Aspiring Benoni chef wins study bursary

Busisiwe Zondo of Alliance, Benoni, could not believe her good fortune when she was recently awarded a bursary from Capsicum Culinary Studio.

To celebrate its 21st anniversary last year, Capsicum pledged to give away bursaries to the winners of its Culinaire Challenge competition.

And it did just that when it awarded bursaries to 20 aspiring chefs who participated in a cook-off held at each of the school’s seven campuses across the country.

The 20-year-old Zondo will study the Professional Chef Programme at the Boksburg campus.

“Getting the bursary means the world to me. It means I can further my studies in what I love and am interested in. It also means I don’t have to worry about funds and can focus fully on becoming a professional chef.”

Why do you think Capsicum chose you as a bursary winner?
I think because of the passion I displayed when preparing my dish and how I was creative and thought outside the basic ingredients presented to me.

What do you want to do after graduation?
I want to travel and work in restaurants globally.

What would you like to be doing in five years?
I want to be an executive chef in a successful and popular restaurant.

When and how did your interest in food and cooking start?
My interest in food started at primary school. While every other child would watch cartoons, I used to watch all the cooking channels – and still do to this day. I also discovered that I could express myself better when cooking and that being in the kitchen calms me down.

Who is your role model?
My role model is Gordon Ramsay because of his skills, love for food and hard work.

Name five things always in your fridge or pantry
Onions, pasta, milk, cooking oil and apples.

What is your favourite meal?
Toast with butter and egg.

What do you not eat?
All nuts.

Also Read: Foodie takes hot seat at Capsicum