Zim chefs in African culinary competition

Chefs in competition at the African Culinary Cup event in South Africa. Picture: SACA

A TEAM of Zimbabwean chefs has travelled to South Africa to take part in the African Culinary Cup, an international cooking competition that has attracted teams from across Southern Africa.

The event is part of InfoChef Africa, a two-day gathering hosted by the South African Chefs’ Association that includes the African Culinary Cup competition and a second day of discussions, information sharing and educative content.

Leonard Moyo, vice president of the Zimbabwe Chefs’ Association and executive chef of the African Sun group, is leading the Zimbabwean delegation and is manager of the team taking part, made up of Crispen Mudhefi of Cresta Lodge in Harare, David Lupenga of Crowne Plaza Monomotapa in Harare, Brighton Neketambe of Caribbeay Bay Resort in Kariba and Johnson Maruma of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

“We are very excited to be taking part and look forward to competing and to possibly coming away with a prize,” said chef Moyo before leaving for Johannesburg.

InfoChef Africa takes places onOctober 1 and October 2, with the African Culinary Cup competition on day one and the remainder of activities – including prizegiving – the following day. This is the second year of the competition and the Zimbabweans are hoping to gain a large amount of valuable experience as well as make contacts with colleagues from various countries.

Teams from Kenya, Namibia, Mauritius and South Africa will also be competing and all are tasked with preparing a meal of starter, main course and dessert for 12 people. Ingredients are taken from a mystery basket and a jury of eminent people undertakes judging.

“This event is all about developing skills and enhancing the culinary talent that exists within the African hospitality industry, so we are delighted to be able to take part, not just as a competitive team hoping to win prizes but as a group of professionals hoping to help expand the horizons of Zimbabwe’s cuisine,” said chef Moyo. – Own Correspondent