Spekko Caterer Of The Year 2014 Announced
In two gruelling rounds, and under the watchful eyes of professional chefs and judges representing the media sponsors – Princess Nonceba Nakedi from Spruitview won herself R30 000 in cash and the title of Spekko Rice Caterer of the Year 2014.
Scoring highest in both heats of the competition, Princess who is already running a catering business from her kitchen in Germiston, impressed judges with her outlook for the future of her business, as well as her dishes’ appeal and taste.
Runner-up Khumbelo Khangale assisted as a commis chef at the 2013 Spekko Rice Caterer of the Year staged at the GF & WS in Johannesburg. It was there that he took a personal oath to enter and win the next Spekko competition. Khumbelo is still studying towards his chef’s diploma at the Capsicum Cooking School in Pretoria, but impressed the judges with his future plans and great enthusiasm. 
Third came Naeema Khan of Tongaat in KZN who works part-time at family welfare.
Catching the train at 5 am at Sasolburg station; a day on the bus from KwaNdebele; a pre-dawn taxi drive from Daveyton – these were tales of travel when the 17 finalists in the Spekko Rice Caterer of the Year gathered at the HTA School of Culinary Art in Randburg on 16 July.
Right on time, all finalists first enjoyed some French pastries and real coffee, before taking up their cooking stations in the HTA’s professional kitchen.
Judged on their kitchen skills, innovative inclusion of Spekko Rice in their dishes, presentation and taste – and lastly, their business acumen – ten finalists went through to the final round.
In this round the 10 finalists could choose between a whole chicken, king prawns and an assortment of vegetables and fruit.
One dish had to be completed – a main course or dessert.
The judges included professionals in the culinary business – Chef Kabelo (head of education) and Chef Amalia (head of e-learning) from HTA; producer of Soweto TV’s Kasi
Moloantoa form Move! Magazine.
Lindiwe Mtshali – Southern fried chicken with savoury ricePuseletso Molotsi – Prawn curry served with brown rice and vegetablesNtombi Treasure Hamuli – Chicken loaf made with Basmati rice, served with carrot and egg saladIrvin Tyler – Grilled chilli prawns with rice and butternutBusisiwe Khambane – Chicken with cheese served with rice and raisinsFanie Themba – Vegetarian rice bake.
The event was filmed and broadcasted Soweto TV (DSTV 251) on 25 July 2014.
This is the recipes the ten finalists cooked in the last round:
Princess Nonceba Nakedi – Butternut and rice croquettes with sweet and sour prawns
Khumbelo Khangane – Creamy rice pudding served with home-made custard, chocolate dipped strawberries and a sugar decoration
Naeema Khan – Grilled prawns and yellow rice
