- The 12th annual Inter Hotel Challenge brought together hospitality talent from across South Africa to showcase their skills.
- Contestants showcased their abilities under intense pressure while judges observed their techniques and hygiene.
- The competition, which fosters industry growth, will conclude with an awards ceremony in December.
On Saturday 19 October, Capsicum Culinary Studio in Cape Town was buzzing with excitement and tension as participants in the 12th annual Inter Hotel Challenge prepared to showcase their skills.
The event, which has become a cornerstone for fostering hospitality talent in South Africa, saw 30 teams and 129 candidates competing in categories such as wine stewardship, pastry and barista skills.
Contestants, dressed in their crisp whites, worked furiously under time pressure, preparing their dishes while fighting off nerves. “It’s definitely stressful, but the pressure keeps us focused,” said Tshepo Ngoma, a contestant in the pastry category. “We’ve trained hard for this, so it’s about keeping calm and trusting our skills.”
However, not everyone found it easy to keep their cool.
“My hands were shaking so much, my sorbet melted,” admitted a dessert participant, Ncebakazi Mketsu. “But I took a deep breath and I knew I had to deliver.”
Amid the intensity, competition’s kitchen manager Chef Jullieta Overmeyer, known as “The kitchen dragon”, maintained strict order, reminding participants of the critical importance of hygiene. “No matter how great your dish tastes, if hygiene is lacking they can have a detrimental effect on people, today standard was completely high in food preparation, technique and plating.”
Her words resonated as contestants wiped down their stations with precision.
Judges, including hospitality consultant Jeff Rosenberg, observed each contestant’s performance. “I become so emotional to think of it the prizes are that are life changing, this competition creates so much buzz that they end up being friends and colleagues,” said Rosenberg. “It’s inspiring to see them push through their nerves and execute some truly impressive work.”
As the morning drew to a close and the last dishes were plated, a mixture of relief and accomplishment settled in. “I’ve never felt so challenged in my life,” remarked Ndunduzo Lubisi, competing in the hot chef category. “But today I proved something to myself, and that’s what this competition is all about.”
The event will culminate in an awards ceremony at TAJ hotel in Cape Town on Wednesday 4 December, where the winners will be celebrated, but for many participants, the experience itself is already a career-defining moment.
