HTA School of Culinary Art Legacy Competition 2026
Competition Dates: 30 September – 2 October 2026
Awards Ceremony: 3 October 2026
Venue: HTA School of Culinary Art, 128 Bram Fischer Drive, Ferndale, Randburg
Entering its eleventh year, the HTA School of Culinary Art Legacy Competition returned bigger and
better than ever. Over three days of intense competition, 18 finalists tested their skills, creativity and
composure against real-world challenges, showcasing the discipline and passion that define
excellence in the hospitality industry.
The competition is divided into three categories:
Legacy (second-year students),
Legacy: Professional (industry chefs),
and
Legacy: The Beginning (first-year students).
Together, they
represent the complete journey of a chef, from early potential through to professional mastery.
The Finalists
Legacy: Professional
Sibusile Magudulela, Nhlanhla Sithole, Lealtro Valentine, Banyana Monyuku and Daniel Weidemann
Legacy: The Beginning
Aatiqah Thompson, Aden van der Riet, Aisha Saloojee, Amukelani Khoza, Lemuel Lawrence and
Sarlena Barnard
Legacy
Tasmiyah Patel, Tosin Sholabomi, Ntombikayise Chandawila, Tye Worthington, Tyra Nyakudya,
Gabriella Soares and Caitlyn Kenny.
After months of preparation, the winners of Legacy 2026 are:
Legacy 2026 Overall Champion – Caitlyn Kenny
A true showcase of excellence, vision and determination, she has written her name into
the Legacy history books.
Legacy: Professional Winner – Lealtro Valentine
Mastery, discipline and creativity in the kitchen set the benchmark for professionalism at its finest.
Legacy: The Beginning Winner – Aisha Saloojee
The future is bright! Talent and drive have proven that the next generation of culinary leaders is
ready to shine.
The awards ceremony on 3 October was attended by distinguished members of the hospitality
industry, family, sponsors and industry leaders. Each finalist received a Legacy Competition Hamper
filled with prizes from valued sponsors, whose continued generosity makes this event possible.
Our Sponsors
HTA School of Culinary Art extends special thanks to our Platinum sponsors, Clearworld SA, Tork
Supplies, SD Guthrie and Indaba Hotel, whose support helped make Legacy 2026 possible. We also
thank all our valued sponsors for their ongoing commitment to developing young culinary talent.
Judging Panel
As in previous years, the panels comprised World Chef Accredited Judges, Academy of Chefs
members and hospitality industry experts, ensuring the highest level of credibility and fairness.
Legacy: Professional
• Donaldson Madubela, Executive Chef, NH Hotel
• Sizwe Cebekhulu, Regional Chef, Feedem
• Megan Meikle, Pastry Chef
• Freddie Diaz, Chef Patron, Annexe Restaurant
• Manfred Muellers, Consulting Chef and Honorary President, SA Chefs
Legacy: The Beginning
• Catherine Adonis, Head Pastry Chef, Saxon
• Peter Langa, General Manager, Maropeng Heritage Site
• Stuart McClarty, Owner, The Chef Consulting
• Candice Adams, Owner, Glow Collective
• Ewald Janse van Rensburg, Legacy 2025 Overall Champion
Legacy
• Heinz Brunner, Consulting Chef and Honorary President, SA Chefs
• Stuart McClarty, President, SA Bakers Association
• Trevor Boyd, Group F&B Manager, City Lodge
• Melusi Twala, Chef de Cuisine, Marriott Johannesburg
• Matthew Foxon, Executive Chef, Saxon
• John de Canha, Hospitality Consultant
Looking Ahead
Legacy 2026 built on the milestone of the competition’s 10th anniversary, growing in scale and
ambition. HTA School of Culinary Art is proud to continue creating opportunities for young chefs to
shine and remains committed to fostering the future of South African gastronomy.
