ESWATINI CHEFS ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES THREE YEARS OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE AND GROWTH

By Tlalane Dlamini

The Eswatini Chefs Association is celebrating three years of advancing the culinary profession, empowering local chefs and strengthening Eswatini’s position on the regional and international culinary stage.

Since its establishment, the Association has focused on creating opportunities for professional development, collaboration, skills development and greater recognition of Emaswati chefs. Its third anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the milestones achieved while looking ahead to an even bigger future for the country’s culinary industry.

A key highlight has been the Association’s engagement with the Africa Chefs Alliance, led by President Shaun Smith and his executive team. Through the Indaba, the Association received valuable guidance on how to effectively structure, operate and grow a professional chefs’ association.

“The guidance we received from Africa Chefs Alliance President Shaun Smith and his executive was invaluable. It helped us better understand how an association should operate, develop its members and create meaningful opportunities for the culinary industry,” said the Executive Team of the Eswatini Chefs Association.

Another significant milestone was the upskilling programme delivered through Highfield International, where 41 Emaswati chefs received globally accredited Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. The Association believes the programme is possibly one of the first of its kind in Eswatini and represents an important step towards ensuring that local chefs have internationally recognised qualifications.

The Association has also strengthened its involvement in youth development through its engagement with Junior Achievers and Premier, creating platforms for young people to gain exposure to the culinary industry and understand the opportunities available within the sector.

Its expertise has further been recognised through the judging of various culinary competitions, including competitions held in collaboration with the Taiwanese Republic and ECOT. These engagements have provided Eswatini chefs with opportunities to share their knowledge while contributing to the development of culinary standards.

The Association also acknowledges the support it has received from TAVI, Emaswati companies, organisations, the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the broader tourism industry. Such partnerships have played an important role in enabling the Association to implement programmes and expand its footprint.

International exposure has been another defining achievement. The Association supported the participation of Chef Sihle at WAFFEST, while Chef Sive Bhembe made history as the first Emaswati chef to enter WAFFEST, going on to secure second place in his category. The achievement demonstrated the ability of Eswatini’s culinary talent to compete on international platforms.

The Executive Team also paid tribute to Chef Sihle and her executive, as well as every individual who has contributed to moving the Association forward over the past three years.

“This journey has never been about one person. It has been about chefs, partners, organisations and individuals who believed in the vision and contributed in different ways. We are grateful to everyone who has helped the Association reach this milestone,” the Executive Team said.

Looking ahead, collaboration remains central to the Association’s strategy. It continues to work with like-minded organisations and industry players to expand its footprint, including partnerships with Campfire and other culinary and lifestyle events that provide chefs with platforms to showcase their skills and connect with new audiences.

As the Eswatini Chefs Association marks three years, the message is clear: the journey is only beginning.

The Association is already looking towards SAFFEST 2.0 in 2027, with the official date and further details set to be announced in October 2026. Culinary enthusiasts, chefs, hospitality establishments and industry stakeholders are encouraged to save the date announcement and look forward to what promises to be another major celebration of Eswatini’s culinary talent.

Three years on, the Eswatini Chefs Association continues to cook up opportunities, build partnerships and put Emaswati chefs on the map, one plate, one qualification and one achievement at a time.