In partnership with Defy

Meet Sandisile. He is a kind, humble young man and who is very passionate about reaching his culinary dreams. He grew up in what he calls the “gourmet capital” of South Africa – Franschhoek – and that is where his passion for cooking came from after completing a year with the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy & Learning Centre. What he loves most about cooking is bringing joy to people through food. His dream is to become an executive chef, like Reuben Riffel, and to create a menu that will bring joy to everyone who experiences his food.

Right now, he is completing his Eat Out internship at La Colombe, under the guidance and mentorship of Chef James Gaag and his team. It is really tough, but he is learning so much. He may be surrounded by all aspects of fine dining, but he still enjoys cooking his favourite meal at home – good old pap and wors – looks forward to demonstrating his fine-dining techniques in the new Defy kitchen!

“I am very excited and grateful to Defy for helping us with the setup of the kitchen,” Sandisile says. “I know it will help us a lot with practising our knife skills and for all our cooking practicals. Thank you, Defy!”