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This year’s competition is distinctly different from the previous three years, with the fact that preliminary rounds will be held for the entry-level vendor category as well as the professional chefs category. In addition, the Eastern region of Namibia has been included to this year’s cook off to add to the existing Northern, Coastal and Central regions.

Kapana is a distinctive part of Namibian culture, as a matter of fact, it is more than strips of grilled meat served to an adoring public - it’s an all-encompassing Namibian experience. Our beloved Kapana is known to bring people together in a social setting and sets the scene for Namibians to relax and unwind. The intrinsic values of Kapana go beyond the delicious meat. These values are enshrined in actions; bringing people together, a thriving and bustling informal market, an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen regard of the value of customers. Kapana vendors tell a story, the story of hustling to put food on the table, the story of finding the perfect recipe, and the story of innovation to provide their kapana stand with its unique selling proposition.

The bank with its partners have successfully been hosting the competition for the past four years to showcase the talented Kapana Kings and Queens across the regions of Namibia. The competition categories include: professional chefs and entry-level vendors, which are judged separately. Both categories need to subscribe to the premise of cooking Kapana in a creative way with truly Namibian products such as: Meatma and Bakpro, remaining true to the humble Namibian-Kapana tradition.

Since inception the competition entries have increased every year, from a start of 10 entries during in 2015 to close to 500 entries recorded in 2017. The increases in entries attest to the fact that the Kapana Cook off is a ticket to success.

“The winner is awarded with an opportunity to formalise their trade with a fully-fledged Kapana container shop as well as a Nedbank bank account with a N$15,000-cash balance. Additionally, Nedbank provides access to skill building through an SME mentorship programme. SMEs are an important driving force of economic growth and an important engine for job creation. The Kapana Cook off is one of the vehicles Nedbank Namibia utilises to reach out to the small players in the market, who are ultimately already running a small business, who aspire to expand and formalise their operations. It is run on a national scale, demonstrating how resolute we are at reaching Namibians everywhere, no one is left behind, the winner could be anywhere in Namibia, and the cook off opens a door in providing an opportunity someone may never have dreamt of,” said Elsa Carstens, manager; events, activations & micro marketing at Nedbank.

The entry level category winners in 2nd place will receive a Nedbank bank account with a balance of N$ 10 000 cash deposited and the 3rd place winner will receive a Nedbank bank account with a cash balance of N$ 5 000. The winner in the professional chef’s category will receive a Nedbank bank account with a cash balance of N$ 10 000.

Entry forms can be collected from your nearest Nedbank Branch as of 21 May 2018.