For the Love of Food
Welcome to the
Namibian Chefs Association
Welcome to the
Namibian Chefs Association

Networking &
Collaboration
Chefs associations connect you with a supportive network of culinary professionals for knowledge sharing and career opportunities.
Professional
Development
Associations provide educational resources, certifications, and mentorship to help you advance your culinary skills and knowledge..
Industry Advocacy
and Support
Associations represent your interests as a chef, offer exclusive resources, and provide platforms to showcase your talent.
Our Story
A Culinary Tale
We empower the catering industry by keeping members informed, showcasing Namibian cuisine and chefs, and celebrating culinary excellence. For over 38 years, we’ve driven innovation and fostered a thriving culinary community.


Our Objectives
Promoting The Industry
As a non profit we’re here to be the voice of the industry.
Learn More
- To promote the common interests of the members of the Association and to deal with all such matters that will promote the sound development of the Catering industry in Namibia.
- To obtain representation on any board or body, government, Regional, Municipal or otherwise, concerned with the regulation, control of any matter or thing concerned with the catering industry including Training and upliftment.
- To improve and foster a Professional image and Professional state for the Food and Catering Industry as a whole, namely supplier, user and producer.
- To at all times strive to promote and further the Namibian Food and Culinary producer image, locally and abroad.
- To endeavor to build and promote a new Namibian Culinary image which is unique.
- To assist and promote a professional line of communication between supplier and user with the emphasis on support of the local industry.
- To promote and assist in the training of local Restaurants, Waiters, Chefs and related professions.
- To endeavor that a local Culiniare takes place in Namibia at least once a year with the emphasis on the intermediate sector of our trade, thus promoting and assisting the future of our industry.
- To name a National Team to compete abroad and carry our National Flag abroad and to promote local products in competition dishes exhibited abroad.
- To on a regular basis present a Food Fair, ensuring promotion of Namibian Products and trade in the Namibian Chefs Association.
- Foster a positive relationship between all Food and Catering colleagues.
- The Association will not involve itself in Union/Wage dispute of political matters.
- The Association will be a non-profit make organization.
- To do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of these objectives or any of them and to consider and deal with such other matters as may be decided by a General Meeting of the Association, to be in the interest of it’s members.


Founded
The formation of the Namibian Chefs Association was set up by Heather Williamson in conjunction with Chef Billy Gallagher at the Rossing Country Club near Swakopmund
Came To Life
The Namibian Chefs Association came to life in 1986 when local chefs founded the "Verein der Koche Sudwest Africa" During the year a Salon Culiniare took place in Windhoek and was judged by Mr. H. Brunner from South Africa. A delegation of five chefs represented Namibia during the international Salon Culiniare, held in Johannesburg. The main judge was Paul Bocuse from France and the team won three Bronze medals and three Merit Awards.
First Mini Salon Culinaire
to carry and distribute (portions of food or drink) to a patron or a specific table, as a waiter or waitress.
Junior World Championships
In 1988 Namibia made history as it was represented at the first ever "Junior World Championships". Namibia was represented by Jürgen Raith under the captaincy of Peter Harris.
Salon Culinaire
The Salon Culinaire in 1989 was a resounding success with more than twenty entrants.
Namibian Chefs Association
During 1990 Namibia gained its independence from South Africa and said farewell to the South African Chefs Association.
Success
During the remainder of the year in 1993, called then the "Namibian Food and Catering Association" had one of their biggest success stories, by winning the first ever "Uncle Bens All Africa Challenge" with 16 African chefs taking part in the competition. The Namibian team consisted out of; Hubert Gehring (Kalahari Sands Hotel), Retha Verwey (Canyon Hotel), Thomas Erastus and Jurgen Raith (Fürstenhof Hotel).
Name Change
In 1994 the "Namibian Food and Catering Association was renamed to be called "The Namibian Chefs Association". Both Vanier Alfeus and Kleopas Mweshingi that was winners of the junior chef competition, represent Namibia. The team was headed by Mr. Jurgen Raith, which came six overall. At that stage an Info Chef Conference was held where all African te
World Chefs
1995 also saw the Association taking steps towards our becoming a member of the World Association of Chef Societies (WACS). This is the umbrella organization, governing chefs around the world and has a member base of fifty countries. The year ended with a Gala Dinner held in Swakopmund.
Our People
Meet The Executive Commitee


Curt Burns
President

Sean Stevenson
Vice President

Sanet Prinsloo
Pro & Sponsorships

Ralf Herrgot
Exco Member
Worldchefs Education Committee and Worldchefs Academy Representative.

Gerald Cloete
Exco Member

Roelien de Lange
Exco Member

Erika Karonda
Exco Member

Gerson Varela
Exco Member

Wilka Angula
Young Chefs Club & Social Media

Elsa Carstens
Secretary

Happy Admin
Bookkeeping
FAQ'S
Who Can Apply?
Our association is open to all passionate culinary professionals and those working in the hospitality industry. Whether you're a seasoned chef, an aspiring cook, or a dedicated front-of-house expert, we welcome you to join our community. Our association connects professionals from every corner of the hospitality industry.
How to Apply?
Interested in becoming a member? It's easy! Click the button above to download our application form. Fill it out and send it to secretariat@namibianchefs.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our association!
Fees
Our membership fees are designed to be flexible and cater to different needs. You'll find all the details about our fee structure in the registration form.
Global Recognition
By joining the Namibian Chefs Association you get automatic membership to the World Chefs Association.

2024
Upcoming Events

Chef of the Year
- Windhoek
- October 2024

Nedbank Kapana Cook Off
- Windhoek
- May - August 2024

Checkers Shoprite Boerewors Competition
- Windhoek
- July - September
