The Stars of the Hospitality Department

Potato South Africa, in partnership with the South African Chef's Association held the final "cook off" of the Mzansi Budding Chef's competition on 4 June 2010.

The competition is aimed specifically at Further Education and Training College students and was hosted by the University of Johannesburg. Fifty students from various Colleges entered the competition, including two who represented Ekurhuleni East College - NC(V) L3 Hospitality students, Ntsoaki Makhale (right) and Amos Matlala (centre), assisted by Goanetsi Maswenyaneng (left).

The contestants were required to submit a menu consisting of a starter, main meal and dessert with the potato as the main ingredient. The preparation of this three course meal was limited to a period of three hours. The competitors were judged by a panel of accredited judges from the South African Chef's Association.

The two students from Ekurhuleni East College secured two positions within the top 10, with Ms Makhale securing 8th place overall and receiving a Certificate of Participation, and Mr Matlala attaining 2nd place overall and receiving a prize of R7500 and a 5-day course at the South African Chef's Association.

This just proves yet again what our Principal, Ms Sibande, always says - the clever people (in this case, the creative people) come from the east!

This is a great achievement for the School of Creative and Social Services at the Springs Campus, and it is hoped that it will encourage other students to participate in such competitions. The support of the Campus and College is greatly appreciated.

Mr Matlala's three course menu, which impressed the judges and secured him 2nd place:

Starter 
Crispy Potato Fritters, served with Smoked Salmon 
***** 
Main Meal 
Venison Fillet wrapped in Bacon, served with Sour Cream Potatoes 
***** 
Dessert 
Hawaiian Chocolate Square, served with Pineapple Chunks & Cream