Nande Chivela has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off, a prestigious cooking competition that recognizes exceptional kapana cooking skills. The national final took place at Ausspannplatz Park in Windhoek on Saturday, 3 October, where Chivela competed against nine other skilled kapana cooks. The competition not only celebrates the art of kapana cooking but also provides a platform for talented cooks to turn their skills into a sustainable business.
As the new champion, Chivela will receive a fully furnished mobile food trailer valued at N$150 000, which will serve as a dedicated space for him to trade and establish a customer base. The prize package also includes N$10 000 in a Nedbank account, a N$5 000 Bakpro voucher, and an Agra ProVision short course. This comprehensive prize aims to equip Chivela with the necessary tools and knowledge to build a structured food business and turn his cooking skills into a source of income.
Chivela expressed his excitement about the win, stating that the mobile food trailer will enable him to take his kapana cooking to the next level and grow his business. He emphasized that the trailer will be instrumental in helping him achieve his goal of turning his cooking skills into a sustainable livelihood. Previous winners of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off have demonstrated the potential for the competition to launch successful businesses.
The 2018 champion, Sakeus Kateya, expanded his kapana business and employed four people, eventually acquiring a second mobile food trailer. Similarly, Ester Silas opened a fast-food business just one month after winning in 2023, while Eli Abel went on to operate a coffee shop in Ongwediva. These success stories demonstrate the impact of the competition on the lives of talented cooks and the broader community.
According to Jenevieve Swartz, head of small and medium enterprises at Nedbank Namibia, the mobile food trailer is a valuable business asset that provides mobility and visibility to Chivela's operation. The trailer will enable him to reach customers in different locations, increasing the earning potential of his business. However, Swartz also emphasized the importance of understanding the daily costs of trading and managing the income generated by the business.
The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off is not only a celebration of kapana cooking but also a recognition of the vital role that small businesses play in the economy. Janet Kapenda, head of marketing and communications at Nedbank Namibia, highlighted the significance of small businesses as the backbone of the economy, contributing to job creation and economic growth. The competition aims to create opportunities for local traders to showcase their talent and entrepreneurial ability.
The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off has provided Chivela with a practical opportunity to turn his passion into a sustainable business. With the support of the prize package, including training and resources, Chivela is well-positioned to establish a successful food business. The competition's focus on empowering talented cooks and promoting entrepreneurship is expected to have a positive impact on the Namibian economy and community.
Key points
- Nande Chivela wins the 2026 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off with a business opportunity that includes a mobile food trailer and cash prize.
