Review the list of finalists from previous culinary competitions under SayPro.

The South African Youth Culinary Professionals (SayPro) have played a pivotal role in nurturing and showcasing the talents of young chefs and culinary enthusiasts across South Africa. Over the years, several competitions have highlighted the exceptional skills of these individuals. Here’s a detailed review of some of the finalists and winners from these prestigious events:

1. Inter-Hotel Challenge South Africa 2024:

This esteemed competition celebrates excellence in hospitality and culinary arts. The 2024 finalists and winners across various categories were:

• Chef of the Year:
  • 1st Place: Kholiswa Makelen (The Silo)
  • 2nd Place: Eugenie Langeveldt (Zevenwacht Estate)
  • 3rd Place: Olwethu Fatyela (The Four Seasons Hotel Johannesburg The Westcliff)
• Pastry Chef of the Year:
  • 1st Place: Nonzuzo Mhlungu (Southern Sun The Edward)
  • 2nd Place: Antonio Ohlson (The Vineyard)
  • 3rd Place: Rizia Isaacs (Southern Sun Cape Sun)
• Baker of the Year:
  • 1st Place: Chelsea Smith (Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town)
  • 2nd Place: Sarah Kachipo (The Silo)
  • 3rd Place: Nomonde Kapa (54 on Bath)
• Wine Steward of the Year:
  • 1st Place: Luyanda Bushula (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa)
  • 2nd Place: Tshepang Mohafa (InterContinental Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport)
  • 3rd Place: Danie Kortjas (Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani)
• Most Promising Chef:
  • Winner: Samuel Sherman (Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town)
• Most Promising Pastry Chef:
  • Winner: Isis Minnaar (The Silo)
• Most Promising Baker:
  • Winner: Trevor Magwaza (The Oyster Box)
• Most Up & Coming Chef:
  • Winner: Rethabile Maseola (54 on Bath)
• Most Up & Coming Pastry Chef:
  • Winner: Tsholofelo Malebane (Sun City Convention Centre)
• Most Up & Coming Baker:
  • Winner: N/A
• Concierge of the Year:
  • 1st Place: Andria Maree (Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town)
  • 2nd Place: Shenaaz Butler (The Waterfront Concierge)
  • 3rd Place: Taariq Koopman (Queen Victoria Hotel)
• Exquisite Service:
  • Winner: Sanele Mhlongo (Southern Sun The Edward)
• Academic Excellence:
  • Winner: Luyanda Bushula (The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa)
• Best Cocktail with Clemengold Gin, Hope Distillery:
  • Winner: Axolile Pupuma (The President Hotel)
• Scanpan Excellent Kitchen Practice:
  • Hot Kitchen Chef: Rethabile Maseola (54 on Bath)
  • Cold Kitchen Pastry Chef: Tsholofelo Malebane (Sun City Convention Centre)
• Mentor of the Year:
  • Winner: Executive Chef Veronica Canha Hibbert (The Silo)
• General Manager of the Year:
  • Winner: Wayne Siepman (Southern Sun Cape Sun)

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2. HTA School of Culinary Art’s Legacy Competition 2024:

This annual event showcases the talents of second-year culinary students. The finalists and their placements were:

• Winner: Nthato Makhetha
• 2nd Place: Lealtro Valentine
• 3rd Place: Sahil Singh

Additional awards included:

• Legacy: The Beginning Award: Molly Read
• Victorinox & Sharp Edge Knife Proficiency Award: Atiya Laher

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3. RCL Foods Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge 2024:

This competition identifies and nurtures young culinary talent across South Africa. The Gauteng finalists were:

• Thabile Legodi & Nathenea Davids (Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School)
• Nontsikelelo Pinky Tshabalala & Zanele Bongiwe Mkhizwe (Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School)
• Tisetso Mogapi & Kamohelo Moyaba (International Hotel School)

These teams competed for a share of R70,000 in cash prizes, with the grand finale held on October 3, 2024.

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4. S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Regional Finals 2024:

Chef Luckson Mare from The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate won the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia regional finals. His winning dish featured sweet potatoes and duck, symbolizing his culinary journey and heritage.