Capsicum Culinary students continue to win awards and accolades! Two students from the culinary school’s Rosebank campus in Johannesburg recently took top spot in the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) Student Chef Skills Competition held in partnership with the South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs).

 The winning team comprised Lesedi Morudi (top right) and Unami Binda who were mentored by chef lecturer Maseehah Karodia and were tasked with preparing a three-course menu representing South African food flavours.

Morudi, who comes from Naturena and is currently completing his Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, and Binda – who comes from Soweto – are no strangers to cooking competitions having been placed first runners up at the South African Pastry Championships held recently.

 Morudi says teams had to exhibit various cooking methods and knife skills with their dishes as well as having to cook a main course with a mystery protein that was only revealed in a draw as the contest got underway.

“Going into the competition Unami and I went through a week of training sessions. We were  hoping and praying for chicken to be our mystery protein and that was exactly what we got and that gave us a boost of confidence. We kept our composure, executed our plan and impressed the judges.”Morudi says he was elated to take the win with his colleague.

“The competition was tough but we trusted ourselves by applying all our training and by finishing on time. I really have to acknowledge the calibre of the Capsicum lecturers and how they train and mould us for a culinary career. However, the lecturers can only do so much and it’s on us as students to give it our all and take every opportunity that comes our way.”

His feelings were echoed by Binda: “I was so proud of my partner and me for finally getting our first place win. We worked so hard to prepare for the competition and believe that we deserved it. If you put in the work, you reap the rewards.”

Morudi, who has always wanted to be a chef, says his two years have taught him that the culinary industry is not “child’s play”. “It’s so much more than just pots, pans and knowledge of the food you’re making. You must have the heart for it and be passionate. You need to be disciplined because it gets really tough.” Binda says she has always wanted to work in the culinary field.

“I have been involved since high-school where I used to assist in my mother’s catering business and then also ran a dessert business of my own so I always knew I wanted to study further. After graduation, my dream is to travel the world and get to witness different people, cultures and cuisines.”

Chef lecturer Maseehah Karodia was delighted with her team’s win: “They certainly put in the practice ahead of time and were cool and confident on the day and under pressure. We were delighted when they were awarded the top spot in the competition.”

Adds CCS MD Renee Hill: “We are extremely proud of Lesedi and Unami as well as our other students who participated in the competition. Their achievement once again demonstrates the incredible talent we’re nurturing at Capsicum.”

Want to learn more about culinary careers at Capsicum? Then diarise Capsicum Culinary Studio’s forthcoming Open Days happening on August 30, September 27, October 25 and November 29 which will take place between 09h00 and 12h00 at each of the school’s seven campuses located at:

• Boksburg: Unit 6, Bartlett Lake Office Park, Cnr Leith and Trichardts Roads
• Cape Town: 358 Victoria Rd, Salt River
• Durban: 300 Granada Square, 16 Chartwell Dr, Umhlanga Rocks.
• Johannesburg: 3 Keyes Ave, Rosebank.
• Nelson Mandela Bay: 1 Newmarket Rd, Greenacres, Gqeberha.
• Pretoria: Menlyn Square, South Building, 134 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen.
• Ruimsig, Roodepoort: Block D, 144 Peter Road.

For more details contact: chef@capsicumcooking.co.za; telephone 086 111 2433 or visit capsicumcooking.com.

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