WINDHOEK: The second preliminary round of the 2024 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition took place in Walvis Bay this weekend, with Rhonda Baseko, Laura Egumbo, and Veueza Kasemba qualifying for the final slated for August.

The competition, now in its tenth year, held its second preliminary stage in the coastal town, with 25 participants hoping to advance to the final and win the main prize of a fully equipped mobile kitchen valued at N.dollars 130 000.

Participants were required to produce a salsa and kapana dish in 30 minutes and present it to professional judges from the Namibian Chefs’ Association. The chefs evaluated the dishes based on hygiene, taste, presentation, and overall authenticity.

Egumbo, who has participated in the tournament for six years without winning the big prize, stated that she is ready to win this year.

‘Last year, I finished third, but this year I’m bringing the caravan to the seaside. They say practice makes perfect, and I will do my best,’ she stated.

When asked about her expe
rience, first-time entrant Baseko said: ‘It was a tough competition, but I enjoyed myself. Although there was limited time to prepare the dishes, it was indeed a good experience.’

Gernot de Klerk, Head of Marketing and Communication at Nedbank Namibia, stated that the environment and togetherness experienced by the crowd over the weekend was excellent.

‘We’ll be back in Walvis Bay for the 11th edition of the tournament, and we hope to see everyone at the next coastal preliminary stage of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off tournament. To everyone who participated, it was a pleasure to host you for this edition of the competition,’ he remarked.

The next preliminary round will be held on 20th July in Windhoek, with three contestants selected to compete in the final on 24 August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency