Champion of the 2022 Nedbank Namibia Kapana Cook-Off

Ebben-Ezer Amuyagele attended Oshuulagulwa Junior Secondary School, but was unable to complete secondary education. He remains optimistic about grabbing opportunities as they come, as seen when he entered – and won – the 2022 Nedbank Namibia Kapana Cook-Off. With a driving force to change his life and help his family, Amuyagele said it was worth it. The annual competition, now in its eighth year, provides a business opportunity for Namibians. The Nedbank Namibia Kapana Cook-Off is organised in collaboration with Bakpro, Agra, Coca-Cola and the Namibian Chefs Association. Amuyagele hails from Iilambo village in the Okahao circuit in the Omusati Region. The 33-year-old was crowned the winner at the Ongwediwa Annual Trade Fair, walking away with a mobile trailer fitted with a full kitchen, a Nedbank account with N$10 000 and a Bakpro vetkoek voucher to the value of N$5 000. "I am very happy to walk away with this trailer and these prizes. This was my first time competing, and it was definitely worth taking part. Now with the help of Nedbank Namibia, I am ready to take on this new role as Kapana King to greater heights,” he said.Exceptional factors A judging panel of chefs from the Namibian Chefs Association evaluated the dishes based on preparation, presentation and taste. Amuyagele beat eight competitors to secure his title, displaying his dishes through innovative presentation. "I scored most of the points because of my presentation. I cut my meat into ‘one size fits all’, and that was my secret," the delighted young man explained. Not only did he expertly cut his meat, the green peppers, onions and tomatoes went through the same technique by using a knife with a sharp blade and a slip-free handle. The salad dressing, made from vegetable oil and vinegar, is a must-have to absorb the nutrients from the salsa and make it tasty as well as crispy, refreshing and juicy, he said.Selma Kaulinge, Nedbank’s communications manager, added that Amuyagele won the competition because of his unrivalled technical skills, genuine creativity and an exceptional, strong personal belief in kapana—one of Namibia’s delicacies.Amuyagele is fuelled by his desire to create one of the best kapana menus in the northern parts of the country, and plans to move his mobile food truck to Windhoek. He remains an inspiration for young people to grab this opportunity to become self-employed and to create jobs for many Namibians. "This is a great opportunity which made my dream a reality. Just fill in the form and stick to all the instructions. You can be the next winner."Amuyagele further applauded Nedbank Namibia and the other sponsors for organising the event, which is aimed at uplifting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The competition also encourages current kapana vendors and aspiring chefs to take part.

Champion of the 2022 Nedbank Namibia Kapana Cook-Off

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Champion of the 2022 Nedbank Namibia Kapana Cook-Off

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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