Once again, HTA School of Culinary Arts delivered an inspiring showcase of talent, passion, and culinary excellence when it held the 10th Legacy Competition. The prestigious competition provided a platform for students to test their abilities against real-world challenges, refining the creativity and discipline required to excel in the hospitality industry.

Read more: HTA School of Culinary Arts hosts a 10th Legacy Competition

Ewald Janse van Rensburg was named the champion of the Legacy category, explaining that winning the competition feels surreal and means so much – especially alongside talented chefs who poured their hearts into their dishes. “Food has always been about connection for me, and I’m proud to share my story and flavours with everyone. This competition was such an incredible experience – intense, exhilarating, and so much fun all at the same time.”

He added that it pushed him out of his comfort zone, reminding him why he loves cooking. “I met amazing people, learned a lot, and grew, not just as a cook, but as a person. It was both a test of skill and a celebration of creativity, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. It is an experience that I will cherish forever.”

He said that he created a lot of dishes throughout the competition, but his favourite was his entry dish, a visually striking dessert shaped like a mushroom, with layers of white chocolate, raspberry, and passion fruit. It was playful, elegant, and really captured his love for desserts. “Another dish I am really proud of is the starter I made for the finals. It was a blend of classic and modern techniques – pan-fried fish accompanied by turned potatoes, blistered tomatoes, ginger-pickled celery, a silky fish velouté, green herb oil, and balsamic caviar. Both dishes reflect my style: Thoughtful, flavourful, and a little bit bold.”

The competition is divided into three categories: Legacy (second-year students), Professional (industry chefs), and The Beginning (first-year students).

Elizabeth Ncube took home the Professional title and Naledi Nthite was the Beginning winner, proving that the next generation of culinary leaders is ready to shine.

Also read: HTA School of Culinary Art hosts ninth edition of Legacy Competition

Janse van Rensburg further stated that winning the Legacy competition means a great deal, as it’s both a validation of the hard work he put into his studies and a motivation to keep pushing myself further. It’s shown him what he’s capable of under pressure, and has strengthened his confidence as a young chef. “It’s more than just a title; it’s proof that all the long hours, challenges, and passion I’ve put into my studies are paying off. Moving forward, I feel inspired to take everything I’ve learned throughout the competition and use it to shape my future in the kitchen, and continue to grow in both skill and creativity.

“Winning the competition gave me the extra push to give it my all in the last stretch of my studies and to end it off with a bang.”

The awards ceremony was attended by distinguished members of the hospitality industry, family, sponsors, and hospitality industry leaders. Each finalist received a Legacy Competition hamper filled with prizes from valued sponsors, whose continued generosity makes this event possible.

Duan Rilley, of HTA, explained that the 2025 edition of Legacy not only celebrated culinary excellence; it marked a milestone… The 10th anniversary of the competition. “The school is proud to continue creating opportunities for young chefs to shine, and remains committed to fostering the future of South African gastronomy.”

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