‘Kapana cook-off’ aims to find unique national culinary flair

NEDBANK Namibia, in conjunction with the Namibian Chefs Association, Meacto, Pick n Pay, and Namib Mills will officially launch the national ‘kapana cook-off’ competition for 2018 this week.

This year’s competition is different from the previous three editions in that preliminary rounds will be held for the entry-level vendor category, as well as the professional chefs category.

In addition, the eastern region of Namibia has been included in this year’s cook-off to add competition to the existing northern, coastal and central regions.

“Kapana is a distinctive part of Namibian culture, and as a matter of fact, it is more than strips of grilled meat served to an adoring public – it is an all-encompassing Namibian experience.

“Our beloved kapana is known to bring people together in a social setting, and sets the scene for Namibians to relax and unwind,” said the organisers of the competition.

According to Elsa Carstens, manager: events, activations and micro marketing at Nedbank, the kapana cook-off competition is one of the vehicles the bank uses to reach out to the small players in the market, who are ultimately already running a small business and aspire to expand and formalise their operations.

“It is run on a national scale, demonstrating how resolute we are at reaching Namibians everywhere. No one is left behind, the winner could be anywhere in Namibia, and the cook-off opens the door in providing an opportunity someone may never have dreamt of,” said Carstens.

The intrinsic values of kapana go beyond the delicious meat. These values are enshrined in actions; bringing people together; a thriving and bustling informal market; an entrepreneurial spirit; and a keen regard of the value of customers.

Kapana vendors tell a story, the story of hustling to put food on the table, the story of finding the perfect recipe, and the story of innovation to provide their kapana stand with its unique selling proposition, Carstens added.

The bank and its partners have successfully hosted the competition for the past four years to showcase the talented kapana kings and queens across Namibia.

The competition is divided into two categories – professional chefs and entry-level vendors – and these are judged separately.

Both categories must cook the kapana in a creative way using Namibian products such as Meatma and Bakpro, remaining true to the humble Namibian kapana tradition.

Since inception, competition entries have increased every year, from 10 entries in 2015 to close to 500 recorded in 2017. The increase in entries attests to the fact that the cook-off is a ticket to success, said Carstens.

“The winner is given an opportunity to formalise their trade with a fully-fledged kapana container shop, as well as a Nedbank account with a N$15 000 balance. Additionally, Nedbank provides access to skill building through an SME mentorship programme as SMEs are an important driving force for economic growth and job creation,” she added.

Those who come second in the entry level category will receive a Nedbank account with a balance of N$10 000, and the second runners-up will receive a Nedbank account with a balance of N$5 000.

The winner in the professional chef’s category will get a Nedbank account with a balance of N$10 000.

Entry forms can be obtained from any Nedbank branch as from 21 May.

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