By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Aug. 8 — The exhilarating ninth edition of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition wrapped up its final preliminary round last weekend at Soweto Market in Windhoek. The event witnessed the crowning of the professional chef winner and the selection of four participants who will represent the central region at the grand finale on 26 August during the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair in the northern town.
Chef Markus Ferreira from the Ocean Cellar Restaurant in Swakopmund emerged victorious in the professional chef round, held on Friday, 4 August, securing a Nedbank account with N$ 10,000 as his prize. In second place was Chef Azeem Kadwa, receiving a cash prize of N$ 7,000, followed by Chef David Kambonde in third place, with a cash prize of N$ 5,000.
Expressing his surprise and gratitude at the prize-giving 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.”
On Saturday, 5 August, the central preliminary round witnessed 57 participants competing fiercely for a spot in the final. The victorious contestants were Rauha Simon, Ester Silas, Eliakim Amunyela, and Hasheni Mandume, who will join finalists Loise Iimvula, Johannes Haulyondjamba, Cleopatra Shipanga, Laura Egumbo, Veueza Kasemba, and Rivaldo Pietersen at the final competition on 26 August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.
Rauha Simon, one of the finalists, expressed her excitement, saying, “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.”
During the prize-giving ceremony, Selma Kaulinge, Nedbank Namibia Communication and Public Relations Manager emphasized that the competition aims to celebrate Namibian food and highlight businesses operating in the informal sector. She expressed gratitude to the co-sponsors, Bakpro, Omulunga, AGRA, and the Namibian Chefs Association, for their valuable partnership in elevating the competition to its current heights.
The ultimate winner of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition will walk 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.
Supported by Bakpro, Omulunga, AGRA, and the Namibian Chefs Association, the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off continues to celebrate Namibian culinary talent and showcase the vibrancy of the informal business sector.
