Chef Life

  • Date Posted: 19 February, 2020

Prue Leith presents distinguished alumni awards during her South African visit

Prue Leith, South African born celebrity food judge, restaurateur, writer and  businesswoman on Wednesday evening presented Distinguished Alumni Awards to chef graduates from the Prue Leith Chefs Academy during a prestigious celebration of food and art in Centurion.

Among the distinguished alumni were Chantel Dartnall, internationally acclaimed chef from Restaurant Mosaic, Anna Trapido, food writer and anthropologist and author of Nelson Mandela’s food memoir’s, as well as Lesego Semenya, celebrity chef, influencer and Top Chef South Africa judge, better known as LesDaChef.

Dartnall, who graduated from the Academy in 2000 was recognised for her contribution to the South African culinary industry, especially for representing South African culinary excellence on the world stage through the various international awards, including best female chef in the world.

Trapido, graduated from the Academy in 2001, and was not only recognised for her outstanding contribution to food writing and broadcasting but also for promoting indigenous South African food cultures and flavours though her various books and broadcasts.  

Semenya received the award for inspiring culinary excellence, as he has established a significant following among young chefs and foodies alike, since his graduation in 2010. This has not only resulted in his first cookbook, Dijo, becoming a best seller, but he is also the South African chef mentioned most often by aspiring young chefs during interviews when applying at to study at the Academy.

Adrian Maree, chef patron of Fermier restaurant in Pretoria could not attend the event, but was recognised for his contribution to sustainable fine dining as his restaurant is part of a self-sustainable ecosystem that includes farmed fish, vegetables and even livestock that are served in the restaurant. Maree graduated from the Academy in 2006.  “Over and above the ‘conscious cooking’, Adriaan’s food is delicious art, which is why the restaurant has been named as one of the country’s top 20 on more than one occasion,” said Adele Stiehler-van der Westhuizen, MD at Prue Leith Chefs Academy.

Stiehler-van der Westhuizen, herself was recognised for her contribution to culinary education in South Africa. She graduated from the Academy in 2004. “Adele has played a significant role in culinary education not only for the Academy and its students, but the industry at large as she was part of the team that developed South Africa’s first trade test for chefs and helped to set the Academy up as the first trade test centre in South Africa.” said Barnetson.

“It is the first time that the Academy recognises its alumni in this way, but certainly not the last,” said Barnetson. “We have such wonderfully talented people in the culinary industry in South Africa and it is our pleasure to recognise and celebrate those who have made such significant contributions.”

“The South African food scene has vastly improved in the last two decades and looking at these awards, this Academy clearly contributed to it,” said Prue Leith.

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