Empact Group Celebrates Milestone as 15 Students Complete Three-Year Chef Qualification
Empact Group has marked a significant milestone in its mission to transform lives through meaningful education and training. Fifteen aspiring chefs have successfully completed the final practical exam of their three-year Occupational Certificate: Chef qualification, a programme created to uplift the families of Empact employees through professional culinary training.
Sponsored by the Food by Empact division, the initiative brings the company’s “Do Right By You” philosophy to life. In 2022, employees were invited to nominate family members for a rare opportunity: a fully funded, three-year culinary qualification designed to open the door to professional careers in the hospitality sector.
“This programme is a clear commitment to building South Africa’s future through these young people. Three years ago, many of these students couldn’t have imagined this opportunity. Watching them grow from nervous beginners into confident culinary professionals has been a real privilege. The qualification has opened doors they didn’t know existed.”
says Colette Herbst, Head of Learning & Development at Empact Group
Rigorous Final Examination Showcases Culinary Mastery
To complete their journey, the students prepared and served a four-course meal for their final practical exam, judged by the NDS Chefs Academy examination panel and served to VIP guests. This year’s menu raised the bar, featuring vegan starter and dessert options, challenging students to work with unfamiliar ingredients and execute advanced techniques.
Across a two-day assessment, examiners evaluated the students on:
- Culinary techniques
- Plating and presentation
- Timing during service
- Food safety and hygiene
- Creativity and menu innovation
- Cost management
- Nutritional considerations
Day one focused on mise en place, preparation, and venue setup, while day two tested cooking execution and service under real-time pressure.
Hands-On Experience Gives Graduates an Industry Edge
The qualification (SAQA ID: 101697, NQF Level 5) blends theory with extensive real-world application. In partnership with NDS Chefs Academy, the programme includes classroom learning at Empact’s Linbro Park offices, coupled with workplace training across Empact Group‘s national food service operations.
Students gain significantly more professional kitchen experience than traditional programmes, which often offer only a few months of workplace integration. By their third year, these graduates have operated across a range of catering environments—developing resilience, adaptability, and professional work habits that set them apart.
Students Rise Above Expectations
Throughout the programme, several individuals demonstrated outstanding commitment:
- Kagiso Pitso was unanimously chosen by her peers as executive chef for their final exam, reflecting her strong leadership qualities.
- Tshepo Maake earned recognition for his willingness to assist beyond expectations, both in class and in the kitchen.
- Boipelo Maringa blended technical skill with creativity, crafting thoughtful food blogs that showcased her passion for cuisine.
- Zandile Mahlangu impressed with her precision, drive, and consistent pursuit of excellence.
The graduates described their journey as transformative, highlighting newfound industry knowledge, improved food handling skills, and increased confidence. Many now feel empowered to pursue opportunities beyond Gauteng, including hospitality roles across South Africa and abroad.
Stepping Into Their Professional Futures
The students’ next milestone is the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) Trade Test, scheduled for March 2026. With recent changes by the QCTO, students can apply for trade testing immediately after completing their final exams, accelerating their path to full certification.
Empact Group funded the entire programme—including tuition, materials and monthly stipends—ensuring that financial barriers did not hinder the students’ focus or progress. This investment has produced highly employable graduates with three years of hands-on industry experience.
While Empact hopes to absorb these talented chefs into its own operations, the qualification is internationally recognised, opening possibilities for careers on cruise ships and in global kitchens.
Of the 17 students who began the programme in 2022, 15 have proudly reached this milestone—proof of Empact Group’s commitment to empowering families, uplifting communities and contributing to South Africa’s economic growth through skills development.
Contact Information
For more information about Empact Group’s service offering:
📧 info@empactgroup.co.za
☎️ 011 209 2400
🌐 www.empactgroup.co.za
