Each year, culinary students from around South Africa compete in the much anticipated Huletts Sweet Young Chef competition. And this year’s winner is, Nhlakanipho “Sgazo” Ngubane, a talented student from 1000 Hills Chef School.
Budding young chefs are challenged to submit a dessert recipe, comprising of several products from the Huletts range. Sgazo was chosen as one of four young culinary artists to go through to the finals. On 11 August 2017, the four finalists competed in a final cook-off at Infochef, the SACA (South African Chefs Association) annual networking event for young chefs, in Johannesburg. The competition was judged by WACS (World Association of Chef Societies) and SACA-accredited judges to world standards. Among three other carefully selected young finalists, Sgazo had the great opportunity to showcase his winning dish. Chef Coo Pillay, Kitchen Judge and Executive Chef, had very positive feedback for Sgazo.
Sgazo was elated to be selected for the finals of the coveted competition and recognises his training, explaining that the industry-like environment and the amount of culinary knowledge learned at 1000 Hills Chef School prepared him well for the competition. Sgazo utilised his love and passion for food during this competition. The added pressure of competition was intense, but Sgazo looked at the situation as practice for his future in the industry. He dreams of being a chef at top restaurants around the world and one day bringing his skills back to South Africa to set up his own top restaurant.
It is especially rewarding as his Advanced Studies would not have been possible without the support of FNB Business Banking, who very kindly sponsored his ongoing studies and offered full bursaries to three other Advanced Diploma students.