher worth N$ 5 000.
The Nedbank kapana Cook-Off is sponsored by Bakpro, Omulunga, AGRA, and the Namibian Chefs Association.