Local resident Siyamthanda Mthethwa was over-the-moon when she heard she had been awarded a bursary from Capsicum Culinary Studio.
To celebrate its 21st anniversary last year, Capsicum, South Africa’s leading culinary school, pledged to give away bursaries to the winners of its Culinaire Challenge competition. Bursaries were awarded to 20 aspiring chefs who took part in the contest’s cook-offs held at each of the school’s seven campuses across the country.
22-year-old Mthethwa will be studying Capsicum’s Professional Patisserie at the Durban campus. She also answered a few questions during an interview:

When and how did your interest in food and cooking start?

It started when I was in primary school. I used to love watching television cooking shows such as Siba’s Kitchen and The Cake Boss.

What does getting this bursary mean to you?

It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to pursue my passion for culinary arts at Capsicum. This bursary is more than just financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in my abilities and a chance to turn my aspirations into reality. For me, it is life-changing.

What do you want to do after graduation?

I’m planning to look for work on a cruise ship, which will allow me to gain experience while also seeing the world. In five years’ time, I see myself as an executive pastry chef who is also a food vlogger.

Why do you think Capsicum selected you as one of the bursary recipients?

I believe I demonstrated a genuine passion for the culinary arts, a strong work ethic and a commitment to pursuing a career in the industry once I have graduated.

Who are your role models and mentors, and why?

My mother – I have always looked up to her, as she has taught me to never give up, no matter how bad the situation may be.

Name five things always in your fridge or pantry.

Pasta, cheese, snacks, fresh herbs and vanilla essence.

What would be your last meal?

Creamy mushroom pasta with prawns.

What do you not eat?

Spicy food.

Favourite celebrity cook and why?

Buddy Valastro. I grew up watching him and his team making wonderful cakes, and saw how much joy it brought to people. That’s when I really fell in love with baking.

Siyamthanda Mthethwa’s Chocolate Coffee Cake:

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 cup cocoa

2 tsp baking powder

1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

½ cup of oil

2 tsp vanilla essence

1 tbsp coffee

1 cup hot water

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and bicarbonate; then mix together. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, milk, oil and vanilla essence. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix. Spoon the coffee into the hot water and stir into the cake mix. Pour into a greased cake tin and bake for 45 minutes.

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