Teachers: The Real Heroes Creating Hope in South Africa
29 June 2026
WE’RE NOMINATED FOR AFRICA’S BEST CULINARY TRAINING INSTITUTION 2026
There is something incredibly special about watching raw passion turn into world-class skill. If you’ve ever stepped into our training restaurant on a bustling evening, witnessed our students meticulously plating a modern South African fine dining menu, or felt the high-intensity energy of our kitchens, you know exactly what we mean.
At The Swiss Hotel School South Africa (SHS), excellence isn't just a goal we talk about — it’s woven straight into our DNA.
Today, we have some massive news to share, and we need your help to take it to the finish line. The Swiss Hotel School South Africa has been officially nominated for Africa's Best Culinary Training Institution 2026 at the prestigious World Culinary Awards!
The Journey Behind the Nomination
This nomination isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s a reflection of a 30+ year journey dedicated to raising the bar for culinary and hospitality education in South Africa. We’ve always believed that true hospitality needs more than just a smile — it needs brains, precision, and a relentless drive to innovate.
From being named Hospitality School of the Year to recently being accredited as an official QCTO Chef Trade Test Centre, our campus has evolved into a powerhouse of culinary mastery.
But a school is only as strong as the leaders guiding the next generation. Our culinary faculty brings an extraordinary blend of global pedigree and local heart to the pass every single day:
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Chef Karen Blanché (Head of Culinary Arts): A powerhouse industry veteran driving innovation and technical excellence.
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Chef Edward Clegg: A two-time Culinary Olympic Chef who brings elite international competition standards right to our students' workstations.
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Chef Jean-Pierre Siegenthaler: A master craftsman with decades of European and South African fine dining experience, instilling timeless classical discipline.
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Chef Donald Wilson: A dynamic leader representing the cutting edge of modern culinary thinking and next-gen energy.
When you blend that level of mentorship with students who are hungry to make their mark, magic happens. This nomination belongs to every student who has pulled an early morning prep shift, every lecturer who pushed for perfection, and every alumnus leading a kitchen somewhere across the globe.
Your Voice Matters: How to Vote!
The World Culinary Awards are decided by the public, our industry peers, and the incredible community that has supported us throughout this journey. Voting is officially open, and it only takes a minute to help us bring this trophy home to Ferndale!
Voting Deadline: The polls close on 14 August 2026 midnight (UTC+1). Let’s make every single vote count!
Thank you to our incredible community, our industry partners, and everyone who has partaken in the SHS journey so far. Let's show the world what South African culinary talent can do!
