Great cooking is not just about the ingredients or the recipe; it’s about the passion, creativity, and love that you infuse into every dish you create.
Chef MZIMASI GONTSHI, 23
Cooktastic
“I’m a young, dynamic chef who would like to have a positive impact on the culinary landscape.
I see myself owning two famous restaurants, including a fine dining and catering company, and one of the best chef schools in the world.
Gordon Ramsay and Brandon Coetzee are inspirations to me because of their techniques when it comes to food and their passion.
I’m reading 📖 ‘Chef’s Table: Concepts and Recipes for Gathering’ by Sonya Keister.”
Chef SIYAMTHANDA DUZE, 24
Superyacht Culinary Academy
“I am a very passionate student who loves working with people.
As a private yacht chef.
My role model is my mother. She knows how to take care of me and has been my pillar of strength.
I’m reading 📖 ‘Things I’ve Never Said to Myself’ by Duduzile Noeleen Ngwenya.”
Chef MUSA NTANTISO, 28
Cape Town Hotel School, part of the Faculty of Business Management Sciences of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, CPUT
“Entertaining is my passion.
In the next five years, I would like to start my own beverage brand.
My sister is my role model. She has taught me the importance of chasing your dreams and to never give up.
I’m reading 📖 ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear.”
Chef BRYAN ROGERS, 20
False Bay TVET College
“I am very driven, competitive, and optimistic.
In the next five years, I aim to be a Head Chef on a cruise liner or an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry.
Marco Pierre White is my inspiration because he is a great mentor.
I’m reading 📖 ‘From Debt to Riches’ by Phumelele Ndumo.”
Chef GILLIAN ZENDA, 21
CTIA – Chefs Training & Innovation Academy
“I am a bubbly soul. I walk into a room and strive to make a difference.
In the next five years, I see myself in a kitchen, expanding my knowledge, working on bettering myself as a chef, while also focusing on my business plan.
My parents are my role models. They have taught me how to work hard for the life I want. Nothing good in life comes easy. They have also taught me to give back to my community and those in need, and not to be selfish.
I’m reading 📖 ‘Finding Me’ by Viola Davis.”
Chef KENNY CHIVANDIRE, 19
International Hotel School
“A driven, open, and honest individual willing to explore.
A Michelin-star establishment in Europe.
Chef Curtis Duffy; he works hard and does not settle for average.
I’m reading 📖 ‘5 Ingredients Mediterranean’ by Jamie Oliver.”
Chef HUWITT STRYDOM, 22
Capsicum Culinary Studio
“I am a young warrior chef, always on the lookout for new things to learn. I am a persistent and goal-oriented individual. I’ll stand tall and show the world what I’m made of.
In the next five years, I envision myself owning my own 20-seater fine dining restaurant in Cape Town. I will strive to become one of the greatest chefs in the world.
French chefs inspire me; figures like Paul Bocuse and Raymond Blanc have left a lasting impression on me. The chefs in Cape Town are also exceptional, and I’ve learned a great deal from them.
I’m reading 📖 ‘Institut Paul Bocuse Gastronomique’.”
📸 ABOVE: Margaret Marx of DENNY with her winners at the launch workshop in March; Mzimasi Gontshi (Chef) Cooktastic, Gillian Zenda (Hot Chef) CTIA, Triston Sutton (Beverage) Capsicum Culinary Studio, Amber Schippers (Pastry Chef) Northlink TVET College and Kenny Chivandire (Chef) International Hotel School
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