Durban Girls Secondary School, (Mawande Makoba and Kadogo Teila) has won the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Super Chef Competition title for the second time; they won the first one in 2023.

The contest, themed indigenous healthy cooking, was successfully hosted by the Department of Food and Nutrition, in collaboration with the DUT School Engagement Project at Steve Biko Campus on Saturday, 20 September 2025.

Head of Food and Nutrition Department, Professor Ashika Naicker, briefly welcomed the contestants, parents, teachers and highlighted that everyone in the competition is a winner. She said that the contestants must take this as a learning opportunity, adding that this event can go beyond just competition and be an opportunity for relationship building.

“The fact that you are one of the finalists means you are a winner. Even if you do not get the top spot. Don’t be stressed, just enjoy the moment, it is all about learning,” she reassured the learners.

Kadogo Teila (winner) said this victory came as a surprise. They never expected it because during the competition they had some challenges, which they managed to overcome.

“I am overjoyed with the win today; I did not expect it. During the competition we had to change the menu because we could not get certain ingredients, but with hard work we managed to win,” she explained.

The runners up were Lindokuhle Madevana and Siphelele Maphumulo from Sastri College. In the third position was Aphelele Gavu and Banele Gasela from Velabahleke High School.

The purpose of the Super Chefs Competition, which focuses on high school learners around eThekwini, is to encourage pupils to use indigenous and healthy ingredients in cooking to enhance the nutritional quality of meals while celebrating the rich heritage of South African cuisine.

Prior to the contest pupils were briefed with the rules of the competition. They were provided with kitchen equipment sets, aprons and chef hats and given time to familiarise themselves with the ingredients in their mystery baskets before creating their menus.

The judges, Mr. Simlindile Ndebele (Guest Judge), Mr. Aphiwe Manyaku and Dr. Lisebo Mothepu, gave three hours for the learners to plan, prepare and present a two-course meal. The learners prepared their dishes with passion, the food was impressive, it looked tasty and delicious.

All the finalists in the Super Chefs Competition were awarded certificates to encourage their continued cooking endeavors.

The guests were also entertained with a food demonstration by Emihle Majozini and Lwazi Moyo.

Dr Lisebo Mothepu, Food and Nutrition lecturer, had nothing but praise for the contestants, from how creative they were to adhering to the competition rules.

“They did not hurt themselves, no one fainted because of anxiety, they were very comfortable. The learners are well behaved, and they understand the principles of the kitchen,” she explained.

The guest judge, Mr. Simlindile Ndebele, expressed his satisfaction with the contestants and shared a profound message to encourage them.

“It was a beautiful, interactive session and learners were very happy. This is something big for you guys; it is an entry to something big. If you believe you have got passion for food, this is what you want to try. Most of you have never experienced something like this, it is something new for you, coming into such a huge institution from a high school to showcase yourself, it shows bravery. Keep it up and shine,’’ he enthused.

Sindisiwe Nene, Lab Technician who was assisting the learners in the kitchen, said that what stood out for her is that the learners came prepared, the execution of the dishes showed that they were well rehearsed, and the level has gotten higher over the years.

One of the guardians, Nqobile Mavundla, who came to support her little sister Melody Mavundla said that what stood out for her was the level of creativity from the learners and seeing her sister demonstrating that creativity was impressive.

Ms. Bérénice de La Croix, DUT School Engagement Project Manager congratulated the learners for their marvelous display and extended her gratitude to the Food and Nutrition Department, funding partners (IQRAA Trust, Victor Daitz Foundation, Albert Wessels Trust) and all the teachers, parents/guardians and learners who made the event a successful one.

Pictured: Winning teams of the Super Chef Competition.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini

Vukani Langa