By Staff Reporter
ONGWEDIVA, June 17 — The first preliminary round of the 2024 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition took place in Ongwediva last Saturday, with Hileni Hashipala, Johannes Haulondjamba, and Petrus Namibili qualifying for the competition final, scheduled for August 24 at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.
A total of 55 contestants participated in the competition, showcasing their kapana cooking skills. Professional chefs from the Namibian Chefs Association judged the contestants on taste, hygiene, and presentation. Hashipala, Haulondjamba, and Namibili’s dishes met the judging criteria, earning them spots in the final. They will join nine other finalists from the coastal, central, and southern preliminary rounds to compete for the grand prize.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Haulondjamba, who has participated in the competition for four years, said: “I joined the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off yet again because I live by never giving up on what I want to achieve. I will never know when it’s finally my turn to win the grand prize if I don’t enter with hopes of winning.”
Haulondjamba also mentioned that if he wins the grand prize, he plans to start his own food business. He advised aspiring cooks to participate in the competition, as such a prize can be life-changing.
First-time finalist Namibili expressed excitement for the opportunity and promised to do his utmost best in the final. He encouraged interested cooks to take on the challenge and enjoy the process.
Hashipala, a sophomore entrant in the competition, said: “It’s quite an amazing feeling to qualify for the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition final. This is my third time participating in the competition, and I am excited to finally make it to the final. I advise people to take part in this competition as it’s a platform created for cooks to showcase their skills.”
Nedbank Namibia Oshana Mall Branch Manager, Loini Jonas, remarked: “This year, the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition is in its 10th year. This is a huge milestone as it’s geared to develop SMEs in the informal trading sector by giving them a platform to upskill and create sustainable employment for themselves. The competition started as a small local event when Nedbank opened its branch in Ongwediva in 2014, and now, 10 years later, it’s one of the biggest drivers of SME development.”
The grand prize winner will receive a fully furnished mobile kitchen worth N$130,000, an N$10,000 cash prize in a Nedbank account, and an N$5,000 Bakpro voucher.
The next preliminary rounds will take place on July 6 in Walvis Bay, July 19–20 in Windhoek, August 3 in Oranjemund, and the final on August 24 in Ongwediva at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.
The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition is supported by sponsors including Bakpro, Omulunga Radio, Oranjemund Diamond Festival, AGRA, and the Namibian Chefs Association.
Entries for the preliminary rounds are still open, and entry forms can be collected at any Nedbank Namibia branch nationwide or downloaded from Nedbank.com.na.
