The second preliminary round in the 2024 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition took place in Walvis Bay last Saturday, and saw Rhonda Baseko, Laura Egumbo, and Veueza Kasemba, qualify for the competition final slated for August.
The competition, which is in its 10th year, held its second preliminary round in the coastal town, and had a total of 25 participants take part, with hopes of qualifying to the final and stand a chance to win the grand prize of a fully kitted mobile kitchen worth N$130 000.
On the day, participants were asked tasked to prepare a salsa and kapana dish within 30 minutes and present it to professional judges from the Namibian Chefs Association. The chefs vetted the dishes based on hygiene, taste, presentation and overall authenticity.
Egumbo, who took part in the competition for six years without winning the grand prize said that she is ready to win this year.
“Last year I came in third place, but this year, I am bringing the trailer to the coast. They say practice makes perfect and I will do my best,” she said.
When asked about her experience taking part in the event, first time entrant, Baseko said: “It was a tough a competition, but I enjoyed myself. Although there was a limited time given to prepare the dishes, it was indeed a good experience.”
Head of Marketing and Communication at Nedbank Namibia, Gernot de Klerk said: “To everyone who pitched today, it has been great to host you for this edition of the competition. The atmosphere, and camaraderie we witnessed here today was exceptional. We’ll be back in Walvis Bay for the 11th edition of the competition, and we hope to see all of you for the next coastal preliminary round of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition.”
The next preliminary round will take place on 20 July in Windhoek, where three participants will be selected to take part in the final on 24 August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair. Entries into the Windhoek round are open and interested participants can download the entry form on nedbank.com.na or collect it at any Nedbank Namibia branch nationwide.
The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition is sponsored by Bakpro, Omulunga Radio, and AGRA.