KNYSNA NEWS - The Rheenendal centre of the Knysna municipal youth desk in Ward 5 hosted a youth cooking competition on Friday, July 14 at the community hall. 

The competition aimed to inspire young people who have a passion for food to enhance their cooking skills and to use these to create employment opportunities.

Participants included five young people from the Rheenendal community. Entrants were challenged to prepare a three-course meal within 90 minutes. These meals were then presented to the judges, three members of the local hospitality industry.

"I have always had a passion for youth development and the upliftment of our community,” said Knysna mayor and Ward 5 councillor Eleanore Bouw-Spies. “Young people need and deserve our support and, occasionally, a gentle push in the right direction.

"Youth development remains one of this municipality’s top priorities, but we cannot do it without the collaboration of stakeholders from the private and public sectors. Thank you to the Rheenendal Taxi Association who donated R600 towards a cash prize, and The Red Barn Country Restaurant for offering an internship as a prize. I personally appreciate the support you have shown for our youth," she said.

From left: Rheenendal youth advisor Devoline Koopman, Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, and judges Danie Jansen van Vuuren (Forest Edge), Vaughn Smit (Maritime Risk Solutions) and Theri Rossouw (The Red Barn Country Restaurant).

Charl Madine Botha was awarded an internship opportunity at The Red Barn and Eugenie Dlisani walked away with the cash prize. All participants received goody bags and will receive formal cooking lessons sponsored by Kilzer’s Kitchen in Knysna.

From left: Eugenie Dlisani, Fiona Roman, Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Chamornay, Moizelle Marbi and Chari-madine at the cooking competition in Rheenendal on Friday, July 14

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