{
  "id": 11129183,
  "title": "Young chefs ask for R1.5 million in donations to represent SA at Culinary World Cup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/young-chefs-ask-for-r1-5-million-in-donations-to-represent-sa-at",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T06:37:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/food-and-drink/young-chefs-ask-for-r1-5-million-in-donations-to-represent-sa-at-culinary-world-cup/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa's Junior Culinary Team Masakhane is seeking R1.5 million in donations to represent their country at the 2026 Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg. The South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs) is encouraging the public to contribute towards the team's participation in the event, which is scheduled from November 21 to 25. As of now, the team has raised R51,036 toward their R1.5 million goal on BackaBuddy. Team Masakhane sees representing South Africa at this international stage as more than just a competition; it's an opportunity for young, talented chefs to showcase the country's food culture, skills, and spirit on a global platform. According to the team, every rand raised helps build that pipeline, starting with securing their place in Luxembourg. The 10-member squad was chosen through a national entry, trials, and judging process. The team comprises young chefs from various hospitality establishments and culinary training institutions across the country. Among the chefs are Callum Condie from Swiss Hotel School, Elizabeth Ncube from Saxon Hotel, Ethan Joseph from Saxon Hotel, and many others. The team will undergo a rigorous training program ahead of the competition, focusing on technical skills, teamwork, and readiness for the competition. Chef Donaldson Madubela will serve as head coach, supported by Chef Marcus Gericke and Chef Catherine Adonis for technical and pastry roles, respectively. Team Manager and Director of Competitions Chef Pieter Malan, along with Head of Team Talent Mahlomola Thamae, will manage the team. Malan emphasized the significance of the Culinary World Cup as a platform for young chefs to develop their skills and represent South Africa on an esteemed stage in international culinary competitions. SA Chefs President Chef Coo Pillay highlighted the importance of the selection, noting that the group embodies the passion, resilience, and innovation that define South Africa's culinary future. He expressed pride in supporting the team as they strive to showcase South African culinary excellence on the global stage. The RAK Porcelain Culinary World Cup 2026 will take place from November 21 to 25, 2026, in Luxembourg.",
  "summary": "The chefs will represent South Africa at the 2026 Culinary World Cup in November this year.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "World’s richest woman Alice Walton builds a $250 million tuition-free medical school",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/worlds-richest-woman-alice-walton-builds-a-250-million-tuition-free",
        "published": "2026-09-30T14:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}