Ballito resident Mpilo Nxumalo could not believe his good fortune when he heard that he had been awarded a bursary from Capsicum Culinary Studio, South Africa’s leading culinary school
To celebrate its 21st anniversary last year, Capsicum pledged to give away bursaries to the winners of its Culinaire Challenge competition, and it has done just that with bursaries awarded to 20 aspiring chefs who took part in the contest’s cook-offs which were recently held at each of the school’s seven campuses across the country.
We asked 25-year-old Nxumalo, currently working in a call centre, a few questions.
What and where will you be studying?
I’ll be studying Capsicum’s Foundational Cookery Programme at its Durban campus.
When and how did your interest in food and cooking start?
My father cooked a lot and I grew up watching MasterChef Australia, from which I developed a passion for cooking fancy food!
What does getting this bursary mean to you?
I mean it when I say that it means everything to me. Culinary school was too expensive for my parents to pay for so this bursary helps me fulfil my dream of being a chef.
What do you want to do after graduation?
I would love to find work on cruise ships and see the world.
Why do you think Capsicum Culinary Studio chose you as one of its bursary recipients?
My cooking abilities and personality and my family’s support as they were there for the final cook-off which was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Who are your role models and mentors and why?
Action Bronson as his love for food and wine inspires me and I avidly follow his YouTube channel.
What would you like to be doing in five years’ time?
My dream would be to work in a Michelin star restaurant.
And a few fun questions:
Name five things always in your fridge or pantry
Garlic, chicken, milk, maize meal and pasta
What would be your last meal?
Pasta
Favourite celebrity cook and why?
Action Bronson. His cooking is not complicated but at the same time he has an appreciation for fine dining and good wine.
Go to:
- https://www.capsicumcooking.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capsicumcooking
- Instagram: @capsiscumcooking
- Tik-Tok: @Capsicumculinarystudio
- YouTube: Capsicumculinarystudio
Issued by JAG Communications on behalf of Capsicum Culinary Studio. For more information contact Janine Walker on janine@jagcomms.org or Grant Bushby at grant@jagcomms.org