Amuyagele wins Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off

Ebben-Ezer Amuyagele was named this year's Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition winner, following three preliminary rounds and the participation of more than 500 aspiring cooks.

Amuyagele hails from Okahao.

The soft-spoken Amuyagele (33) became emotional after he was declared the winner in the final at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair on Saturday, 27 August, after defeating eight other contestants.

Chefs competed in the tournament, which got underway in May of this year, in an effort to win the coveted title of Kapana champion and the rewards that come with it.

Amuyagele left with a completely furnished mobile kitchen trailer valued at more than N$100 000, N$10 000 cash deposited in a Nedbank account, and a N$5 000 Bakpro Vetkoek gift card.

Hesitant start

Amuyagele, who first learned about the contest in 2016, claims he was hesitant to enrol because he believed he would not succeed.

“When my friend told me about this competition about six years ago, I was not ready to take it on. When he convinced me to consider taking part in the competition again this year, I applied to take part in the northern round, and the rest is history,” he said.

He thanked the sponsors and organising teams for this event, which strives to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Namibia.

He also encouraged current Kapana vendors and prospective cooks to participate in the competition next year.

“I advise all my peers to take part in the competition. I would not have made it if I did not get that entry form and worked to make sure I get to this point, and I know for a fact, you can get there too,” Amuyagele concluded.

Support of SMEs

Modestu Fenivamwe of Windhoek took second place, winning N$7 000 secured in a Nedbank bank account and a N$3 000 Bakpro Vetkoek voucher.



Ester Silas, a Windhoek native who came third, won $5 000 deposited in a Nedbank account, as well as a N$2 000 Bakpro Vetkoek gift card.



The Nedbank Africa region managing executive, Dr. Terence Sibiya, who was present at the award event, emphasised the value of developing good relationships in the SME market.



"It is going to take a collective effort to reinvigorate the economy, and Nedbank has committed itself with its purpose to make sure it will contribute to attaining that goal. From our perspective, we are proud to be associated with initiatives like the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition, which positively shapes the SME communities and brings pride to us as Africans," said Sibiya.



Origins

The competition began eight years ago at the Ongwediva Trade Fair, as explained by Selma Kaulinge, Nedbank manager of communications and public relations.

After a two-year pause brought on by Covid-19, she continued, one could sense the reignition when visiting the location of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition, which gave the event a fresh start.

She said the bank was honoured to host the competition's final at the place where it all started eight years ago. The final was preceded by three preliminary rounds at the coast, central, and northern areas. She expressed gratitude to their co-sponsors, the winners, and all the finalists who helped make the eighth Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition one to remember.