Students from IIE MSA showed off their culinary creativity during the recent IIE MSA Residence Cooking Competition, held at the Capsicum Culinary Studio Ruimsig campus.

The event brought together students from different faculties for a fun and interactive experience outside the lecture room, encouraging them to develop their cooking skills while working as a team.

The winning team included first-year IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences student Kudakwashe Ndawana, second-year IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Law students Lethabo Mokoena and Omogolo Mashinyana, and second-year IIE Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering student Lucia Mangena.

The participating teams made a range of savoury dishes that showed their unique tastes. The groups were judged based on flavour, originality, creativity and presentation. The winning team impressed the judges with their taste balance and perfect plating of their prepared dish, earning them their top spot.

Omogolo described the experience as enjoyable and fulfilling, saying, “We were tasked to make prawn pasta, and I loved experimenting with the ingredients and plating our pasta.

“Seeing my team’s ideas merge into an amazing dish was fulfilling,” she said.

Winners received cash prizes and food vouchers sponsored by Capsicum Culinary Studio, which also hosted the competition in its professional training kitchens.

The event not only gives students a chance to explore their culinary skills but also encourages teamwork, creativity, and a sense of community spirit among the students.

The day promoted holistic learning experiences that extend beyond academics – giving students opportunities to grow personally, socially, and creatively.