Sixty-one participants from different parts of northern Namibia took part in the first preliminary round of the 2023 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition at Oshakati on Saturday.

The northern preliminary round winners who will compete in the final in August are Johannes Haulondjamba, Loise Iimvula, and Cleopatra Shipanga.

Nedbank Namibia’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Gernot de Klerk in a statement on Monday said the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition has drawn competitors from all walks of life since its inception nine years ago.

This year Jacobina Samuel, a visually impaired entrepreneur, encouraged observers by entering the tournament despite her impairment, he said.

“After an amazing day of festivities in the first preliminary round of this competition, it is exciting to see new and returning faces taking part. It’s moments like these which assert the significance the competition has in the community, especially after seeing a turnout of over 60 participants,” he said.

Nedbank Namibia is proud of being one of the leading institutions aiding in SME development through initiatives like these, and will continue its support for years to come, he said.

Samuel was quoted as saying she wanted to use the opportunity to encourage people to go after their dreams no matter their circumstances.

“I had a restaurant in Ondangwa, but after the Covid-19 pandemic, it closed down and since then I’ve been trying to get back on my feet. My main reason for taking part in the competition is to give awareness to all the people out there and let them know that in as much as you may have an impairment, if you like doing something, do not let your circumstances limit you from pursuing your passion,” she said.

The next preliminary round will take place in Walvis Bay, on 08 July; followed by the central preliminary round in Windhoek on 05 August.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency