From the first sizzle to the final flourish, the 10th-anniversary edition of the Kapana Cook-off has been a vibrant celebration of flavour and flair. This culinary extravaganza will culminate in a spectacular finale on 24 August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.’
On 24 August, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair will host the grand finale of the 2024 Kapana Cook-off competition, a thrilling event that marks a decade of celebrating Namibia’s finest kapana-grilling talents.
From fiery flavours to tantalising aromas, this year’s finale promises more than just a battle between Namibia’s finest. It will be a vibrant celebration marking a decade of culinary excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. What began as a modest local gathering to celebrate the opening of Nedbank Namibia’s new branch in Ongwediva in 2014 has evolved into a leading platform for Namibia’s top kapana-cooking talents. The competition now stands as a cornerstone of Nedbank Namibia’s commitment to supporting the informal market and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with the bank having invested an impressive N$5.9 million since its inception.
This exhilarating finale, where 12 grill masters from across the country will battle for the top prize – a state-of-the-art mobile kitchen worth N$130 000, a N$10 000 cash prize in a Nedbank bank account, an SME training programme from Agra ProVision worth N$6 000, and a N$5 000 Bakpro vetkoek voucher – caps off a 2-month journey that has seen the Kapana Cook-off ignite culinary passions nationwide.
The competition began on 15 June in Ongwediva, where standout grillers Hileni Hashipala, Johannes Haulondjamba, and Petrus Nambili dazzled with their kapana creations and secured their spots in the grand finale. On 6 July, Walvis Bay hosted a sizzling challenge where Rhonda Baseko, Laura Egumbo, and Veueza Kasemba impressed the judges with their salsa and kapana dishes. Windhoek’s event on 20 July saw 60 participants in action, with Hasheni Mandume, Maria Mumbala, and Sxelse Tsamases emerging as top contenders. The professional chef competition on 19 July was equally exciting, with Heinz Bank, Erika Karonda, and Hirodina Sangunji claiming top prizes. The final preliminary round, a first for Oranjemund, spiced things up on 3 August. The talented contestants showcased their culinary skills, with Rauha Simon, Giovani Matheis, and Ndamonoghenda Heita cooking their way to victory.
The Kapana Cook-off competition is a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering participants to turn their culinary skills into successful business ventures. Past winners like Sakeus Kateya and Ester Silas have turned their victories into thriving enterprises, demonstrating the competition’s mission to empower self-starters.
For example, Silas launched her kapana kitchen trailer business shortly after her win in 2023, serving her community in the Greenwell Matongo suburb of Windhoek. Kateya, considered the most successful Kapana Cook-off winner thus far, has expanded his business and offers a catering service for a steady client base. He now employs five people since his victory in 2018 and operates from Meatco and Meatma in Windhoek’s northern industrial area.
Sakeus views the competition as a testament to Nedbank’s commitment to ‘ubuntu’, embodying unity and opportunity by empowering young Namibians to contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development.
Beyond the grand prize, the competition offers additional rewards. The first runner-up will receive N$7 000 and a N$3 000 Bakpro vetkoek voucher, while the second runner-up will take home N$5 000 and a N$2 000 Bakpro vetkoek voucher.
As ‘money experts who do good’, Nedbank Namibia takes pride in offering a platform for business owners as they navigate the unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship.
‘The Kapana Cook-off Competition exemplifies this commitment, reflecting the bank’s belief in the transformative power of enterprise,’ says Sam Ikela, Nedbank Namibia Head of SME Banking. ‘By collaborating with like-minded organisations, Nedbank Namibia seeks to elevate Namibian cuisine and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that characterises the nation.’
This year’s competition is proudly supported by Bakpro, Omulunga Radio, AGRA, and the Namibian Chefs Association. Join us in celebrating a decade of culinary excellence and witness the crowning of another kapana champion!