Johannesburg – The Empact Group has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to transform lives through professional training designed for employees’ families.
Fifteen young chefs have completed the final practical examination of their three-year Occupational Certificate: Chef qualification.
The programme, sponsored by Empact Group’s Food by Empact division, reflects the company’s “Do Right By You” philosophy in practice.
In 2022, Empact invited employees to nominate family members for a unique opportunity: a fully-funded, three-year culinary qualification that would prepare them for professional careers in the hospitality industry.
“This programme is a clear commitment to building South Africa’s future through these young people,” Colette Herbst, Head of Learning & Development at Empact Group, said on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
“Three years ago, many of these students couldn’t have imagined this opportunity.
‘Watching them develop from nervous beginners into confident culinary professionals has been a real privilege.
“The qualification has opened doors they didn’t know existed.”
Rigorous final examination tests culinary mastery
The students recently prepared and served a four-course meal during their final practical examination, which was judged by the NDS Chefs Academy examination team and served to VIP guests.
This year’s ambitious menu included vegan options for both starter and dessert, challenging the students to work with unfamiliar ingredients and master techniques beyond the traditional three-course format.
Examiners assessed cooking technique, plating and presentation, timing, hygiene and safety, creativity, cost management, and nutritional aspects across a two-day examination.
The first day focused on mise en place, pre-preparation and venue setup, whilst the second day tested cooking, finishing, and service under pressure.
Real-world experience sets graduates apart
The qualification (SAQA ID: 101697, NQF Level 5) combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical skills in planning, preparing, and executing high-quality cuisine, along with kitchen management and safety.
Run in partnership with NDS Chefs Academy, the programme includes classroom theory at Empact’s Linbro Park offices and workplace training across the company’s food service sites.
This hands-on approach gives graduates a distinct advantage.
Students spend significantly more time in professional kitchens than in typical class-based programmes, which often include only three to six months of work-integrated learning.
By year three, students have worked across diverse catering environments, developing genuine industry experience and professional work ethics.
Students exceed expectations
The programme has produced standout talent across the cohort.
When the group needed an executive chef for their final examination, they unanimously chose Kagiso Pitso, in recognition of her natural leadership abilities that have shone throughout the three years.
Tshepo Maake has become known for his willingness to help, going beyond what’s required, whether he’s in the classroom, working on practical assignments, or on site.
Meanwhile, Boipelo Maringa pairs technical culinary competence with creative writing skills, producing thoughtful food blogs that showcase her understanding of cuisine.
Zandile Mahlangu combines technical precision with genuine passion, bringing tenacity and skill to every dish she prepares.
The students’ own words reveal the programme’s impact.
They speak of gaining deep knowledge about the hospitality industry and its challenges, developing strong food handling skills, and seeing dramatic improvement over three years.
Many said they have gained the confidence to seek opportunities outside Gauteng, eager to broaden their experience in new environments.
Opening doors to professional futures
Their path to full qualification continues with the students writing their National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) Trade Test in March 2026.
Recent changes by the QCTO mean they can now apply for trade testing immediately after completing their final exams, removing what was previously a longer waiting period between finishing the programme and achieving professional certification.
Throughout the three years, Empact has covered all tuition costs and provided stipends so students could focus on their studies without financial pressure.
The investment creates tangible returns: graduates leave with three years of workplace experience across diverse catering environments, making them highly employable.
Empact’s goal is to employ these graduates within the business, bringing skilled professionals into their own operations.
However, students also have the choice to use their internationally recognised qualification to travel the world, with opportunities on cruise ships and in kitchens abroad.
Of the 17 students who began in 2022, 15 have reached this final milestone.
Their success reflects Empact’s conviction that supporting employees means investing in their families’ futures, creating opportunities that ripple through generations, and contribute to South Africa’s economic development.
