Ester wins Nedbank kapana cook-off
After four years of participating in the competition, Ester Silas finally emerged as the winner of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition, describing her victory as a dream come true.The final took place over the weekend at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF).
Silas, 27, claimed the prize after competing against nine other contestants in a challenge to cook kapana with secret ingredients such as eenangu and chicken feet. The cook-off encompasses two categories: entry-level food vendors and a professional round for experienced chefs.
"I am so excited. I am grateful and happy because this is a dream come true. Thank you, God. Thank you to my support system and Nedbank, as well as all the sponsors," she exclaimed with joy.
Silas said despite her previous attempts to win the prize, she knew she had to try again in order to realise her dreams.
She lost her job earlier this year when her workplace closed down, and this encouraged her to work harder in the competition. Silas said she will use the food trailer she won to kick-start her business journey.
Grand prizes
Silas won a fully equipped mobile food trailer worth N$100 000, a N$10 000 cash prize, and a N$5 000 Bakpro vetkoek voucher.
The second-place winner, Loise Iimvula, walked away with a Nedbank account worth N$7 000 and a Bakpro vetkoek voucher worth N$3 000, while third-place winner Laura Egumbo won a Nedbank account worth N$5 000 and a Bakpro vetkoek voucher worth N$2 000.
Nedbank Namibia has invested N$3 million in hosting the competition since its inception in 2014. The Kapana Cook-Off competition is more than just a culinary contest; it’s a catalyst for change in communities and businesses.
Martha Murorua, managing director of Nedbank Namibia, said the kapana cook-off serves as an endeavour to connect with and give back to the communities while promoting economic growth and honouring the cultural significance of kapana.
"The true impact of the competition is evident in the successes of past winners, who have evolved into culinary pioneers and successful entrepreneurs. They have not only started but, in some instances, expanded their businesses to enrich Namibia's vibrant gastronomic landscape," Murorua said.
Nedbank Namibia continues to receive support from sponsors like Bakpro, Agra Namibia, and the Namibia Chefs Association, to make sure the Namibian cuisine is celebrated.