Empact Chefs Academy offers life-changing culinary training with real-world experience

Empact Group has marked a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to uplift its employees and their families, with 15 young chefs from all over Ekurhuleni completing the final practical examination of their three-year occupational certificate in chef qualification.

The achievement is a proud moment for both the students and the organisation, representing the power of genuine investment in people.

The initiative, funded by Food by Empact, a division of Empact Group, brings the company’s Do Right By You philosophy to life.

In 2022, Empact invited employees to nominate family members for the rare opportunity of a three-year professional culinary qualification at no cost, creating pathways to sustainable careers in the hospitality sector.

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“This programme is a commitment to building South Africa’s future through these young people,” said Colette Herbst, head of learning and development at Empact Group.

“Three years ago, many of these students couldn’t have imagined this opportunity. Watching them develop from nervous beginners into confident culinary professionals has been a privilege. The qualification has opened doors they didn’t know existed,” said Herbst.

To complete the programme, students undertook a demanding two-day final practical examination, preparing and serving an elegant four-course meal judged by the NDS Chefs Academy examination team and presented to VIP guests.

This year’s menu pushed boundaries, incorporating vegan starter and dessert options, challenging students to work with new ingredients and techniques beyond the typical three-course structure.

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Examiners assessed every aspect of their performance, including:
• Culinary technique
• Plating and presentation
• Timing and workflow
• Hygiene and safety
• Creativity
• Cost management
• Nutritional considerations.

Real-world experience sets graduates apart

The qualification with SAQA ID: 101697, NQF Level 5, blends theory with extensive hands-on experience. Run in partnership with NDS Chefs Academy, the programme includes classroom learning at Empact’s Linbro Park offices and rotations across Empact’s various food service sites in Ekurhuleni.

Unlike typical programmes that offer only a few months of work-integrated learning, Empact’s students spend years in professional kitchens, gaining exposure to different catering environments.

By the third year, they have logged hundreds of hours in real operations, developing strong work ethics and practical skills that give them a distinctive edge in the job market.

Students describe the programme as life-changing. They speak of gaining deep industry knowledge, mastering food handling skills, and building the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond Gauteng, including in kitchens abroad.

Opening doors to professional futures

The cohort now prepares for the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) Trade Test in March 2026, the final step toward full qualification. Recent QCTO changes allow students to apply for trade testing immediately after completing their examinations, removing prior delays and helping them enter the job market sooner.

Empact has funded the entire programme, including tuition, workplace training, and monthly stipends, ensuring students can focus fully on their development.

Graduates leave with:
• Three years of real kitchen experience
• An internationally recognised qualification
• Practical skills that make them highly employable.

Empact aims to absorb these newly qualified chefs into its own operations. However, the students are equally equipped to pursue opportunities on cruise ships and in international hospitality environments.

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Transforming families, strengthening communities

Of the 17 students who began in 2022, 15 have reached this milestone, a testament to their resilience and Empact’s belief in nurturing long-term opportunity.

By investing in employees’ families, the company is not only strengthening its workforce but also creating a generational impact, supporting youth employment, professional development and South Africa’s broader economic growth.

Empact Group continues to demonstrate what it means to give back meaningfully by creating opportunities, opening doors, and changing lives through education, mentorship and unwavering support.

This was also showcased in their flagship culinary event, Gourmet Fest 2025, where they brought together the finest chefs from across the company’s nationwide network to compete for prestigious titles whilst celebrating the vital role of women in South Africa’s culinary industry.

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Focusing on growth, collaboration and creativity, this year’s event delivered a dynamic showcase of skill, innovation and pride within the foodservice industry.

Gourmet Fest is Empact Group’s flagship food event, driven by its foodservice division, Food by Empact, featuring two core elements – the Chef’s and Barista Competition and the Supplier Showcase.

More than 47 suppliers presented top-tier solutions used across national operations in healthcare, education, industry and corporate sectors.

Team format debuts as women in the culinary take centre stage

This year’s Chef’s Competition introduced a new team format, operating under the theme Women & Growth in Culinary.

The competition emphasised leadership, creativity and culinary excellence whilst championing gender diversity within the industry.

“The calibre of talent witnessed at Gourmet Fest 2025 was exceptional. This competition reflected our commitment to developing our people and recognising the incredible skills within our organisation.

“The introduction of the team format has created new opportunities for mentorship and collaboration, which aligns perfectly with our ‘Do right by you’ philosophy,” said Hanno de Lange, general manager of Empact’s Centre of Excellence.

Recognising talent, raising standards

Empact Group’s foodservice division, Food by Empact, operates across multiple sectors, delivering comprehensive catering and hospitality services.

The company’s commitment to staff development, health and wellness, and gender diversity forms the foundation of its operational approach.

The success of Gourmet Fest 2025 reinforces Empact’s position as an industry leader in recognising talent, promoting professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence across its operations.