News

The winners of this year’s Reaching For Young Stars Awards was recently announced with students from Capsicum Culinary Studio and The IIE School of Hospitality Service & Management (IIEHSM) excelling in a number of categories. They included:

• Mia Van Vuuren from IIEHSM who won the Avanti SA Young Star Barista of the Year, and Nyasha Tembedza from Capsicum Culinary Studio who was awarded third place in the same category.
• Hifzullah Peer and Lutho Spellman, both Capsicum students, who were placed second and third respectively in the KitchenAid Africa Young Star Bio-Wheat Baker of the Year.

Hosted by the Cape Grace Hotel, the Reaching For Young Stars Awards, now in its 17th year, is not only a cooking competition, but also a platform that champions excellence in culinary arts, hospitality and sustainable practices.

Speaking at the awards lunch, Ryan Smith, MP Member of the National Assembly| Democratic Alliance (DA) Deputy Spokesperson: International Relations and Cooperation - Constituency Head for Knysna, said: “To the bright young stars we celebrate today – your passion, discipline, and creativity have not only earned you recognition, they have also positioned you as ambassadors of South African excellence. In a world that is more connected than ever, your skills in hospitality, cuisine, and service are a form of global diplomacy. Through every dish you plate, every table you set and every experience you manage, you tell a story of our nation – one of resilience, innovation and immense talent.”

He continued: “As someone tasked with representing South Africa’s interests on the international stage, I see daily how much value there is in cultural exchange – and food and hospitality are some of our most powerful tools. Whether you work in Knysna or Kyoto, in Cape Town or Copenhagen, you are helping to build bridges across cultures. Let today be a launchpad. May you continue to lead with integrity, honour our environment through sustainable practices, and represent South Africa with pride wherever your journey takes you.”

Added Capsicum’s Cape Town campus lecturer and team mentor Chef Charl Botha: “We are extremely proud of Mia, Nyasha, Hifzullah and Lutho who did so well in their various categories. The competition this year was extremely strong, but they all worked very hard, and their placements were well deserved.”

Capsicum Culinary Studio and The IIE School of Hospitality Service & Management (IIEHSM) have upcoming Open Days at its campuses countrywide. These take place on Saturday, June 28 and July 26, from 9h00 to 12h00 and are aimed at those who want to enrol in the schools’ next intake in July or in February, 2026.

CONTACT: Email chef@capsicumcooking.co.za; Telephone 086 111 CHEF (2433), or visit the capsicumcooking.com for more course information.